All the nutrients, vitamins and minerals our body needs to function properly are provided by a diet that includes all the food groups, including meat, fish, eggs and other animal products. A vegan diet, which excludes meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey and any other product derived from animals, from their exploitation or tested on them, therefore increases the risk of deficiencies.
Among the possible ways of making up for these shortfalls, algae are one of the most natural, and so deserve serious consideration.
Read also: Everything you need to know about algae
IRON
Iron is the central atom of haemoglobin molecules, which carry oxygen around the body. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Red meat and offal provide large amounts of easily absorbed iron. Plant-based iron, on the other hand, is known to be less well absorbed by the body.
A 2018 study [1] suggests that blood markers of iron stores and iron absorption capacity may be lower in vegans.
IRON-ENRICHED SPIRULINA: A VEGAN SOLUTION COMPARABLE TO ANIMAL IRON
Algorigin Spirulina Iron is a spirulina naturally enriched with iron through its growing medium. Spirulina Iron contains 6 times more iron than traditional spirulina.
And what makes it the vegan source par excellence is that, unlike other plant sources, studies show that the iron in Spirulina Iron is absorbed as well as the iron in red meat [2].
What’s more, unlike conventional supplements known as iron salts, Spirulina Iron causes neither digestive side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc.) nor oxidation.
VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 comes mainly from foods of animal origin. It is also found in lacto-fermented plant foods.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy brain function and for the formation of red blood cells. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia as well as digestive, neurological and psychological disorders.
Read also: Algae and all their uses
CHLORELLA: VEGAN B12 VS SYNTHETIC B12
Algorigin Chlorella is grown in the south of the island of Taiwan. It has an A+ grade, a guarantee of its quality. The drying process optimises the absorption of Chlorella’s nutrients.
Chlorella provides vegans with a high-quality source of vitamin B12 [3], helping to limit the risk of deficiency and its consequences.
It is an excellent alternative to synthetic supplements.
What’s more, the cells of Algorigin Chlorella have the special feature of being open (known as cracked cells). This means they are well absorbed by the body and easily digested.
OMEGA-3 DHA
The omega-3 family is made up of plant omega-3s and their animal derivatives, EPA and DHA. Although in theory our bodies can synthesise these 2 fatty acids, they still need to be supplied in sufficient quantities through our diet. Many factors affect their production, and it is not uncommon to have a deficient micronutrient status, especially among vegans.
These fatty acids help optimise our anti-inflammatory capacity and protect the cardiovascular system.
DHA mainly helps improve brain and eye health.
Read also: Microalgae for space travel
OMEGA-3 DHA FROM ALGAE: THE ONLY VEGAN ALTERNATIVE
Algorigin’s algae-based omega-3 DHA is an attractive alternative to fish oil supplements for people on a vegan diet.
The omega-3 DHA is extracted directly from the alga Schizochytrium sp., allowing vegans to optimise their DHA status while respecting marine resources.
Algorigin’s algae-based omega-3 DHA is grown in England and extracted in France using an enzymatic process, so no solvents are used.
Algorigin’s algae-based omega-3 DHA also benefits from the Qualitysilver 5 innovation, which ensures high stability and protects it from oxidation.
WHAT DOSAGE SHOULD YOU TAKE FOR SPIRULINA IRON, CHLORELLA AND OMEGA-3 DHA?
For adults on a vegan diet, algae supplementation can be planned all year round:
• Iron-enriched spirulina: 4 tablets a day all year round for an optimal iron intake, with regular checks on your iron status so you can increase the dose if needed.
• Chlorella: 10 tablets a day all year round for an optimal vitamin B12 intake.
• Omega-3 DHA from algae: 1 capsule a day all year round for an optimal DHA intake.
Algorigin’s solutions can be combined, as they have the advantage of not interacting with one another.
For personalised advice, feel free to contact our team of micronutritionists to book a free consultation.
Read also: Algae and the environment
Studies:
[1] Śliwińska A. & al.: Iron status and dietary iron intake in vegetarians. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2018 Oct;27(10):1383-1389. doi: 10.17219/acem/70527.
[2] Puyfoulhoux G. & al.: Iron availability from iron-fortified spirulina by an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Mar;49(3):1625-9.
[3] Merchant RE. & al.: Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa Lowers Serum Methylmalonic Acid in Vegans and Vegetarians with a Suspected Vitamin B12 Deficiency. 2015
