AFA

AFA are whole-cell wild Aphanizomenon flos-aquae cyanobacteria that are harvested from the undisturbed, high-desert Klamath Lake in Southern Oregon. AFA contains a wide assortment of vital nutrients—including high-quality protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals—as well as bioactive molecules, including phycocyanin, unique polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenylethylamine. Because it is so nutrient-dense, AFA is an excellent way to add supplemental nutrition to the diet.

Health Benefits

AFA is whole cell wild Aphanizomenon flos-aquae cyanobacteria. In addition to offering a well-rounded source of phytonutrients, research has shown that AFA:

  • Contains unique polysaccharides, nutrients that support a healthy immune system*
  • Contains Phenylethylamine (PEA), nutrients that may help enhance feelings of well-being*
  • Provides antioxidant protection against free radicals*
  • Contains phytonutrients, amino acids, PUFA’s, and trace minerals*
 

Mechanism of action

The constituents of AFA have been found to work in three distinct ways:

  • Activating a healthy immune response*
  • Supporting a positive mood*
  • Neutralizing free radicals*

Activating Immunity*

The polysaccharides contained in AFA function as strong immune modulators, which research has been shown to support immune surveillance.* Research done specifically on the polysaccharides in AFA showed strong activation of natural killer (NK) cells—the immune system’s first line of defense—in laboratory tests.*

Supporting positive mood*

AFA contains phenethylamine (PEA), a compound that effects cognitive function and mood by modulating aminergic synapses.* PEA supports positive mood by releasing neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine).* Epidemiological research has shown that people with low levels of phenylacetic acid (the main metabolite of PEA) are more likely to experience negative mood states and have difficulty focusing.*

Neutralizing Free Radicals*

Many of the compounds of AFA also serve as broad-spectrum antioxidants to help protect cells from damaging free radicals continually produced in the body.* These include phycocyanin, polysaccharides and carotenoids.

 

Product Characteristics

   

AFA powder

Whole organism

 

Order

Nostocales

 

Family

Nostocaceae

 

Genus

Aphanizomenon

 

Species                  

Flos-aquae 

 

Physical Characteristics

 

Methods

Appearance

Ground powder (2-70 mesh)

 

Color

Dark Green  

 

Odor / Taste

Characteristic

 

Moisture

≤ 7%

 

Tapped Density

For Information Only

Cerule QUAL-S170

Phycocyanin

≥ 8 %

 

Phenethylamine

≥ 0.5%  

Cerule QUAL-S169

Microbiology

 

 Methods

Total Plate Count

Less than 100,000 cfu/g

Cerule QUAL-S101

Total Coliforms

Less than 1,000 cfu/g      

Cerule QUAL-S101

Mold & Yeast

Less than 1,000 cfu/g

Cerule QUAL-S101

S. Aureus

Less than 100 cfu/g

Cerule QUAL-S101

E. Coli

Negative / 1 gram

Cerule QUAL-S101

Salmonella

Negative / 25 grams

FDA BAM

Contaminants

 

Methods

Microcystin Toxin

≤ 1 ppm

Cerule QUAL-S113

Arsenic Inorganic

Not more than 2 ppm

AOAC 993.14

Cadmium

Not more than 1 ppm

AOAC 993.14

Lead

Not more than 2 ppm

AOAC 993.14

Mercury

Not more than 0.5 ppm

AOAC 993.14

Organophosphorus Pesticides

None Detected

 

Organochloride Pesticides

None Detected

EPA 8081B, 8141B, 8270D, 8321B

Pyrethroid Pesticides

None Detected

 

Regulatory Status & Safety

   

Certified Organic

It is processed following the NOP guidelines for Organic Processors

 

Stability Considerations                

Stable

 

Incompatibility with

None

 

Hazardous Decomposition Products

None known

 

Special Fire Fighting Procedures

None

 

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

None

 

Hazardous Polymerization

Will not occur

 

Spill / Leakage Procedures

If material is released or spilled: sweep up with broom and discard. Water disposal method: Dispose of in accordance with local, state and Federal regulations as regards fruit, seed and vegetable handling.

 

Worker Skin Protection

Normal work wear

 

Worker Eye Protection

Goggles are recommended in all manufacturing environments

 

Primary Route of Exposure

Ingestion

 

Effects of Over Exposure

None

 

Emergency First Aid Procedures

Flush eyes with large quantities of water, rinse, rinse other areas with soap and water. Drink large amounts of water.

 

Drying Method, Packaging, Storage, Shelf Life

   

Drying Method

DLT HydroDri® 

 

Packaging

10 kg poly lined, Mylar bag, vacuum packaged

 

Storage Conditions

Store in cool dry place, away from extreme conditions of heat, cold and moisture to prevent oxidation and preserve quality. Do not store this product above 70F. Store in airtight containers away from most sources of light and heat.

 

Shelf Life

Retest at 36 months from date of manufacture

 

Applications

   

Available Forms

Ground powder

 

Typical Dose

3 grams per day