blue-green algae's false b-12 reading

[Guest guest]

Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae

Cell Tech and some other companies market algae from Klamanth Lake in

Oregon. Cell Tech markets a species, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, they

call Super Blue Green Algae (SBGA). On April 16, 2003, Cell Tech's

site stated:

" Is the vitamin B12 in SBGA bioavailable and bioactive?

" Yes. The Super Blue Green Algae (SBGA) strain, Aphanizomenon flos-

aquae, has been tested by Lancaster Labs for B12 analog levels using

microbiological testing methods that are comparable to methods 952.20

and 960.46 of the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC).

" Unlike other plant foods such as Spirulina, which contain corrinoids

with virtually no vitamin B12 activity, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is a

reliable source for vegetarians seeking to supplement their diets with

a bioactive form of this important nutrient. "

However, test methods 952.20 and 960.46 use Lactobacillus

leichmannii,1 which can measure non-B12 corrinoids.2 See the table

Test Organisms for B12 Microbiological Assays in Measuring B12: Why

the Confusion? Thus, it can only be concluded that Cell Tech's SBGA

contains B12 analogues whose activity is yet to be determined.

Notes for Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae

1. Helrich K, ed. Official Methods of Analysis, Volume 2: Food

Composition; Additives; Natural Contaminants, 15th Edition. Arlington,

VA: Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Inc; 1990.

2. Schneider Z, Stroinski A. Comprehensive B12. New York: Walter de

Gruyter, 1987.

> > >

> > > Hi everyone,

> > > I read all of the posts in the group as they pop up in my inbox.

> I

> > > have learned so much from everyone to supplement my active,

> healthy,

> > > natural focused lifestyle.

> > >

> > > I am planning on adding Chlorella and Spirulina to my

> > > diet/supplementation and wondered what experiences, if any most

of

> you

> > > had with either of these. I have read isolated stories of

> vomiting

> > > and gastro-intestinal distress with Chlorella specifically.

> > >

> > > Any thoughts, experiences.

> > >

> > > Thanks everyone for you continued knowledge and experiences.

> > >

> > > Amy

> > >

> >

>