Algae and Stem Cells...
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 09:12AM Question: from Beth
Are you familiar with this form of algae "Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA)". One of the manufactures call this product E3live. Some of the claims are listed below. They also claim to stimulate stem cell production, etc. I was under the impression that nutrient bioavailability was not great from algae (B12, amino acids, etc.). I was also concerned that playing around with stem cells may not be such a good idea? However, I've seen research that supports increased production with whole foods (berries, etc.).
Do you know how this might compare to your Beta Glutan formulation for immune functioning?
There's also another product that has similar claims with regards to stem cell effects. A product called Stemenhance by Stemtech. Each company seems to claim to be the best forms of AFA.
E3Liveâ„¢ may:
Delay or reverse premature aging, repair cell damage, and eliminate toxins Help maintain normal appetite Improve mental focus and concentration Increase energy and sense of well-being Support the return of youthful appearance, feelings, and rejuvenate you Boost your immune system Promote growth of strong nails, smooth skin, and healthy hair Help maintain normal blood-sugar levels Help promote regular intestinal health, digestion, and healthy intestinal flora Stabilize mood swings Support physical health while you heal Clarify and sharpen your eyesight Promote healthy cholesterol Provide nutrients you need to enhance metabolic functions Purify, nourish, and heal your blood Increase your endurance and strength
Answer: from Joanna (Medical Nutritionist for Xtend-Life)
There are many blue-green-algae products available, of which AFA is the main ingredient.
Blue-green algae products are a mixture of single celled organisms that have biochemical and cellular similarities to both plant and animal species. While these organisms have the ability to perform photosynthesis like plants, they lack a cell wall. Like animal species, they form many complex glycoproteins.
Spirulina and aphanizomenon are the species that have been studied most extensively.
Spirulina blue-green algae, for example, consists of approximately 65% crude protein, B vitamins, phenylalanine, iron and other minerals.
Preclinical testing suggests it may have immunological and antiviral properties. Research has taken place in Japan, India and Germany to suggest benefits in areas of cancer, heart disease, immunity, weight loss, and detoxification.
Pure Spirulina certainly does have a good balance of amino acids that bolster the immune system, but the nutrients in blue-green algae are generally more plentiful and cheaper in foods or good quality multi-supplements. For example, all these ingredients, and much more, can be found in our Total Balance formula.
There’s no scientific evidence that blue-green algae can cure any illness, only that it has general nutritional support, much the same as eating lots of other vegetables (upon which it is based).
There have been many unscrupulous companies claiming unrealistic benefits of this ingredient that in the States have faced court action to curb such claims.
The purity is the major difficulty and issue with this ingredient. Blue-green algae, especially AFA (which is the main active element) harvested from natural lakes, are easily contaminated with toxins such as microcystins and heavy metals. Because Health Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. FDA, found that some blue-green algae supplements (contained high levels of microcystin, it warned consumers about potential contamination.
Most commercial products contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Spirulina maxima, or Spirulina platensis. The altitude, temperature, and sun exposure where the blue-green algae are grown dramatically influence the constituents and the species mixture, to in turn influence this purity and contamination issue, so it is a good idea to ensure this information is forthcoming from the company if you consider taking one of these products.
While blue-green algae products are promoted as an excellent source of dietary protein, their benefits remember are similar to good food sources, and in essence more complex dietary supplement sources such as Total Balance can provide more comprehensive and broad spectrum protection.
Regarding actual stem cell claims, there is no evidence of this from one single nutrient ingredient. So these claims are built mainly from guideline theoretical studies and marketing hype. Stem cell research and natural nutritional aids is still very much a research area. It is not unfounded, but has a long way to go before anyone can categorically state such claims. Indeed some of the above mentioned law suits in America and Canada have been down to many such claims by a few similar, not same, companies.
At the end of the day, such as you end your paragraph saying, similar general health benefits can be gained via whole foods, berries, raw foods, such as we recommend in a good overall dietary approach. More specific stem cell intervention needs much more research and would take more than just one AFA ingredient.
Studies continue in this field.
You mention Beta Glucan. We include this in both our Total Balance and Viral-Protec and it is indeed an important ingredient, but even more potent when combined with other nutrients as we do in both formulas.
Beta Glucans are polysaccharides and primary components in cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens and plants such as oats and barley, or are excreted extracellularly by various fungi which cannot digest and absorb Beta Glucans because they lack the enzyme beta-1-3-glucanase needed to break them down.
Beta Glucan is just one ingredient in the formula that is relevant to its overall effects. The overall effect of a formula brings about better longer-term effects generally.
Comparing Beta Glucan to AFA directly, these are different ingredients. Beta Glucans are part of a cell wall, for example, whereas AFAs lack a cell wall and are not part of it, and the two are used for different mechanisms of action.
Regarding StemTech StemEnhance, much the same to the above still applies. Again, many of these claims have general truth in them, but no more than any similar nutritional ingredient, and with the same potential contamination (and environmental) drawbacks.
Reader Comments (3)
Thank You for newsletters.The subject above took my
attention:: Stem Cells..Can thay reverce process Of aging and revers : examp: cataract.Prevent unwanted sickness.?
How to keep hormons in age of 25 when You are older.I belive there is a secret.
Please wright if You can help me.
Yours truly L.L.(sorry I have keys problem in my computer).
I certainly would not want to rely on the claims of the people who I referred to above or, their products. The only genuine stem cells which are practical for use as at now are those produced by an Israeli company from a sample of blood. This is mainly used to help those people with heart conditions.
The best thing that you can do as a 25 year old is to be on a regime of a potent multi nutrient anti-oxidant supplement which will also help balance your hormones. This should be combined with a quality Omega 3 fish oil.
If you have these as a foundation supplement program, combine it with a sensible diet and exercise you should not have any health problems. I am 60 years old now and never have any health issues. This should be the norm not the exception...but, you do have to make and effort.
The best women's anti-oxidant multi nutrient is our own Total Balance Women's Plus and the best fish oil our Omega 3 DHA.
http://www.xtend-life.com/product/Total_Balance_Womens_Plus.aspx
Your information is inspiring to me and these things did help to others.
Thanks for sharing!