The Benefits of Red Algae

Updated: June 21, 2024

AlgaeCal Algae

Increase Bone Density Without Harsh ‘Treatments.’

Are you looking to improve your bone density? There’s an intriguing solution from the natural world: an algae with proven clinical benefits for bone health. In clinical studies, people with low bone density experienced a notable increase in their bone density after incorporating this algae into their diet for just six months.

But this isn’t a modern invention. The algae we’re talking about has ancient roots. In fact, it predates the dinosaurs!  And it’s been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. And today, modern science backs up what our ancestors knew: these ancient algae possess the perfect nutritional composition to strengthen our bones. [1]

Red Algae

Scientists have identified over 6,000 different species of red algae. These species range from minuscule phytoplankton to expansive seaweeds. [2].

Some varieties, like the Coralline algae, have evolved to incorporate calcium carbonate into their cell walls. This adaptation not only reinforces the algae but also acts as a deterrent to potential predators. This feature of red algae plays a pivotal role in marine ecology, particularly in the formation and sustenance of coral reefs. By depositing calcium carbonate, these algae contribute to the structural integrity of reefs, underpinning entire marine habitats.

And what gives red algae their characteristic red color? It turns out it’s due to phycobiliproteins, a type of fluorescent protein. [3]

red algae

Red Algae Health Benefits

This type of algae is not only visually striking due to phycobiliproteins but is also packed with other vital phytonutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and chlorophyll. These compounds are celebrated for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as confirmed by numerous scientific studies. [4][5][6][7]. 

Red algae have also been studied for their external use as a photoprotective agent, protecting skin cells against sun damage and aging [8][9].

Most impressive, however, is red algae’s impact on bone mineral density.

As mentioned, certain types of red algae deposit calcium in their cell walls and are responsible for building the strong and sturdy structure of coral reefs by depositing their calcium along the reefs. 

Well, research shows that just like the coral reefs, red algae can improve the deposition of calcium (and other minerals) into our bones. When taken as a dietary supplement, red algae has been shown to reduce bone loss and enhance bone mineral density (BMD) in one of the groups most vulnerable to bone loss– women over the age of 40 [10].

Red Algae for Bone Health

All types of algae have their own health benefits, but red algae, especially a kind known as Algas calcareous, is exceptional for bone health. This particular type of red algae is rich in calcium and other minerals, making it stand out among other forms of red algae in supporting strong bones.

Algas calcareous (Lithothamnion Superpositum), or simply AlgaeCal, is a type of red algae well-known for its ability to help increase bone mineral density.

How does AlgaeCal Increase Bone Density?

Two reasons:

First, its mineral content mimics that of human bones. That’s right, AlgaeCal naturally contains all 13 minerals that your bones require for optimal health

Second, this plant-based calcium is more easily absorbed by the body compared to other types of calcium. This is because the algae pre-digest the minerals, making them more readily available for your body to absorb. In contrast, calcium derived from rocks doesn’t have this pre-digestive advantage – after all, they are just rocks and not as easy for the body to use.

This algae is scientifically proven to increase bone mineral density [10]. 

AlgaeCal vs traditional calcium

AlgaeCal Plus is formulated from this algae with added Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and Vitamin C – for optimal bone support. It’s the only supplement in the world that’s clinically supported to increase bone density. 

So if you want stronger bones, AlgaeCal isn’t an option. It’s the only option

Bottle of AlgaeCal Plus

Takeaway

AlgaeCal Plus is the only supplement clinically supported to increase bone density. 

For more information, news, and research about aging gracefully, sign up for the AlgaeCal Newsletter.

Article Sources

  1. https://www.britannica.com/science/algae/Evolution-and-paleontology-of-algae
  2. Dagnino-Leone, J., Figueroa, C. P., Castañeda, M. L., Youlton, A. D., Vallejos-Almirall, A., Agurto-Muñoz, A., ... & Agurto-Muñoz, C. (2022). Phycobiliproteins: Structural aspects, functional characteristics, and biotechnological perspectives. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.
  3. http://www.mesa.edu.au/marine_algae/algae03.asp
  4. Lee, D., Nishizawa, M., Shimizu, Y., & Saeki, H. (2017). Anti-inflammatory effects of dulse (Palmaria palmata) resulting from the simultaneous water-extraction of phycobiliproteins and chlorophyll a. Food Research International, 100, 514-521.
  5. Koizumi, J., Takatani, N., Kobayashi, N., Mikami, K., Miyashita, K., Yamano, Y., ... & Hosokawa, M. (2018). Carotenoid profiling of a red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis: insights into biosynthetic pathways in the order Bangiales. Marine drugs, 16(11), 426.
  6. Murillo, A. G., Hu, S., & Fernandez, M. L. (2019). Zeaxanthin: Metabolism, properties, and antioxidant protection of eyes, heart, liver, and skin. Antioxidants, 8(9), 390.
  7. Pérez-Gálvez, A., Viera, I., & Roca, M. (2020). Carotenoids and chlorophylls as antioxidants. Antioxidants, 9(6), 505.
  8. Pangestuti, R., Siahaan, E. A., & Kim, S. K. (2018). Photoprotective substances derived from marine algae. Marine drugs, 16(11), 399.
  9. Mercurio, D. G., Wagemaker, T. A. L., Alves, V. M., Benevenuto, C. G., Gaspar, L. R., & Campos, P. M. (2015). In vivo photoprotective effects of cosmetic formulations containing UV filters, vitamins, Ginkgo biloba and red algae extracts. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 153, 121-126.
  10. Kaats, G. R., Preuss, H. G., Croft, H. A., Keith, S. C., & Keith, P. L. (2011). A comparative effectiveness study of bone density changes in women over 40 following three bone health plans containing variations of the same novel plant-sourced calcium. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 8(3), 180.

Article Comments

Add New Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Jason hunt

    June 23, 2024 , 1:38 am

    hi does algaecal plus cause kidney stones????

    thank you

    Jason hunt

This article features advice from our industry experts to give you the best possible info through cutting-edge research.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Loren Fishman
MD, B.Phil.,(oxon.) - Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Founder of the Yoga Injury Prevention Website.,
Prof. Didier Hans
PHD, MBA - Head of Research & Development Center of Bone Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Switzerland,