Lithothamnion can be used in several products. Learn more about the algae benefits in different segments:
Lithothamnion is a great option of functional ingredient to enrich foods and beverages. Besides being natural, rich in minerals and antioxidants of high bioavailability, it doesn't add any flavor, doesn't contain any antinutritional factors (fibers, phytate, oxalate, tannins, and other phenolic substances) and has irrelevant fat and caloric content.
Due to its neutrality, it allows the application in several segments of the food industry:
Dairy-free products: Liquid and powdered vegetable drinks, ice cream and vegetable yogurts, vegan chocolate;
Bakery products, cereals, and snacks;
Gluten-free products: pasta, bread, snacks;
Processed meat products;
Analog meat;
Products for specific diets: pregnant women, children, the elderly;
Functional beverages;
Confectionairy.
It also delivers important technological benefits such as improved texture, color, flavor and shelf life in bakery products. Reduction of breakage and adhesion in cereals and pasta, besides contributing to emulsion stability.
Lithothamnion has in its composition polysaccharides with antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor and anticoagulant properties, due to the compounds present in its structure.
Research has already shown that the general population cannot reach daily calcium intake recommendations, regardless the age category.
For those who opt for convenience, there is the option of using food supplements with Lithothamnion in the form of powder, capsules or tablets, ensuring the consumption of minerals in the proper dosages.
The high porosity of algae (>40%), provides a larger acting surface and contributes to better absorption. It also has no side effects such as constipation, nausea, bloating and abdominal pain.
Powdered food supplements, capsules or tablets.
The use of Lithothamnion in gels and creams is widespread. Often applied in anti-cellulite treatment and exfoliation, for its abrasive property.
Other applications observed are bath salts, wraps and face masks.
Lithothamnion has been investigated with dogs regarding fracture healing and has presented positive results. Being made up of a structure of high porosity, it improves the bioavailability of Calcium and Magnesium to the animals. Therefore, it is a great choice of ingredient for animal feed.
Calcium (Ca) represents from 1 to 2% of adult body weight and is one of the major mineral components of the skeletal system. Essential amounts of calcium are necessary for muscle contraction, blood coagulation, cardiac functions, transmission of nerve or synaptic impulse, structural support of the skeleton, and acting as a mediator of the action of various hormones. Adequate intake of Ca is essential to the growth and normal development of the skeleton and teeth, and proper bone mineralization, especially in childhood and adolescence.
More than 98% of body calcium is in bones and teeth. However, relative concentrations in both structures may vary as the body maintains calcium balance. For example, when blood calcium concentrations is below normal, calcium ions move out of the bones and teeth to restore their blood level. The body excretes calcium daily, so a regular intake of calcium in the diet (at least 1g / day) is necessary for its normal balance.
With calcium deficiency, there will be pathologies such as: osteoporosis, mineral bone loss (mainly in the elderly and postmenopausal women); rickets, characterized by poor bone formation in children, due to vitamin D deficiency, leading to a decrease in Ca absorption; Osteomalacia, characterized by bone alteration in adults; and tetany, where severe and intermittent contractions and muscle pain occur, due to the decrease of serum Calcium. Its deficiency can also cause unease, brittle nails, tooth decay, depression, hypertension, insomnia, irritability, body numbness and palpitations.
On the other hand, its excess may cause kidney stones, which are actually small clusters of a substance known as calcium oxalate. This type of formation is more common due to the calcium intake of mineral origin (present in the soil and consequently in the water of certain regions) and in some dietary supplements, since this type of calcium is not very well absorbed by the organism. Consequently, enough water consumption is advisable to avoid kidney stones. Consuming too much calcium can also lead to the reduction of other minerals, such as magnesium.
Calcium is absorbed in the intestine. In order to have calcium absorption, vitamin D must be present. Reduced intake of vitamin D causes the mineral already used in the bone to be transferred to other vital physiological functions. There are studies reporting on the dietary intake of K, which could reduce the urinary excretion of Ca and, as a result, improve its balance. The body absorbs only about 500mg of calcium at a time, so calcium intake must be distributed throughout the day.
It is a mineral present in all cells. Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body, necessary for more than 300 very important biological processes.
In addition to improving the absorption of Vitamin D, magnesium helps to regulate calcium in the organism and its proper fixation in the bones. It benefits blood pressure and helps to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. Magnesium also plays a role in the detoxification processes of your body and so that it is important to help prevent damage from environmental chemical products, heavy metals, and other toxins.
