FAQs
SPIRULINA QUESTIONS
Q: What is spirulina?
A: Spirulina is microscopic blue green microalgae that grows naturally in fresh water ponds and lakes in warm, sunny environments. Spirulina has been used as a food source for centuries. It is considered the most complete naturally cultivated nutrient in the world, and Hawaiian Spirulina has approximately double the levels of key nutrients compared to other brands.• Approximately 60 percent complete digestible protein - it contains every essential amino acid;
• Contains more carotenoids than any other whole food and an excellent source of vitamins A, K, B12 and iron, manganese and chromium;
• Best wholefood source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) – an essential fatty acid, necessary for human health. It plays a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development;
• Rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, chlorophyll and enzymes.
Q: What are the benefits of using spirulina?
A: Spirulina strengthens the immune system and boosts energy levels. In addition to being a wonderful source of protein, spirulina contains more carotenoids than any other whole food. It is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that contribute to the body operating in optimal condition. Spirulina is also a complete protein, containing essential and non-essential amino acids. While we encourage everyone to eat their fruits and vegetables, spirulina helps enable 'picky eaters' and others who don't like vegetables to still "eat some greens."
Q: How is Hawaiian Spirulina grown?
A: Hawaiian Spirulina is the only spirulina cultivated in a Biosecure Zone, certified free of pesticides, herbicides and industrial pollutants in Kona, Hawaii, the sunniest coast in the USA. Each pond is fed with 100% potable drinking water from Hawaiian aquifers and pure deep ocean water with beneficial trace minerals.
Q: Who should take Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: Everyone! Hawaiian Spirulina is an ideal supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles. While we all strive to eat a well-balanced diet, our active lifestyles and easy access to processed food often prevent us from getting all the nutrition we need to maintain our health. The National Research Council Committee on Diet and Health recommends that we eat 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. One 3 gram serving of Hawaiian Spirulina has higher levels of some key antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
Q: What makes Hawaiian Spirulina different from other spirulina brands?
A: The key factors that make Hawaiian Spirulina unique are: • Continuous cultivation - Since 1985, Hawaiian Spirulina has been in constant production 12 months out of the year – creating a superior strain of spirulina with the highest levels of key nutrients of any spirulina in the world.
• Location - the only spirulina grown on the pristine coast of Kona, Hawaii, a site with more coastal sunlight than any other area of the United States. Constant exposure to sunlight ensures high levels of carotenoids are present in the spirulina.
• Water - Hawaiian Spirulina is cultivated in open ponds using a combination of 100% fresh potable water from Hawaiian aquifers and ultra-pure, deep ocean water. The ocean water enriches Spirulina Pacifica with minerals and trace elements. (All other spirulina farms use river water or irrigation water for cultivation.)
• Patented Drying system - Nutrex Hawaii developed Ocean Chill Drying™ especially to eliminate the oxidation of carotenes, enzymes and fatty acids that occurs in standard dryers. The closed system process takes 3-7 seconds and uses less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. This patented system relies on very cold deep ocean water to provide dehumidification and is unique to Hawaiian Spirulina.
Q: What are some of the key nutrients in Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: It is a complete protein with high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients including: • Beta Carotene: Necessary for healthy skin, good vision, and a healthy immune system.
• Vitamin B12: An essential vitamin required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
• Vitamin K1 & Vitamin K2: Essential vitamins known to promote blood clotting and support bone health. Recent studies have confirmed that Vitamin K2 may help osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): An enzyme that acts as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body, neutralizing free radicals and helping to repair cells, for age related degeneration.
• Zeaxanthin: A carotenoid and powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage with specific benefits for eye and cellular health.
• Phycocyanin: The blue pigment color in nature, only found in spirulina. Supports kidney, liver and brain health.
• Iron: Essential in the formation of red blood cells and transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Iron assists the memory and helps build resistance to infection, stress and disease.
Q: How much Hawaiian Spirulina should I take each day?
A: The suggested serving for Hawaiian Spirulina is 3 grams a day. Hawaiian Spirulina is available in tablet and powder form: Tablet bottles
• 500 mg - 6 tablets a day. Available in 200 and 400 tablet bottles
• 1000 mg - 3 tablets a day. Available in 180 and 360 tablet bottles
Powder bottles
• 1 teaspoon mixed with liquid. Available in 5 oz. and 16 oz. powder bottles
Q: Should I be concerned about the high amount of vitamin A in Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: No, the vitamin A activity of Hawaiian Spirulina comes from natural beta carotene. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A--the human body converts beta carotene into vitamin A on an as-needed basis. There is no toxicity level for beta carotene, so there is no need to worry about taking too much.
Q: Do you test your Hawaiian Spirulina for BMAA and microcystins?
A: We do test for BMAA on a periodic basis and the results are consistently below the very low analytical detection limit of 0.5 microgram/kg – meaning “non-detectable.”
Spirulina has a Class A (the highest) level of safety per the Dietary Supplement Information Expert Committee (DSI-EC) of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These independent experts reviewed all available evidence for Spirulina consumption and concluded that it does not indicate a serious risk to health of other public health concern.
Please rest assured that our spirulina is safe to use and if a lot were not to pass for any reason, it would be disposed of and not release for sale.
Q: Are the Spirulina tablets absorbed by the body as well as the powder?
A: In terms of absorption, the tablets take longer to breakdown once ingested, but this can actually be a good thing. There are many enzymes in Hawaiian Spirulina (for example superoxide dismutase is an outstanding antioxidant the human body actually produces itself as a defense mechanism against harmful reactive oxygen species). Enzymes are often destroyed by stomach acids during digestion, however spirulina tablets are only partially digested in the stomach. Their digestion is completed in the intestines. In the intestines there are no stomach acids present, so you can get the full benefitof these vital enzymes.
