Spirulina insights: pigments
Oct 1, 2025
One of spirulina’s most fascinating features lies in its natural pigments, which emerging research suggests could do far more than give the spirulina its remarkable colour. These natural pigments also have nutritional benefits. Spirulina contains three primary types of pigment, each with its own remarkable properties (1).
Phycocyanin
Phycocyanin is responsible for the vibrant blue colour of the spirulina. But it is known for more than its colour: it is also rich in antioxidants (1). Antioxidants are tiny compounds that protect your cells against free radicals (2). Free radicals are unstable molecules that could harm your cells. They are naturally present in the body but can increase due to factors such as stress, unhealthy diets, smoking and alcohol. In small amounts, free radicals help your body fight infections. However, when there are too many free radicals, they cause oxidative stress, which damages your cells and may accelerate aging or disease risk. These antioxidants protect your body against these free radicals and could therefore help prevent chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer (1).
Because of these beneficial properties, phycocyanin is also sold as a separate supplement. Not only is it sold for its health properties, but phycocyanin is also added to foods to make them naturally blue.
Fun fact: Blue Smarties are made blue using phycocyanin from spirulina! (3).
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment that helps plants turn sunlight into energy. This green super pigment is found in many green vegetables, and also in spirulina. Inside your body, chlorophyll works as an antioxidant (1) and therefore can slow down aging and support your immune system. On top of that, chlorophyll has also been related to having anti-obesogenic and anti-cancer properties (4).
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are natural pigments that give food like carrots and sweet potatoes their orange colour. Spirulina has them too, adding a hint of orange to its green-blue appearance. Carotenoids also function as antioxidants in the body. They are mostly known for supporting your eye and skin health, and can help your immune system fight off diseases such as colds (5). On top of that, they may offer protection against heart disease and some forms of cancer.
So, what is the power of pigments? They help protect your cells from damage, thanks to their antioxidant powers. That means they can support your immune system and contribute to a healthier, stronger body. So the next time you see that vibrant blue-green spirulina, remember: those beautiful colours are doing a lot more than just looking pretty!
Sources
Marjanović, B., Benković, M., Jurina, T., Cvetnić, T. S., Valinger, D., Kljusurić, J. G., & Tušek, A. J. (2024). Bioactive Compounds from Spirulina spp.—Nutritional Value, Extraction, and Application in Food Industry. Separations, 11(9), 257. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11090257
BSc, A. A., PhD. (2023, 12 July). Antioxidants explained in simple terms. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, May 31). Smarties. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smarties
Martins, T., Barros, A. N., Rosa, E., & Antunes, L. (2023). Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules, 28(14), 5344. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145344
Park, W. S., Kim, H., Li, M., Lim, D. H., Kim, J., Kwak, S., Kang, C., Ferruzzi, M. G., & Ahn, M. (2018). Two Classes of Pigments, Carotenoids and C-Phycocyanin, in Spirulina Powder and Their Antioxidant Activities. Molecules, 23(8), 2065. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23082065