Monday, April 20, 2020

Microalgae: 2.5 Billion Years Old Super Food

Microalgae: 2.5 Billion Years Old Super Food

The origin of marine phytoplankton (microalgae) dates back to 2.5 billion years. These organisms were responsible for the production of oxygen into atmosphere of our planet into a "breathable" environment, which allowed the development of other life forms.

Microalgae Super Food
Microalgae.

The very existence of microalgae till today is due to their survival in extreme environment.

The Discovery

In the heart of the Doñana Nature Reserve, Veta La Palma estate (southern Spain) constitutes an authentic natural paradise and a perfect example of biodiversity. Over 250 different species of birds and fishes feed in its abundant waters.

But below its waters, it hides a true environmental treasure: marine phytoplankton. Curiosity came into mind when Flamingos fly a long 150 miles every day to take the feed for their chicks from the marine life in Veta la Palma and observed excellent fish quality with long shelf life.

After 15 years of research and findings, scientist discovered an exclusive strain of microalgae with the highest bioactivity against reactive oxygen (explained below), causing oxidative stress to most living organisms.

The Culprit

Oxidative stress as defined by Wikipedia:

"An imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA."

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are chemically reactive chemical containing oxygen, which can be managed and converted to non-toxic chemical compound. ROS is a natural by-product of normal metabolism and have important roles in cells.

However, during times of environmental stress (e.g., UV or heat exposure), ROS levels can increase dramatically without conversion, thus resulting in harmful free radicals, peroxides and damage in cell structure.

Oxidative stress caused by both external and internal factors:
  • Natural aging
  • Excessive Exercise
  • Stress
  • Negative emotions
  • Inflammation
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking and second-hand smoke
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Chemical Pollution
  • Oily, fried food
  • Radiation (eg. Electronic and Electrical Devices)
  • Food preservatives & additives

There are over 200 chronic diseases in peer-reviewed scientific articles linked to oxidative stress.

List of some effects from Oxidative Stress and production of free radicals:
  • Memory Loss
  • Bronchitis
  • Fatty Liver
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Arthritis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Acid reflux
  • Bloating and Diarrhoea
  • Loose, sagging skin
  • Causes wrinkles and fine lines
  • Cancer

The Solution

We need Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme, which plays a critical role in preventing oxidative stress as it is the only agent able to control production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent cell oxidations.

SOD is the first essential enzyme in the antioxidants pathway as shown below, making SOD enzyme the first line of defence.

Antioxidant enzyme versus classical antioxidant
Figure 1: Antioxidant enzyme versus classical antioxidant.

TetraSOD

TetraSOD® is a marine ingredient from a microalgae named Tetraselmis Chuii. Cultivated with patented technology by Fitoplancton Marino, in an ISO22000 certified plant in Spain.

Why TetraSOD® as the outmost solution to oxidative stress:
  • Possessed the highest SOD activity among all food in the world.

SOD activity comparison
Figure 2: SOD activity comparison: TetraSOD® and other available products.

  • Complete antioxidative enzymes comprising of SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) performing at the cellular level. Other foods or ingredients only have one of these 3 enzymatic functions.

Action of SOD
Figure 3: Action of SOD to control anion superoxide. Further reactions are needed to remove H2O2 derived from superoxide anion by catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxide (GPX).

  • Scientifically Proven. Fitoplancton Marino had their 15 years of science backed by laboratory test and trials. Some test can be found at https://tetrasod.com/backed-by-science. Others material, test and data can be requested and some is published on health or medical journal sites.
  • Healthy functional food with essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and pigments, not to mention, it was the 1st microalgae certified as Novel Food EU.
Novel Food EU certification
Figure 4: Novel Food EU certification

  • Natural encapsulation down to most needed absorption area. This encapsulation is naturally found in the raw ingredient of TetraSOD®, without enhancing the material or putting it in pill form. Nature wants us to consume this.
  • Stringent and uncontaminated natural process of cultivating raw Tetraselmis Chuii. Fitoplancton Marino has an ISO22000 and GMP in their TetraSOD® production plant.
  • All sea water is being filter away from contamination and heavy metal toxic. All process is being monitored by advanced manufacturing system in a controlled environment.

There are more

I admit we should further uncover the importance of this 2.5 billion years old microalgae on other form of living organisms, not just in managing oxidative stress, but with hope to unveiled more wonders it affect human health and ecosystem in the food chain.

We learned that our "first line of defence is to manage our oxidative stress."

This is essential to protect and allow our cells to optimally perform its function. At the current state of discovery, TetraSOD® had given enough humanity a solution in a safe and sustainable way.

Now raises the question of how we can we acquire these food wonders.

Written by:
Leng Yap
Head of Operations @ Vii Nutrition Sdn Bhd
Tel: +60 17 3225000, Email: leng@viinutrition.com

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