Spirulina platensis ( SP ), a nutritionally enriched filamentous cyanobacterium, possesses diverse biological and nutritional significance having bio-modulatory and immuno-modulatory functions.
Spirulina platensis extracts have been demonstrated to enhance macrophage function in cats and to enhance humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in chickens.
Spirulina platensis is blue – green algae, which is very similar to the naturally occurring spirulina sold in health food stores as a dietary supplement. The spirulina platensis has been labeled with the 13C stable isotope. 13C stable isotope labeling is inherently safe as 1.1% of all carbon in our bodies and in the food we eat is 13C. The presence of the 13C will be measured by breath samples at periodic intervals before and after a standard meal.