Origin and history

The algae Chlorella ( Chlorella vulgaris ) are green, single-celled organisms whose name is derived from the Greek word chlōros, meaning green, and the Latin word ella, meaning small. The small green algae can be found in fresh water and is mainly produced in Japan, Germany and Taiwan for the production of nutritional supplements and medicine. The main consumer, Japan, uses it mainly as a dietary supplement or protein-containing food additive.  

 

Chlorella is ideal as a vegan protein source because the dried mass of the algae contains a whopping 42-58% protein in addition to important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin B12 is particularly important because our body needs it in a variety of metabolic reactions. Microalgae such as chlorella are also a source of a variety of minerals such as magnesium and zinc, important vitamins such as vitamins C and E, and essential fatty acids. Chlorella is also rich in antioxidants, chlorophyll and other vital substances, making it a popular addition to a balanced diet.  

Studies have shown that this algae has numerous potential health benefits. In some animal studies, immunomodulatory and anti-cancer properties have been observed with chlorella supplementation. Several human studies have reported that chlorella can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as improve fat levels and blood sugar levels. Mind you, this was not observed in all studies. However, the fat-lowering effect on LDL cholesterol is expected when taken between 0-1500 mg per day. The anti-oxidant properties of chlorella suggest, based on one study, that it also has liver-protecting properties. Some studies also suggest a blood pressure-lowering effect.  

Sustainability 

Chlorella is considered an environmentally friendly source of protein. Their high growth rate and the ability to grow them in controlled environments make them a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.  

Possible side effects  

Although chlorella is generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress  

Which AgilNature® products contain chlorella? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature: 

1. Safi, C., Zebib, B., Merah, O., Pontalier, PY, & Vaca-Garcia, C. (2014). "Morphology, composition, production, processing and applications of Chlorella vulgaris: A review". Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 35: 265–278.
2. Kumudha A, Selvakumar S, Dilshad P, Vaidyanathan G, Thakur MS, Sarada R (2015). "Methylcobalamin--a form of vitamin B12 identified and characterized in Chlorella vulgaris". Journal of Food Chemistry. 170: 316-320.
3. Barghchi H, Dehnavi Z, Nattagh-Eshtivani E, Alwaily ER, Almulla AF, Kareem AK, Barati M, Ranjbar G, Mohammadzadeh A, Rahimi P, Pahlavani N. The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Jun;162:114624.
4. Justo GZ, Silva MR, Queiroz ML. Effects of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris on the response of the host hematopoietic system to intraperitoneal honest ascites tumor transplantation in mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2001 Feb;23(1):119-32.
5. Yasukawa K, Akihisa T, Kanno H, Kaminaga T, Izumida M, Sakoh T, Tamura T, Takido M. Inhibitory effects of sterols isolated from Chlorella vulgaris on 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and tumor promotion in mouse skin. Biol Pharm Bull. 1996 Apr;19(4):573-6.
6. Eissa MM, Ahmed MM, Abd Eldaim MA, Mousa AA, Elkirdasy AF, Mohamed MA, Orabi SH. Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Feb;28(8):9731-9741.
7. Sherafati N, Bideshki MV, Behzadi M, Mobarak S, Asadi M, Sadeghi O. Effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Jun;66:102822.
8. Neumann, Ulrike & Bischoff, Stephan. (2018). Microalgae in human nutrition – a sensible future perspective? Current nutritional medicine. 43. 102-110. 10.1055/a-0595-6520.

Overview

Vitamin D is used as a generic term for a group of fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, ergocalciferol. Vitamin D precursors are present in our body from which vitamin D can be formed under sunlight, more specifically under UV-B radiation. In contrast to other vitamins, the main source is not food, but rather the body's own production.  

The main function of vitamin D is to participate in calcium and phosphate metabolism. By promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphates from the intestine and increasing calcium levels in the plasma, vitamin D ensures bone mineralization. It is primarily important for bone hardening, but the vitamin is also involved in numerous other metabolic pathways and gene regulations. It is involved in the immune system and also influences muscle strength.  

