Spirulina Gold Eubias™ (by Astra Medical Hellas)

Because of its high macro- and micronutrient content Spirulina has a long history of use as a food. There are reports that spirulina was used as food by the Aztecs living in the valley of Mexico in the sixteenth century. Several other legends say that Aztec messenger runners took spirulina on their marathons. The Kenembu tribe living across the shores of Lake Chad area of the Republic of Chad in Africa still uses spirulina as a food called “dihe” (dried bread).

Features

Spirulina is a photosynthezing multicellular and filamentous cyanophyte (blue-green alga) belonging to two separate genera Spirulina and Arthrospira. Arthrospira platensis is the most common and widely available spirulina. Arthrospira grows naturally in highly alkaline tropical and subtropical lakes, where the high pH prevents other algae from growing. During the last two decades Spirulina has been commercially produced and used as food in several countries across the world. Commercial algae can be cultivated and produced in outdoor ponds under controlled conditions, as well as directly from lakes.

The Astra Medical Hellas company disposes the nutritional supplement named Spirulina Gold Eubias™, containing 50 mg Spirulina platensis powder (TD No 60-2009).

Protein

Spirulina contains high amounts of protein (55-70% by dry weight) providing all essential amino-acids (must be obtained from food sources) in addition to several non-essential amino-acids (the body can make them). Spirulina’s protein is superior to all standard plant protein, such as that from legumes.

Essential fatty acids

Spirulina has also a great amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (1.5-2.0% of 5.0-6.0% of total fat). In particular Spirulina is a great source of γ-linolenic acid (36% of total PUFAs). It also provides linoleic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, docohexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. γ-linolenic acid is a preqursor of certain prostaglandins and is involved in the regulation of blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, it is involved in brain function as a structural component of neuronal cell menbranes. Recent experimental studies have also shown anti-cancer properties of  γ-linolenic acid.

Vitamins & Photosynthetic pigments

Spirulina Gold Eubias™ contains most vitamins from B vitamin complex, namely B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9, as well as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It contains many pigments including chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, and beta-carotene.

Minerals

Spirulina is rich in potassium, and it also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.

Potential benefis

Spirulina Gold Eubias™ is the “golden” choice for a healthy organism full of vitality and stamina. Several studies have shown that it enhances immune system. It has been shown not only to promote innate immunity, but also to be important in the regulation of antibody production. Moreover, Spirulina has been shown to favorably affect immune system and lipid profiles, as well as to protect skeletal muscle from damage.

With more than 90 active ingredients, vitamins and minerals, Spirulina has been shown to have a potent antioxidant activity. By blocking reactive oxygen species antioxidants protect cell membranes and DNA from damaging and prevent premature aging.

Instructions

Spirulina Gold Eubias™ contains 240 tablets of 300mg. Take it with a glass of water. For optimal absorption avoid taking Spirulina together with other sources of vitamin C at the same time or within 1 hour. Recommended daily dosage: 3 tablets per day

References:

• Abdulqader G, Barsanti L, Tredici M. Harvest of Arthrospiraplatensis from Lake Kossorom (Chad) and its household usageamong the Kanembu. J Appl Phycol. 2000; 12:493-498.
• Belay A, Ota Y, Miyakawa K, Shimamatsu H. Production of high quality Spirulina at Earthrise Farms. In: Phang et al., eds. Algal Biotechnology in the Asia-Pacific Region. University of Malaya; 1994:92-102.
• Belay, A. The potential application of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a nutritional and therapeutic supplement in health management. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2002; 5: 27-48.
• Hirahashi T, M. Matsumoto, K. Hazeki, Y. Saeki, M. Ui, T. Seya. Activation of the human innate immune system by Spirulina: augmentation of interferon production and NK cytototoxicity by oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina platensis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2002; 2(4):423-34.
• Lu HK, Hsieh CC, Hsu JJ, Yang YK, Chou HN. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006; 98(2):220-6.
• Park HJ, Lee YJ, Ryu HK, Kim MH, Chung HW, Kim WY. A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Establish the Effects of Spirulina in Elderly Koreans. Ann Nutr Metab. 2008; 52(4):322-328.
• Parvin M, Huntington TC, Hasan MR. A review on culture, production and use of spirulina as food for humans and feeds for domestic animals and fish. food and agriculture organization of the united nations. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1034. Rome, 2008.
• Phang, S.M., Miah, M.S., Chu, W.L. & Hashim, M.. Spirulina culture in digested sago starch factory waste water. J. Appl. Phycol. 2000; 12:395–400.
• Tanticharoen, M., Reungjitchachawali, M., Boonag, B., Vonktaveesuk, P., Vonshak, A. & Cohen, Z. Optimization of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production in Spirulina platensis. J. Appl. Phycol. 1994; 6:295–300.