Key Takeaways:
- VAXA Technologies will expand its product line with Icelandic Ultra Spirulina, which will be enriched with active B12.
- Specific light conditions in photobioreactors significantly increase active vitamin B12 levels in Spirulina.
- Vitamin B12 content in Spirulina is now comparable to that found in beef, offering a plant-based alternative.
- This innovation addresses global vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting over a billion people worldwide.
A new study by an international team of researchers has revealed a groundbreaking method for enhancing biologically active vitamin B12 production in Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). By using photonic management in scalable photobioreactors, this approach could make Spirulina a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional animal-derived vitamin B12 sources, addressing a widespread global micronutrient deficiency.
Study Findings
Published in the journal Discover Food, the study demonstrates that manipulating light conditions within photobioreactors significantly boosts the levels of biologically active vitamin B12 in Spirulina. The vitamin B12 content achieved through this innovative method is on par with that found in beef, making Spirulina a promising substitute for animal-based vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a global issue affecting over a billion people, leading to severe health complications such as anemia and neurological disorders. Spirulina, enriched with vitamin B12 through this method, offers a sustainable, plant-based solution to this pressing health concern, especially in regions with limited access to animal products.
Sustainability and Technological Innovation
The breakthrough technology was developed by VAXA Technologies, an Iceland-based company. Professor Issac Berzin, CTO of VAXA, highlighted the significance of this innovation: “These findings are a significant step forward in biotechnology and sustainable nutrition. Located in Iceland next to a geothermal power plant, VAXA Technologies leverages the plant’s resources and Icelandic pristine water to optimize photonic management and produce Spirulina with high levels of active vitamin B12, providing a viable alternative to animal-based sources and addressing a critical nutritional deficiency in a sustainable manner.”
The integration of photonic management in Spirulina production not only enhances vitamin B12 content but also contributes to global sustainability efforts by reducing the environmental impact associated with livestock farming.
Commercial Applications
In response to this breakthrough, VAXA Technologies is set to expand its ÖRLÖ food supplement line to include Icelandic Ultra Spirulina products. These new products will provide consumers with a sustainable source of active vitamin B12, reflecting a broader shift towards plant-based nutrition. Spirulina’s potential to become a key player in global nutrition is underscored by its ability to address critical deficiencies while aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
