Klamath algae: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Klamath, Aphanizomenon
Scientific name(s)
Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AFA)
Family or group:
Superfood, aquatic organisms
Active ingredients:
Phycocyanin
Vitamin K
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that taking Klamath algae reduces menopause-related anxiety and depression compared with placebo in menopausal women aged 50 to 60. The treatment has no effect on vasomotor symptoms or hormone levels.
Posologie
Oral administration
1.6 - 5 g
8 - weeks
Women, Seniors
powder, capsule
Immune support ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that consumption of 1.5 g of AFA induces changes in the immune system involving mobilization of lymphocytes and monocytes. The study concluded that a rapid change in the circulation of immune cells without lymphocyte activation was observed, which suggests that AFA increases "alertness" 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 injury and participate in tissue regeneration. It has been shown that the number of circulating stem cells is a key parameter in this process. Therefore, stimulating the mobilization of bone marrow stem cells can accelerate tissue regeneration. It has been shown that Klamath can stimulate the mobilization of bone marrow stem cells. Indeed, in vivo studies have shown that an extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) 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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to phycocyanin C (a component of Klamath) being a ligand for certain heavy metals, Klamath algae may have a detoxifying effect.
Posologie
Oral
4 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Vegetarian diet ✪✪✪✪✪
A study showed that oral intake of a Klamath-based mixture 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. It is highly concentrated in phenylethylamines (PEA), molecules that act on mood, joy, and emotional well-being; Klamath algae play an important role in the transmission of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It acts as a natural antidepressant and would therefore promote relaxation and improved mood.
Posologie
Oral
4 - 5 g
powder, capsule
Healthy aging ✪✪✪✪✪
The 'Klamath' algae regenerates nerve cells and could slow signs of aging. It may act on bone marrow stem cells and may facilitate their migration to organs. Klamath may help protect neurons against Aβ peptide-induced neurotoxicity, as demonstrated by an in vitro study. This neuroprotective effect may help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
Posologie
Oral
1 - 5 g
Seniors
powder, capsule
Properties
Immunomodulatory
The polysaccharides found in large amounts in Klamath algae have immunomodulatory properties; they activate lymphocytes and help fight toxins by eliminating them quickly.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The algae's blue pigment contains phycocyanin, an active compound effective against inflammation.
Antioxidant
The antioxidant effects of Klamath may be due to its component, C-phycocyanin. Animal and in vitro studies show that C-phycocyanin has antioxidant activity and scavenges free radicals
Anti-aging
Klamath algae can regenerate nerve cells and may slow signs of aging. It may act on bone marrow stem cells and facilitate their migration to organs. Stem cells are the original form of specialized cells. For example, stem cells in bone underlie the renewal of cells in the immune and blood systems.
Usages associés
Neurological
Highly concentrated in phenylethylamines (PEA), molecules that influence mood, joy and emotional well-being, Klamath algae play an important role in the transmission of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Consuming this food helps maintain calm and serenity and can help prevent depression.
Usages associés
Remineralizing
Klamath is a rich source of nutrients, particularly minerals such as iron, manganese, zinc, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium and chromium.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 1 g - 5 g (powder)
Some species of blue-green algae contain toxins that are harmful to the body. Indeed, they can be contaminated by the microcystin-producing species Microcystis aeruginosa, particularly when they are cultivated and harvested in uncontrolled locations, such as open lakes. Microcystins irreversibly inhibit protein phosphatases, resulting in acute hepatotoxic effects, liver failure, as well as chronic neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a daily exposure limit for microcystins of 0.04 µg/kg for adults. It is important to remain vigilant about the quality of Klamath-based dietary supplements. A daily dose of 3 to 5 grams is therefore recommended to obtain the therapeutic benefits of Klamath without experiencing adverse effects.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidepressants: moderate interaction
Klamath algae contain phenylethylamine, a compound found in drugs used to treat depression, which may interact with antidepressants.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Klamath algae contain significant amounts of vitamin K. This vitamin affects the blood clotting process; patients on anticoagulant therapy should avoid consuming foods high in vitamin K.
Immunosuppressants: moderate interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae may interfere with immunosuppressive treatment since these algae can stimulate the immune system.
Precautions
Autoimmune diseases: use with caution
Klamath algae 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 the use of Klamath algae due to a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid the use of Klamath algae due to a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
