AFA Extract Supplement - Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Algae to Improve Well-Being

AFA Extract is dietary supplement containing AFA (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae), a blue-green super algae with an exceptional nutritional composition: all eight essential amino acids, numerous vitamins (includingvitamins K and B12), more than 130 minerals and trace elements… It was the subject of a very promising pilot study conducted at the IFM (Integrated Functional Medicine) clinic in Falun, Sweden (1) which highlighted its principal benefit: it helps improve mood.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae is among the oldest forms of life on the planet: it existed 3.5 million years ago. It was the first known organism to carry out photosynthesis. Growing naturally in the blue Klamath Lake, AFA is also known as the ‘the invisible flower of the water’, ‘wild blue-green algae’ or ‘Klamath algae’.

What is in the super-algae AFA? What explains its effect on mood?

AFA Extract contains hundreds of micronutrients of interest, but some are attracting particular scientific interest because of the scope of their potential benefits.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a bioactive fatty acid which are produced naturally by human cells from certain fatty acids in cell membranes to restore balance to biological processes (2-3) such as pain or neuroinflammation.

It is a natural neuroamine precursor of dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved in wellbeing which is triggered in the body by excitement or pleasure. This is one of the reasons behind its beneficial effects on mood.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae algae is one of the rare dietary sources of PEA (4).

Note: This paragraph does not deal with the effects of palmitylethanolamide from exogenous sources.

Vitamin K

The term ‘vitamin K’ actually covers various substances involved in activating coagulation factors (the ‘K’ comes from the German ‘Koagulation’). After it reaches the lymphatic vessels, vitamin K is transported by chylomicrons and accumulates in the liver where it contributes to the synthesis of four coagulation factors including factor II (prothrombin) and its conversion into thrombin. It helps to normalise the circulation and maintain healthy bones.

Vitamin B12

Deficiency in vitamin B12 is becoming increasingly common for at least four reasons (5):

1. Absorption of vitamin B12 by the body is less effective nowadays (6) (due to factors such as alcohol consumption, certain drugs, helicobacter pylori…).
2. Production of transport proteins declines significantly with age (7).
3. Our requirements for vitamin B12 has never been higher (chronic stress, smoking, chronic inflammation, low levels of physical activity …).
4. B12 intake is lower in vegetarians, vegans and older people.

The high content of vitamin B12 provided by AFA Extract is therefore very timely (8).

All the essential amino acids:

• Arginine 3.5g / 100g
• Histidine 1.16g / 100g
• Isoleucine 2.81g / 100g
• Leucine 4.59g / 100g
• Lysine 2.85g / 100g
• Methionine 1.10 / 100g
• Phenylalanine 2.11g / 100g
• Threonine 3.15g / 100g
• Tryptophan 1.28 mg/g
• Valine 2.75g/ 100g

It also contains:

• More than 11 vitamins, including vitamins A and C and most of the B group vitamins.
• Proteins (60% of its dry weight).
• Essential fatty acids (in particular, alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid).
• Phycocyanin and molybdenum.

Where is our AFA algae sourced from? How is AFA Extract produced?

The AFA algae used in our supplement comes from a pristine, natural ecosystem: Klamath Lake in Oregon. This lake is one of the clearest and purest bodies of water on the planet. It is enriched by numerous minerals from the region’s volcanic mountains and by the intense solar energy found in this part of the world. This unique combination gives the algae an extraordinary and completely unique nutritional complexity.

It is harvested from this pristine lake after meticulous analysis of the water quality and concentration in blue-green algae, after which it is dried and sealed in oxygenated bags.

Four good reasons to try AFA Extract

• The vast majority of supplements containing PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) are made from palm oil, the cultivation of which involves deforestation and disrupts biodiversity. AFA Extract therefore constitutes an excellent alternative source of this highly sought-after neuroamine.
• AFA Extract provides maximum micronutrients for minimum calories.
• Cyanobacteria, including Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and the famous spirulina, long formed part of the diet of the indigenous Aztec and Mayan peoples.
• Cases of depression, low mood and anxiety have all been rising sharply as a result of the COVID pandemic.

How should AFA Extract be taken?

Along with the microalgae AFA, other ‘super algae’ may also be of interest, including spirulina, knotted wrack and chlorella.

Because of the potential presence of tiny quantities of microcystins, we recommend an upper daily limit of this algae of 3g a day.

Because of its high content of PEA and vitamin K, it is not recommended for those taking antidepressants or anticoagulants.

http://klamathvalley.com/pilot-study/
1. Sabelli H. C., Mosnaim A. D. Phenylethylamine hypothesis of affective behavior. American Journal of Psychiatry. 1974;131(6):695–699. doi: 10.1176/ajp.131.6.695
2. Sabelli H., Fink P., Fawcett J., Tom C. Sustained antidepressant effect of PEA replacement. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 1996;8(2):168–171. doi: 10.1176/jnp.8.2.168
3. Federici M., Geracitano R., Tozzi A., et al. Trace amines depress GABAB response in dopaminergic neurons by inhibiting G-βγ-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Molecular Pharmacology. 2005;67(4):1283–1290. doi: 10.1124/mol.104.007427.
4. Eamon J. Laird, Aisling M. O’Halloran, Daniel Carey, Deirdre O’Connor, Rose A. Kenny, Anne M. Molloy. Voluntary fortification is ineffective to maintain the vitamin B12 and folate status of older Irish adults: evidence from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). British Journal of Nutrition, 2018; 120 (01): 111 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114518001356
5. Nicole Tegtmeyer, Silja Wessler, Vittorio Necchi, Manfred Rohde, Aileen Harrer, Tilman T. Rau, Carmen Isabell Asche, Manja Boehm, Holger Loessner, Ceu Figueiredo, Michael Naumann, Ralf Palmisano, Enrico Solcia, Vittorio Ricci, Steffen Backert. Helicobacter pylori Employs a Unique Basolateral Type IV Secretion Mechanism for CagA Delivery. Cell Host & Microbe, 2017; 22 (4): 552 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.09.005
6. Allen LH, Casterline J. Vitamin B-12 deficiency in elderly individuals: diagnosis and requirements. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:12-14.
7. Baroni L., Scoglio S., Benedetti S., et al. Effect of a Klamath algae product (“AFA-B12”) on blood levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in vegan subjects: a pilot study. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. 2009;79(2):117–123. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.79.2.117.