Klamath Algae: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Klamath, Aphanizomenon
Scientific name(s)
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA)
Family or group:
Super Food, Aquatic Organisms
Active ingredients:
Phycocyanin
Vitamin K
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that taking Klamath algae reduces anxiety and depression related to menopause, compared to placebo, in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 years. The treatment has no effect on vasomotor symptoms or hormone levels.
Posologie
Oral
1.6 - 5 g
8 - weeks
Women, Seniors
powder, capsule
Immune reinforcement ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that consuming 1.5 g of AFA induces changes in the immune system involving the mobilization of lymphocytes and monocytes. The study concluded that a rapid change in the circulation of immune cells without lymphocyte activation was observed, suggesting that AFA increases the "vigilance" of the immune system without directly stimulating it.
Posologie
Oral
1.5 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Tissue regeneration ✪✪✪✪✪
Bone marrow-derived stem cells have the ability to migrate to sites of tissue lesions and participate in tissue regeneration. It has been shown that the number of circulating stem cells is a key parameter in this process. Therefore, stimulation of the mobilization of bone marrow stem cells can accelerate tissue regeneration. It has been shown that Klamath could stimulate the mobilization of bone marrow stem cells. Indeed, in vivo studies have shown that an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) extract triggers the mobilization of CD34+ stem cells from the bone marrow.
Posologie
Oral
3 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Mobilization of bone marrow stem cells with StemEnhance improves muscle regeneration in cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury.
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to C-phycocyanin (a component of Klamath) which is a ligand of certain heavy metals, Klamath algae could have a detoxifying effect.
Posologie
Oral
4 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Vegetarian diet ✪✪✪✪✪
A study showed that oral intake of a klamath-based mix for 3 months, by subjects following a vegetarian diet, improved their vitamin B12 status.
Posologie
Oral
1.5 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
Klamath has a revitalizing effect on the body. Highly concentrated in phenylethylamines (PEA), molecules that act on mood, joy, and emotional well-being, Klamath algae plays a significant role in the transmission of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It acts as a natural antidepressant and thus promotes relaxation and mood improvement.
Posologie
Oral
4 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Healthy aging ✪✪✪✪✪
The "Klamath" algae regenerates nerve cells and could slow signs of aging. It might act on bone marrow stem cells and facilitate their migration to organs. Klamath might help protect neurons against neuronal toxicity induced by the A 3b peptide, as demonstrated by an in vitro study. This neuroprotective effect may help combat Alzheimer's disease.
Posologie
Oral
1 - 5 g
Seniors
powder, capsule
Properties
Immunomodulator
The polysaccharides contained in large quantity in Klamath algae have immunomodulatory agents, which activate lymphocytes and fight toxins by quickly eliminating them.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The blue pigment of the algae includes phycocyanin, an active agent effective against inflammation.
Antioxidant
The antioxidant effects of Klamath may be due to its component, C-phycocyanin. Animal and in-vitro research shows that C-phycocyanin has antioxidant activity and scavenges free radicals.
Anti-aging
The "Klamath" algae regenerates nerve cells and could slow signs of aging. It might act on bone marrow stem cells and facilitate their migration to organs. Stem cells are the original form of specialized cells. For example, bone-level stem cells are the base for immune and blood system cell renewal.
Usages associés
Neurological
Highly concentrated in phenylethylamines (PEA), molecules acting on mood, joy, and emotional well-being, Klamath algae plays a major role in the transmission of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Consuming this food helps remain calm, serene, and prevents depression.
Usages associés
Remineralizing
Klamath is a rich source of nutrients, particularly minerals, including iron, manganese, zinc, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and chromium.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult starting at 18 years: 1 g - 5 g (powder)
Some species of blue-green algae contain toxins harmful to the body. Indeed, they can be contaminated by the microcystins-producing species, Microcystis aeruginosa, especially when grown and harvested in uncontrolled places, such as open lakes. Microcystins irreversibly inhibit protein phosphatases, causing acute hepatotoxic effects, liver failure, as well as chronic neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set daily exposure limits to microcystins of 0.04 μg/kg in adults. It is important to be vigilant about the quality of Klamath-based dietary supplements. A daily dose of 3 to 5 grams is thus recommended to benefit from the therapeutic virtues of Klamath without experiencing undesirable effects.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidepressant: moderate interaction
Klamath algae contain phenylethylamine, a molecule used in medications treating depression, which can interfere with antidepressant medications.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Klamath algae contain significant amounts of vitamin K. This vitamin acts on the blood coagulation process; patients on anticoagulant treatments should avoid consuming foods rich in vitamin K.
Immunosuppressant: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the concurrent use of blue-green algae can interfere with immunosuppressant treatment since these algae can stimulate the immune system.
Precautions
Autoimmune Diseases: use with caution
Klamath may stimulate immune function. Theoretically, it can exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating disease activity. Patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or others are advised to consume Klamath algae with caution.
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid using Klamath algae due to a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid using Klamath algae due to a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
