Spiroulina PLATENSIS contains essential fatty acids γ-Linolenic acid (GLA), α-Linolenic acid (ALA), Linoleic acid (LA)
What are fatty acids?
Fatty acids are a necessary part of the diet and the greatest form of fat. Fats are molecules that have atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are divided into two main categories; saturated and unsaturated.
Fatty acids exist in our diet as triglycerides as three fatty acids compose one molecule of glycerol.
In humans, the most important fatty acids are the Ω3 polyunsaturated α-linolenic and the Ω6 polyunsaturated linolenic acid.
A diet enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids is able to reduce the “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood without affecting the “good” cholesterol levels (HDL) thus reducing the danger in the appearance of heart disorders. 15
The intake of fatty acids is exclusively through the diet and it is worth mentioning that they cannot be synthesized in the organism!
γ-linolenic acid (GLA):
Helps in various biochemical reactions that take place in the body such as:
- Control arterial blood pressure
- Cholesterol synthesisς15
- η Body’s response to inflammation
- Cell Proliferation7
Research has shown that γ-linolenic acid:
- Has an effective role in treating eczema and premenstrual syndrome
- Has antibacterial role
- Also, several researches have shown that linolenic acid play an important role in cancer treatment.13
α-linolenic acid (ALA):
- It is used to synthesize important Ω3 fatty acids which play an important role in growth and function of the human brain.
- Research has shown that it might prevent heart disorders and inflammation and has a vital role in the function of the central nervous system.
Linolenic Acid (LA):
Ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, composed of 18 carbon molecules and two double hydrogen bonds. It is used for the biosynthesis of arachidonic acids therefore the eicosanoids as it is formerly converted in γ-linolenic acid.13.
In the following table the fatty acids that spirulina consists are displayed:
| Per 100 g | Per 3 g | Recommended daily intake (per adult) | |
| γ-linolenic (C18:3) (mg) | 1960.4 | 58.81 | |
| α-linolenic (C18:3) (mg) | 311.2 | 9.34 | 1,1-1,16g |
| Linolenic (C18:2) (mg) | 138.7 | 4.16 | |
| Palmitic (C16:0) (mg) | 735.3 | 22.06 | |
| Oleic (C18:1) (mg) | 157.3 | 4.72 | |
| Myristic (C14:0) (mg) | 85.9 | 2.58 | |
| Caprylic (C10:0) (mg) | 61.2 | 1.84 | |
| Lauric (C12:0) (mg) | 59.3 | 1.78 | |
| Palmitoleic (C16:1) (mg) | 48.6 | 1.46 | |
| Stearic (C18:0) (mg) | 48.3 | 1.45 | |
| Arachidic (C20:0) (mg) | 42.2 | 1.27 |