Vitamin D – the most important tasks in brief  

The following vitamin D-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus. 
• Vitamin D contributes to normal calcium levels in the blood. 
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. 
• Vitamin D contributes to maintaining normal muscle function. 
• Vitamin D helps maintain normal teeth. 
• Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. 
• Vitamin D plays a role in the process of cell division. 

Your daily need for vitamin D 

The German Society for Nutrition e. V. sets a daily requirement of 20 µg per day. Adolescents and adults only consume an amount of 2-4 µg per day through food. The DGE recommends supplementation if there is no self-synthesis (especially in the winter months), as the intake of vitamin D through food is not sufficient to ensure the desired daily supply.  

Vitamin D is found in food, especially in fatty sea fish such as salmon, herring or mackerel. Eggs can also be a good source. Some mushrooms are grown under special conditions so that they can sometimes be rich in vitamin D. There is also margarine enriched with vitamin D. However, sufficient intake through food cannot be guaranteed. The main source remains the body's own vitamin D synthesis, which, however, requires sufficient sunlight.  

In our latitudes, sunlight is not sufficient for sufficient vitamin D synthesis, especially between October and Easter. In addition, we make it difficult for our bodies to have adequate contact with the sun's rays by wearing clothes and staying indoors, even in summer. Therefore, it is important (especially during the cold and dark season) to help our body to achieve or maintain a good vitamin D blood level through supplementation. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, you should also consume a little healthy fat when taking vitamin D supplements for optimal absorption of the vitamin.  

Vitamin D can also be overdosed, but only through excessive intake of preparations and not through the body's own synthesis. Long-term intake of more than 100 µg per day can lead to an overdose. An overdose may result in elevated blood calcium levels, hypercalcemia, which may be associated with polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion and coma. It is therefore important to adhere to the recommendations when taking the preparations.  

How a vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself 

A vitamin D deficiency manifests itself physically primarily in a disruption of healthy bone growth. If the bones are not sufficiently mineralized during childhood, they remain soft and can become deformed. This also means deformations of the skeleton. This condition is known as rickets in children. Even in adults, demineralization due to vitamin D deficiency can lead to softening and deformation of the bones, a condition known as osteomalacia. This disease is accompanied by severe bone pain and muscle weakness. Another disease that can occur is osteoporosis. The bone mass is lower and the bones are slightly hollower and more porous on the inside, which leads to the bones becoming slightly brittle. A connection between vitamin D deficiency and non-bone-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as cardiovascular or cancer diseases is currently being investigated.  

A link between the deficiency and neurocognitive disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, dementia and ADHD is still under investigation.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin D? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Vitamin D. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-d/ (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. Chang SW, Lee HC. Vitamin D and health - The missing vitamin in humans. Pediatric Neonatol. 2019 Jun;60(3):237-244. 
3. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
4. RKI - Gesundheit AZ - Answers from the Robert Koch Institute to frequently asked questions about vitamin D. (nd). https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/Vitamin_D/Vitamin_D_FAQ-Liste.html (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
5. Vieth R. Vitamin D supplementation: cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol. Your J Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov;74(11):1493-1497. 
6. DeLuca HF. Overview of general physiological features and functions of vitamin D. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6 Suppl):1689S-96S. 
7. Vitamin D: How to take it correctly. Health Center. https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/vitamine/vitamin-d-uebersicht/vitamin-d-die-rechte-einnahme (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
8. Rizzoli R. Vitamin D supplementation: upper limit for safety revisited? Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021 Jan;33(1):19-24. 
9. Lewis, JL, III. (2023, October 26). Hypercalcemia. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/profi/endocrine-and-metabolic-diseases/elektrolytst%C3%B6rungen/hyperkalz%C3%A4mie  
10. Roy NM, Al-Harthi L, Sampat N, Al-Mujaini R, Mahadevan S, Al Adawi S, Essa MM, Al Subhi L, Al-Balushi B, Qoronfleh MW. Impact of vitamin D on neurocognitive function in dementia, depression, schizophrenia and ADHD. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2021 Jan 1;26(3):566-611.  
11. Geng C, Shaikh AS, Han W, Chen D, Guo Y, Jiang P. Vitamin D and depression: mechanisms, determination and application. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2019;28(4):689-694.  
12. Akpınar Ş, Karadağ MG. Is Vitamin D Important in Anxiety or Depression? What Is the Truth? Curr Nutr Rep. 2022 Dec;11(4):675-681.  

