Algae extracts for supplements are a promising alternative for consumers as they compensate for deficiencies, improve the nutritional profile and offer environmentally friendly, vegan options. At the same time, they enable producers to develop innovative, sustainable supplements to meet the growing demand for targeted health solutions and strengthen their brand reputation.
What is meant by algae extracts for supplements?
Algae extracts for supplements are products obtained from various species of algae that can be taken as supplements. Algae are a diverse group of photosynthesizing organisms found in a variety of water bodies, both freshwater and saltwater.
These habitats have different requirements, which has led to algae evolving a variety of mechanisms and active substances to adapt to their habitat. These substances not only provide benefits to the algae, but can also be innovative sources of nutrients and active ingredients for humans.
What distinguishes algae extracts from algae powders?
Algae extracts are a more advanced form of using algae in supplements that allows for targeting specific health needs. Algae extracts tend to be more concentrated than regular algae powders. Extracts are made through extraction processes that extract specific ingredients from the algae. As a result, extracts are usually richer in the desired nutrients or active ingredients.
Additionally, algae extracts allow for more targeted enrichment or isolation of specific ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, antioxidants or other bioactive compounds. This makes them ideal for addressing specific health goals. More targeted use of algae extracts can minimize the risk of undesirable effects. For example, iodine can be problematic in high doses, so algae extracts can be formulated so that iodine levels are more controlled.
This targeted reduction or avoidance of undesirable ingredients, can make it possible to use algae extracts for food supplements, in cases where raw algae cannot meet the legal standards. Specific examples include algae whose ingredients are permitted, but which are not themselves on the list of approved raw materials for supplements and foods.
What are the advantages of algae extracts for food supplements?
Basically, the benefits of algae extracts can be divided into three categories. Optimization of the nutritional profile, deficiency compensation and application as a functional ingredient.
Algae extracts for supplements can help optimize the nutritional profile of formulations due to their high concentration of active ingredients. Algae extracts for supplements can be rich in certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are important for heart health and cognitive function. By incorporating these active ingredients into supplements, manufacturers can optimize the nutritional profile of their products.
Algae extracts can help to compensate for deficiencies in certain minerals or trace elements in the diet. Their concentrated formulation allows more efficient coverage of nutrient needs. Ulva lactuca in particular has a tendency to assimilate trace elements, and is therefore a macroalga richer in magnesium than others. Another example that is not primarily derived from algae, but is related to them and is also rich in magnesium, is seawater extract. Seawater extract is rich in magnesium and therefore can be used in products to help meet optimal magnesium needs.
Some seaweed extracts, such as Alginate and Phycocyanin, have unique functional properties. For example, alginate can be used in supplements as a thickener and stabilizer, while Phycocyanin has a bright blue color in addition to its health-supporting active ingredients and can be used in supplements for coloring. Thus, algae extracts for supplements can help improve texture and color.
What ingredients can algae extracts offer that are otherwise difficult to provide?
Algae extracts for supplements offer a wide range of ingredients that are more difficult to obtain in concentrated form from other sources. A good example of this is Astaxanthin, which is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from free radical damage.
Another example is the orange active beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and plays an important role in vision, immune function and skin health. Dunaliella salina is a microalgae that provides a known and natural source of beta-carotene.
Fucoidan is a bioactive compound found in brown algae. It is being researched for its potential health benefits, such as immune system support and anti-inflammation. Fucoidan is a prime example of a compound discovered through algae research that offers innovative approaches for the future.
Algae extracts for supplements offer the possibility of using these valuable ingredients in concentrated form, which makes them an interesting option for the production of supplements. They are often natural, sustainable sources of these active ingredients and can be a healthy and environmentally friendly addition to the diet.
What ingredients in supplements can algae extracts provide alternatives for?
Algae extracts can serve as alternatives for certain ingredients in supplements, especially those traditionally derived from fish oil. Instead of extracting DHA from fish oil, microalgae such as Schizochytrium sp. can serve as a plant-based source of DHA. Also, since fish do not produce DHA themselves but absorb it through their diet, an intermediate stage can thus be removed. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for health. Algae extracts offer a non-animal and sustainable alternative, especially for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Similar to DHA, EPA, another important omega-3 fatty acid, can be obtained from microalgae such as Nannochloropsis sp. EPA is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to support heart health. Using algae extracts to obtain EPA allows supplements to be produced without the use of fish oil, which can be more environmentally friendly and ethical.
How can algae extracts be incorporated into supplements?
Algae extracts can be integrated into supplements in various forms, depending on their nature and the desired properties of the final product.
Algae extracts for supplements can be processed into a fine powder and enclosed in capsules or tablets. For example, a product related to algae extracts, seawater extract in powder form can be packaged in capsules for easy dosing and ingestion and to optimize the magnesium content of the product.
Some algae extracts, such as Phycocyanin tinctures, are available in liquid form and can be used in small vials or as an ingredient in performance drinks. These liquid forms offer a quick and convenient way to consume the extracts, but are also tied to a shorter shelf life.
Algae extracts that are in oleoresin or oily forms can be used in softshell capsules. This allows for higher concentration and easier absorption compared to powder. Astaxanthin capsules and DHA capsules are examples of algae extracts that can be used in softshell capsules in oleoresin and oil form. Astaxanthin is known as the most powerful natural antioxidant and DHA is an essential ingredient for healthy body function.
The choice of form depends on several factors, including the specific properties of the algae extract, desired dosage, intended use and consumer preference.
What additional benefits do algae extracts have for producers?
Algae extracts for supplements offer producers a variety of additional benefits. One key factor is the sustainable nature of this raw material. This allows producers to position themselves as sustainable companies and meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products.
Furthermore, algae extracts offer a more targeted and concentrated source of ingredients compared to the original raw material from which they are derived. This allows producers to optimize the quality and efficacy of their supplements and offer products that address specific health needs.
Algae extracts for supplements are a forward-looking and innovative choice. They enable producers to stand out in a competitive market and offer products that meet consumers’ needs for innovative and effective solutions. This can strengthen brand reputation and promote customer satisfaction. Overall, algae extracts offer producers the opportunity to develop and market high-quality, sustainable, and innovative supplements.
Algae extracts for supplements – the optimal blend of nature and science
In summary, algae extracts for supplements offer a promising and sustainable option for consumers and producers alike. These natural marine organisms serve as rich sources of a variety of valuable ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and other health-promoting compounds.
For consumers, seaweed extracts are an interesting alternative that can compensate for deficiencies in certain nutrients, improve the nutritional profile of the diet and support health goals. They also offer vegan and sustainable options, particularly as a substitute for fish oil in the form of DHA and EPA.
For producers, algae extracts open up the possibility of producing environmentally friendly and innovative supplements that meet the growing demand for sustainable products and targeted ingredients. This can help strengthen brand reputation and increase customer satisfaction.
Overall, algae extracts for supplements demonstrate the fusion of nature, science and sustainability. Their wide range of applications and health benefits make them a promising and forward-looking option in the world of supplements.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8413259/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257651/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8835581/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/
Comments by Pit Wagner