Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) supplement for mood

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

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

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Phenylethylamine or PEA is a natural neuroamine precursor of dopamine, a feelgood neurotransmitter released in the brain at times of excitement or pleasure (2-3). This is one of the reasons for PEA’s mood-lifting effects.

The alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is among the few dietary sources of PEA (4).

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 Klamath AFA 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.

3 good reasons to try Klamath AFA

• Klamath AFA 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.