Sad but true: Spirulina contains inactive B12 that blocks receptors for active B12, increasing MMA levels. Moreover, the wide range of quantities of total B12 measured for spirulina from one measurement method to another indicates that spirulina has a wide variety of different types of B12, many or most of which are inactive. Therefore spirulina is not recommended as a source for active B12.
According to Cell Tech’s website (www.celltech.com), their Klamath Lake Super Blue Green “Algae” strain, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, only has been tested for B12 analog levels using outdated microbiological testing. The results “indicate significant B12 activity” but not whether it’s beneficial or harmful. Blue Green “Algae” are really cyanobacteria. The name stems from the period when scientists thought cyanobacteria were algae. As bacteria, blue green “algae” have cell membranes protected by glycogen, which is easily digested. Cyanobacteria also contain the cyanic blue pigments, powerful antioxidants. Cell Tech’s “Algae” costs twice as much as chlorella.
Although the jury’s also still out regarding chlorella and B12, after further research the verdict may be that it’s neither a detriment nor a benefit regarding B12. Chlorella tastes better to me than spirulina anyway (Source Naturals' bulk powdered or encapsulated yaeyama chlorella www.sourcenaturals.com, or New Chapter’s capsules www.NewChapter.info).
Including extra chlorophyll in one’s diet may lessen detoxification effects since the chlorophyll vacuums up toxic heavy metals, lessening the burdens of the liver and kidneys so that they can handle toxic molecules more readily. Sources of chlorophyll are green veggies, nutritional algae, and wheatgrass juice. Chlorella contains more than 3 times the chlorophyll in spirulina and 20 times the chlorophyll in alfalfa.
The Japanese have tested chlorella very extensively, finding many benefits, including the extraordinarily high chlorophyll content and the chlorellagrowth factor that may be useful for recovery from exercise. Chlorella is a free-floating unicellular green algae that is eukaryotic, meaning it has a true nucleus enclosed by membranes, unlike the cyanobacteria. Since chlorella has a nucleus, as do plants and animals, it seems plausible that chlorella contains more nutrients than bacteria such as the growth factor that can get utilized by people. Although chlorella contains antioxidants such as chlorophyll, chlorella does not contain much if any blue pigments as do the cyanobacteria.
Chlorella amazingly enough has putative anti-carcinogenic, antitumor, anti-metastatic, immune-enhancing, hypolipidemic (lowering abnormally high concentrations of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood), anti-atherogenic (anti-atherosclerosis), gastric mucosal-protective, and chemical-detoxifying activities. Its antioxidant effects may limit the damage from oxidizing radiation. Chlorella chelates heavy metals and even dioxin, preparing them for excretion. Studies have indicated that chlorella strengthens the immune system (Chlorella: The Key to Health, Vitality and Longevity, by Mark Drucker, M.D. ISBN 0-96724681-4, Chlorella: Natural Medicinal Algae by Dr. David Steenblock ISBN 0-9618268-0-0, wwww.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/chl_0068.shtml).
Glycoprotein-rich extracts of chlorella nutritional algae have been found to have antitumor activity against induced metastasis in mice. The antitumor activity is thought to be mediated by the glycoproteins enhancing the immune system, specifically increasing the activity and migration of T cells to the tumor sites. Chlorella can ameliorate some of the side effects of 5-fluorouracil, which belongs to the general group of pharmaceuticals known as anti-metabolites that reduce or stop the rate of multiplication of cancer cells. Anti-metabolites are used for treatment of several types of cancer including head, neck, and colon cancers.
The compounds in Red Marine Algae such as dulse may act to trigger a specific cellular response sequence that interrupts the replication of viruses. Sulfated polysaccharide compounds in the algae may suppress retroviral replication and/or inhibit viral reverse transcriptase. They may also aid the body's ability to inhibit the fusion of infected cells (www.rawfood.com). Dulse can be rinsed until it tastes bland to remove the sea salt and inorganic iodine for greater consumption. Algae such as dulse and chlorella have developed neat tricks battling viruses over billions of years, tricks that can benefit us.
Chlorella nutritional algae are reputed to normalize the intestines, including easing inflammation. In cases of peptic ulcer, chlorella helps protect gastric mucosa. Chlorella normalize the bowel, either easing constipation or diminishing diarrhea.
Chlorella are also reputed to ease the inflammation and pain of fibromyalgia and to increase energy.
Chlorella helps maintain more even blood sugar. Both the liver and pancreas are involved in the regulation of blood sugar, particularly the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which produce insulin. Chlorella cleanses the liver while supporting and balancing pancreatic functions.
Chlorella has a hard indigestible shell. Therefore the shell either has to be broken by the manufacturer, or of a variety with a thinner and more digestible shell.
Chlorella is rich in vitamin K, reducing the effectiveness of anticoagulant blood thinners such as Warfarin (Coumadin). Chlorella has been reported as a possible allergen.
For almost any activity, including both athletics and desk work, I feel more charged up for focus and energy if I’ve eaten just a little nutritional algae such as chlorella with my most recent meal.
Chlorella has been shown to provide so many benefits that if it were a patentable pharmaceutical, it would cost much more.
