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. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernährungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition
Luciana BaroniFranco Canestrari

Abstract

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient that is often inadequate in a plant-based (vegan) diet, thus the inclusion of a reliable vitamin B12 source in a vegan diet is recommended as essential. Unfortunately, many natural sources of vitamin B12 have been proven to contain biologically inactive vitamin B12 analogues, inadequate for human supplementation. The aim of this non-randomized open trial was to determine whether supplementation with a natural Klamath algae-based product ("AFA-B12", Aphanizomenon flos-aquae algae plus a proprietary mix of enzymes) could favorably affect the vitamin B12 status of a group of 15 vegan subjects. By assessing blood concentration of vitamin B12, folate, and more importantly homocysteine (Hcy, a reliable marker in vegans of their B12 absorption), the vitamin B12 status of the participants at the end of the 3-month intervention period, while receiving the Klamath-algae supplement (T2), was compared with their vitamin B12 status at the end of the 3-month control period (T1), when they were not receiving any supplement, having stopped taking their usual vitamin B12 supplement at the beginning of the study (T0). Compared to the control period, in the intervention period participants improved their vitamin...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 15, 2011·Journal of Renal Nutrition : the Official Journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation·Yukiko HasuikeTakeshi Nakanishi
Feb 24, 2016·Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry·Stefano ScoglioSerena Benedetti
Dec 6, 2016·Nutrients·Gianluca RizzoSalvatore Giovanni Vitale
Oct 13, 2018·Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity·D NuzzoM Di Carlo

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