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Scientific Abstracts by Health Category Over 100 references covering 30 years of international research. Food and Nutrition
Spirulina is a microscopic algae, produced commercially and sold as a food supplement around the world. Until recently, interest in spirulina was mainly in its nutritive value. This is a critical review of data on therapeutic effects of Spirulina, ranging from reduction of cholesterol and cancer to enhancing the immune system, increasing intestinal lactobacilli, reducing nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs, and radiation protection.
A one year feeding program with 5,000 pre-school children showed a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency, "Bitot's spot", decreased from 80% to 10%. These rural children near Madras consumed 1 gram of spirulina a day for at least 150 days. This small amount provided the daily requirement of beta carotene (Vitamin A) which can help prevent blindness and eye diseases. In another study with 400 school children, a daily dose of beta carotene from spirulina increased their Vitamin A status to the same level as those administered pure Vitamin A. Spirulina was given to children in a unique way: extruded noodles, sweetened with sugar to preserve the beta carotene. Called "Spiru-Om", it was well accepted by the children. This project was sponsored by the Indian Government.
The microalgae chlorella, dunaliella and scenedesmus, and the cyanobacteria spirulina and aphanizomenon flos-aquae, are being used as nutrient dense foods and sources of fine chemicals. They have significant amounts of lipid, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoid, vitamins, minerals, and unique pigments. They may also have potent probiotic compounds that enhance health. Their historical and current use is reviewed.
This is an evaluation of the food potential of microalgae using proven technology. Numerous examples of traditional use of inland microalgae are cited from more than 15 countries. The nutritional aspects of spirulina stand out. Spirulina's safety for human consumption, food applications, economic and environmental aspects, world spirulina production, production costs and therapeutic applications are reviewed. How microalgae can address world hunger problems is addressed with mention of harvesting wild algae and village scale production systems.
In depth review of the history, biology, chemistry and potential of Spirulina as a human and animal food. Subjects: taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemical composition, production, nutrition and toxicology, prospects for use as a food source.
© 2000 Robert Henrikson, Ronore Enterprises, Inc. |
Sonia Beasley E.W. Becker Amha Belay John Benemann Bob Capelli Boonsom Farm Jack Joseph Challem Gabriel Cousens Cyanotech DIC Spirulina Earthrise Nutritionals Mark Edwards Rita Elkins Ripley D. Fox Eric Gerswhin Green Superfood Green Valley Robert Henrikson Jean-Paul Jourdan Bob McCauley Steve Meyerowitz Kelly Moorhead Nutrex Hawaii Pure Planet Amos Richmond David Sandoval C.V. Seshadri Lance S. Sigal Spirulina Pacifica Sun Chlorella Larry Switzer Taiwan Chlorella Avigad Vonshak Yaeyama Chlorella |
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