Overview

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a collective term for several vitamin-active, water-soluble compounds that have the same biological function. It can only be produced by microorganisms and is therefore mainly found in animal foods thanks to the food chain. Some plant-based foods contain vitamin B12 analogues, which we cannot utilize and can even worsen the supply of vitamin B12.  

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important coenzyme in human metabolism. This means that many enzymes that carry out various metabolic steps rely on vitamin B12 and cannot function without it. On the one hand, the vitamin is important in regulating the homocysteine ​​concentration in the blood. Homocysteine ​​is an intermediate product in our body that must be broken down quickly because it increases the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 ensures the breakdown of this substance. Another cobalamin is involved in amino acid and fat metabolism. Another key role of the vitamin is to protect the DNA from damage by being involved in regulatory processes and also has anti-oxidative properties and thus protects the DNA from oxidative stress. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for cell division and differentiation, e.g. B. in blood formation and DNA synthesis.  

Vitamin B12 – the most important tasks in brief 

The following vitamin B12-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies: 

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine ​​metabolism. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. 
• Vitamin B12 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 
• Vitamin B12 plays a role in the process of cell division. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells. 

Vitamin B12 also works closely with folate. Folate also contributes to normal homocysteine ​​metabolism, normal immune system function, reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal cell division.  

Your daily need for vitamin B12 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 4 µg per day for young people and adults. Pregnant women have an increased need of 4.5 µg and breastfeeding women, for whom 5.5 µg is recommended.  

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods, such as: meat, fish and seafood, eggs and dairy products. Even though vitamin B12 is found in some plant foods, such as sauerkraut, seaweed and shiitake mushrooms, it is not accessible to our body and cannot be absorbed.  

It is therefore important for people who eat an exclusively plant-based diet or only consume a small amount of animal foods to take vitamin B12 supplements to ensure sufficient supply. You can have your vitamin B12 level checked by your family doctor.  

Our body has an extensive store of vitamin B12 in the liver if sufficient intake was previously guaranteed, so a deficiency can only become apparent after a few years. If, for example, your diet did not provide enough vitamin B12, deficiency symptoms will appear earlier. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are particularly at risk of a deficiency if they do not take supplements.  

Stomach and intestinal diseases can also disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12 and are therefore a risk of deficiency.  

According to current knowledge, a high intake of vitamin B12, which occurs naturally in foods, is not harmful.  

How a vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest itself  

A prolonged deficiency can lead to disruptions in cell division and DNA synthesis, which can result in anemia because blood cells can no longer be produced properly. Symptoms associated with this include tiredness, paleness and weakness. The breakdown of homocysteine ​​is disrupted in the event of a deficiency and the concentration of this compound is therefore increased. This, together with other substances that are increased due to vitamin B12 deficiency, can lead to neurological damage. Symptoms would be disorders of movement coordination, poor memory, attention deficits and depressive moods.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B12? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Vitamin B12. DGE. https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/faq/vitamin-b12/#c3450 (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. Homocysteine ​​(HCYS). Health portal. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/labor/laborwerte/blutgerinnung/homocystein.html#:~:text=Homocystein%20ist%20eine%20sulphur-containing%20Aminos%C3%A4ure,and%20Heart%2Dcirculatory%2Ddiseases. (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
3. Halczuk K, Kaźmierczak-Barańska J, Karwowski BT, Karmańska A, Cieślak M. Vitamin B12-Multifaceted In Vivo Functions and In Vitro Applications. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 13;15(12):2734. 
4. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
5. Ankar A, Kumar A. Vitamin B12 Deficiency. 2022 Oct 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

Overview: 

Chromium belongs to the group of trace elements and must therefore be absorbed through food since the body cannot produce it itself. The human body contains approximately 20-30 µg of chromium per kilogram in storage tissues /organs ( 1 ). The main stores for chromium are in our body Liver, spleen, bones , kidneys and lungs ( 1 ) .  

