Algae

What are algae?

Algae is a collective name for spore plants: single-celled or multicelled organisms, which grow in both fresh and salt water and can extract energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. In doing so, they produce oxygen and consume carbon dioxide, just like plants. However, algae as a species are much older than plants; they are among the oldest organisms known. The scientific name for algae is algae.

One-celled algae are called microalgae. Algae that grow larger and have more cells are called macro-algae. These are algae or seaweed that we can eat as a healthy meat substitute, vegetable or salad (for example, Wakame from Japanese cuisine). Kelp is also used in cooking, but is especially common as an ingredient in dietary supplements. Kelp is a brown marine algae that is very rich in iodine.

Algae and seaweeds contain many other minerals besides iodine, as well as vitamins, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. As a food, therefore, they are very healthy.

What algae supplements exist?

The advantage of algae in supplements is that they are not only rich in a whole range of nutrients. They are also great for supplementing omega-3 in a vegan or vegetarian diet. The following supplements are available based on algae:

Omega-3:

Algae itself produces omega-3 fatty acids, and algal oil is used as an alternative to fish oil by people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Because algae are at the bottom of the food chain in our oceans, they are a very pure source of DHA and EPA. The microalgae Crypthecodinium cohnii and Schizochytrium are cultivated for the production of algal oil.

Iodine and other minerals:

Seaweeds are rich in the mineral iodine (kelp) and algae and seaweeds are a source of iron and other minerals such as calcium (especially in wakame), phosphorus and potassium. By the way, algae also contain vitamins (vitamin B1), proteins and essential amino acids.

Chlorella:

Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater alga with a green color. This color is caused by chlorophyll. Chlorella is very rich in vitamins and minerals and, in particular, contains many carotenoids.

Spirulina:

Spirulina is a blue-green spiral-shaped saltwater algae with a high nutritional value. Its blue color is caused by the substance phycocyane. Spirulina is rich in proteins and fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.

AFA algae:

The AFA alga (Aphanizomenon flos aquae) is a blue-green freshwater alga found in volcanic lakes such as Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. Like spirulina, the color is caused by phycocyanin. This type of algae is particularly rich in nutrients, especially vitamin B12. For people following a vegan diet, this is a very convenient source of vitamin B12.

Algae use

Algae supplements are available in the form of capsules, pills, powder or oil. Each form has its own ease of use: tablets and capsules are easy to take with you. Powder and oil can be added as part of smoothies or other foods.

The use of algae supplements is safe, provided it is guaranteed to be free of contaminants such as dioxins, pesticides and other toxins. Therefore, always buy algae supplements from reputable brands that vouch for the purity of their products. We also recommend always sticking to the recommended dosages as stated on the label, unless prescribed otherwise by a doctor or therapist.

Although certain algae in swimming water can cause allergies or worse on summer days, this is not an issue with algae supplements. Only non-toxic species of algae grown under controlled conditions specifically for oral use are used for supplements.

Written by: Marcella van der Wel
Reviewed by: Wouter Olthof

Updated: December 20, 2022