Blue-green algae is among the oldest forms of life on the planet: it existed 3.5 million years ago. It was the first known organism to carry out photosynthesis. Growing naturally in the blue Klamath Lake, AFA is also known as the ‘the invisible flower of the water’, ‘wild blue-green algae’ or ‘Klamath algae’.

The formulation Lactoxira contains the most widely studied probiotic strains in relation to mental health and mood disorders. It is based on the latest meta-analysis which reviewed 25 animal studies and 15 clinical trials (26):

• Bifidobacterius longum (present in the human gastrointestinal tract, it reduces symptoms of depression).
• Lactobacillus plantarum (present in certain fermented, cabbage-based foods, it offers neuroprotection and combats inflammatory processes).
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactococcus lactis
• Lactobacillus casei (present in the gut and oral mucous membranes, it increases concentrations of tryptophan and serotonin, producing a significant improvement in mood in those with depression).
• Lactobacillus brevis (reduces symptoms of anxiety).
• Lactobacillus salivarius (the most active of all).

Some of these strains are able to withstand stomach acids (if they weren’t, there would be no benefit to eating yoghurts or drinking kefir), but to maximise their chances of survival and ensure the formulation is as effective as possible, the delivery method chosen by SuperSmart is gastro-resistant capsules which release the probiotics at the site where they need to act – the gut. The number of living microorganisms that arrive there intact determines their impact. This is also why each dose of Lactoxira contains more than 100 billion bacteria (CFU).

To enhance its efficacy still further, prebiotics have been added to the Lactoxira formulation. These natural compounds, which are indigestible by humans, support the growth of probiotics and make it easier for them to colonise the digestive system.

The AFA algae used in our supplement comes from a pristine, natural ecosystem: Klamath Lake in Oregon. This lake is one of the clearest and purest bodies of water on the planet. It is enriched by numerous minerals from the region’s volcanic mountains and by the intense solar energy found in this part of the world. This unique combination gives the algae an extraordinary and completely unique nutritional complexity.

It is harvested from this pristine lake after meticulous analysis of the water quality and concentration in blue-green algae, after which it is dried and sealed in oxygenated bags.

Along with the microalgae AFA, other ‘super algae’ may also be of interest, including spirulina, knotted wrack and chlorella.

Because of the potential presence of tiny quantities of microcystins, we recommend an upper daily limit of this algae of 3g a day.

Because of its high content of PEA and vitamin K, it is not recommended for those taking antidepressants or anticoagulants.