Chromium – Control for sugar and fat 

Chromium plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. The trace element helps maintain blood sugar levels by increasing insulin action in the body, thus enabling better blood sugar control and reduction (2). Maintaining blood sugar levels is particularly important for diabetics. Studies have found evidence that chromium supplementation could have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetics (3). Chromium also plays a role in regulating blood lipid levels. A sufficient amount of chromium ensures a reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol (4). 

Your daily need for chromium 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 30-100 µg chromium per day for adults (5). 

Chromium is found in the following foods: meat, eggs, oatmeal and tomatoes, as well as in dairy products and whole grain products (5,6). 

How a chromium deficiency can manifest itself  

Not much is known about chromium deficiency in healthy people. It is much more likely that we are talking about lower chromium levels than recommended. Known symptoms of a deficiency have so far only been examined in malnourished or metabolically impaired patients.  

Since chromium plays a role in insulin activity, a chromium deficiency can increase insulin resistance and thus negatively affect blood sugar levels. The increased insulin resistance can manifest as weight gain, fatigue and weakness. Overall, it also increases the risk of diabetes. Studies have also found a connection between low chromium levels and increased blood fat levels.  

Risk groups for chromium deficiency  

The risk group for deficiency includes older people and people with dietary restrictions, such as vegans. 

Even people who eat a lot of processed foods with a high sugar content not only have low sources of chromium, but also promote chromium loss. 

People with impaired metabolism due to illnesses such as diabetes or who take certain medications are at increased risk of chromium deficiency. 

Athletes who engage in long-term, strenuous sports are also at risk. 

Which AgilNature® products contain chromium? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature: 

1. Chrome | Lexicon | Eucell . ( October 4, 2023) https://www.eucell.de/ernaehrung/ernaehrungslexikon/urenelemente/chrom 
2. Bhattacharya, PT, Misra , SR, & Hussain, M. (2016). Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review. Scientifica , 2016, 5464373. 
3. Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. (2007) Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids : a systematic review of randomized controlled trials . Diabetes Care 30:2154–2163 
4. Trace element chromium – an important building block in sugar metabolism. ( October 4, 2023 ). https://www.centrosan.com/Wissen/Naehrstoff-Lexikon/Spurenelemente/Chrom.php  
5. Copper, manganese , chromium , molybdenum . ( October 4, 2023 ). DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/kupfer-mangan-chrom-molybdaen/  
6. Food Composition and Nutrition Tables , 7th revised and completed edition , Ed. SW Souci, W Fachmann, H Kraut.Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Stuttgart, 2008. 
7. Afzal S, Ocasio Quinones GA. Chromium Deficiency . [Updated 2022 Dec 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582150/ 
8. Office of Dietary Supplements - Chromium. ( December 11, 2023 ). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/ 
9. The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium( III). 1st Edition - March 21, 2007. Editor: John Vincent. 

Calcium – the mineral for bones

Calcium is built into bones and, along with other minerals, is responsible for their strength and resistance (1). Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. A long-term calcium deficiency causes the body to fall back on its calcium depots in the bones. The result: the bones lose stability and break easily. A sufficient supply of the mineral calcium therefore plays a central role in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Calcium is not only important for healthy, stable bones, it is also involved in many metabolic processes in the body. The mineral calcium is required for blood clotting, for muscle contraction and for the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system (2). In addition, calcium has a stabilizing effect on cell walls, which is helpful in preventing and treating an allergic reaction, particularly in the skin. Substances with an allergic effect, such as histamine, are less able to escape from the cells and thus trigger fewer allergic reactions.

Dairy and milk products are particularly rich in calcium. A glass (0.25 liters) of milk provides almost 300 milligrams of calcium (1). Various plant foods such as kale, soybeans, nuts and seeds are also suitable as calcium suppliers.

Your daily calcium requirement