REAL ENERGY BOOSTERS

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae supplements come in the form of capsules, pills, and powders. An important part of the food chain in lakes and ponds worldwide, blue-green algae are microscopic plants with characteristics of both bacteria and algae (such as seaweed), but are more closely akin to bacteria. The two main blue-green algae types are Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). AFA is chiefly harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon and then freeze-dried and sold in capsules and other forms. The largest manufacturer is Cell Tech, which sells its "Super Blue-Green Algae" via thousands of special distributors.

Blue-green algae contain small amounts of protein, vitamins (including C, E, and folate), beta carotene, and some minerals. But unless you eat huge amounts of algae, they are a negligible source of nutrients. Like green plants, they are rich in chlorophyll, a pigment that enables them to turn sunlight into energy. But chlorophyll is of no use to the human body.

Claims, purported benefits: Prevents cancer and heart disease and boosts immunity. Treats or cures a host of ailments, including asthma, allergies, anxiety, depression, fatigue, hypoglycemia, digestive problems, and attention deficit disorder. Helps with weight loss, improves memory and mental ability, "detoxifies" the body.

Bottom Line: Blue-green algae is not a medicine or a good source of nutrients. The few nutrients in blue-green algae are more plentiful and cheaper in foods. There’s no scientific evidence that blue-green algae can treat or cure any illness or has any health benefit. In a recent court decision in California, marketers of blue-green algae were told to stop making health claims. Blue-green algae, especially AFA harvested from natural lakes, are easily contaminated with toxins such as microcystins and heavy metals. Because Health Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. FDA, found that some blue-green algae supplements (but not spirulina) contain high levels of microcystin, it has warned consumers—especially those thinking of giving AFA to their children—about potential contamination.

Spirulina contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.[5][6] The bioavailability of vitamin B12 in Spirulina is in dispute. Several biological assays have been used to test for the presence of vitamin B12.[7] The most popular is the US Pharmacopeia method using the Lactobacillus leichmannii assay. Studies using this method have shown Spirulina to be a minimal source of bioavailable vitamin B12.[8] However, this assay does not differentiate between true B12 (cobalamin) and similar compounds (corrinoids) that cannot be used in human metabolism. Cyanotech, a grower of spirulina, claims to have done a more recent assay, which has shown Spirulina to be a significant source of cobalamin. However the assay is not published for scientific review and so the existence of this assay is in doubt.[9] The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada in their position paper on vegetarian diets state that spirulina can not be counted on as a reliable source of active vitamin B12. [10]

Tests done on Australian grown spirulina by the Australian Government Analytical Laboratory (AGAL) show Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels of 659.1ug / per100g[citation needed]. A one gram tablet could provide more than three times the recommended daily intake of B12.

Chlorella is a pure, green, fresh water algae widely distributed throughout the biosphere, and which possesses unique nutritional benefits. Used in Japan since its culture became commercially and technically feasible in the early '60s, chlorella is now Japan's most popular food supplement with over 1,000 tons produced annually.

Chlorella has many interesting nutritional properties. It contains more pure chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. For comparison, Spirulina contains 7.6 gm of chlorophyll per kilogram, whereas Chlorella contains 20-25 gm per kilogram. In addition, pure dehydrated Chlorella powder is from 50 to 60 percent protein, and is a significant source of beta-carotene, RNA, and vitamin B-12 (nearly 1.5 times that found in beef liver and therefore an excellent supplement for vegetarians). Pure chlorella powder also contains vitamin C, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-3, vitamin B-5, vitamin B-6, folic acid, and biotin.

This chorella product has benefits that have been approved for use in Japan for many years and has unique sun advantages. Grown indoors under controlled conditions, our chlorella is free of the filth, contaminating microorganisms, insect larvae and pesticides often found in the cultures of species of chlorella grown outdoors and/or in the sun. Also, this particular species of Chlorella, Chlorella regularis, yields a digestibility value often exceeding 75%.

In conclusion, although research on the health benefits of Chlorella is on-going and its mechanisms of action are still not completely understood, supplementation with Chorella on a daily basis is safe and well tolerated (some cases of allergy have been reported). With daily production of pesticides and other synthetically produced chemicals increasing (with accumulation of these substances at the top of the food chain), daily pure chlorella supplementation should be of increasing interest and benefits to the health conscious consumer.

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