Q: How should spirulina be stored?
A: The single most important thing you can do to preserve spirulina once it has been opened is to refrigerate it. If kept cold (or even frozen) there should be a negligible loss of nutrients. If a 5lb. bag is ordered we recommend filling up a smaller jar for daily use and storing the remainder of the bag in an air tight zip lock bag in your refrigerator.
Q: Can children take Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: While the United State Pharmacopeia (USP) expert safety panel found no contraindications or reasons for children to not supplement with 3 grams of Spirulina, we always suggest that you consult with your health care practitioner before giving any dietary supplement including Spirulina to your child. For children that don’t like vegetables, Spirulina is a nice nutritious addition to a smoothie or shake. Please also note that Spirulina contains iron which can be harmful to children under 6 and should be kept out of reach of children. Products without child resistant closures should not be purchased for households with young children. Most of our products have child resistant closures, except 5 pound bags.
Q: Can pregnant woman take Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: While the United State Pharmacopeia (USP) expert safety panel found no contraindications or reasons not to supplement with Spirulina during pregnancy, we always suggest that you consult with your health care practitioner before using any dietary supplement including Spirulina.
Q: Does Hawaiian Spirulina contain iodine?
A: The small amount of spirulina consumed daily plus the fact that iodine occurs in only trace quantities makes the spirulina’s iodine most likely no problem for people with hypothyroidism. A daily serving of 3 grams of spirulina provides approximately 15mcg (micrograms) of iodine which is ten percent of the US recommended daily intake for iodine (150mcg) Q: Since Hawaiian Spirulina contains iron and is a source of vitamin K1 & K2, is it safe for anyone to take, regardless of their age?
A: Spirulina is safe for all ages, however if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication, we suggest you should consult your physician.
BIOASTIN QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I take BioAstin?
A: BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid and has powerful antioxidant benefits and has been clinically validated in human studies as a safe and natural antioxidant.
BioAstin supports:
•Eye and Brain Health*
•Joint and tendon health*
•Cardiovascular health*
•Skin health*
•Recovery from exercise*
Q: How much BioAstin should I take?
A: If you are taking BioAstin specifically for joint health, we recommend that you take our max dosage of 12 mg per day. After a month, you may cut back on taking BioAstin to 4-8mg per day, as you see fit. If you are taking as a general means of staying healthy, we recommend 4-6 mg of BioAstin per day.
Q: Why is Astaxanthin such an impressive antioxidant?
A: Essentially, aging is rusting. We can help prevent rusting by eating fruits and vegetables as well as taking supplements like BioAstin Astaxanthin. The nutrients found in these foods are like anti-rust nutrients. For example, if you take and apple or avocado and expose it to air for a few hours, the fruit will start to turn brown. What's happening is the that it's oxidizing or "rusting". But, if you sprinkle lemon juice which contains antioxidants on the fruit, it won't rust.
Astaxanthin is one of the world's strongest antioxidants; it's 5,000 times stronger than vitamin C (found in lemons) and much stronger than other well known antioxidants like green tea and CoQ10.
Q: Can children take BioAstin?
A: There are not specific trials in children, but since this is a natural product and is commonly eaten in many fish and seafood species, there is no reason to suspect that it would be harmful to anyone. The only disclaimer required for astaxanthin is that women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their healthcare practitioner before using. We suggest that you also consult with your healthcare provider before giving to your children.
Q: What are the Condition Specific Formulas?
A: The Condition Specific Formulas are a series of high-powered, clinically validated supplements formulated by a team of medical doctors and nutritional experts. Each formula combines BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin with thoroughly researched, clinically validated and branded ingredients. Each formula supports a specific health condition: eye, cardiovascular, neurological, joint and skin.* They are all natural, pesticide and herbicide free; contain no gluten, no lactose, no preservatives or solvents.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: What are the key differences between Hawaiian Spirulina and BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin?
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica
• Strain of blue-green algae called Spirulina platensis• Grown in fresh water with 5% deep seawater loaded with trace minerals
• 60% protein (highest source of vegetable protein)
• High in natural beta carotene (supports immune system & eye health)
• High in B vitamins, especially B-12
• Good source of GLA (helps with arthritis and joint complaints)
• Good source of SOD antioxidant enzyme
• Good source Phycocyanin (blue pigment color in nature, beneficial for liver and kidneys)
• Good source of iron
BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin
• Different strain of green algae called Haematococcus pluvialis
• Grown in fresh water (no trace minerals)
• Little protein
• One of the world’s strongest antioxidants
• Clinically proven to support joint health, brain health, eye health and skin health.
Q: Are there any side effects from taking BioAstin and Hawaiian Spirulina?
A: Spirulina and BioAstin are whole food nutritional supplements developed from microalgae. As such, they are highly nutritious food. There are no known side effects or contraindications for either BioAstin or Hawaiian Spirulina.
Q: Can I take BioAstin and Spirulina together?
A: Yes. BioAstin and Hawaiian Spirulina work well with each other when taken together as they have different benefits.
Q: What time of day should I take BioAstin/Spirulina?
A: You can take BioAstin any time of day with a meal, however Spirulina should be taken at least four hours prior to sleep as some people will notice a boost in energy. We suggest that the best time to take it is in the morning. The daily serving can be taken all at once or throughout the day- it will be effective either way. Q: Should I take your products with or without food?
A: BioAstin should be taken with food, preferably something that has fat in it, as fat will help with the absorption rate in the body. Spirulina, on the other hand, does not need to be taken with a food as it is considered a food itself.
Q: Are Hawaiian Spirulina and BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin gluten free?
A: Spirulina and BioAstin are certified gluten-free and contain no lactose.
Q. What kind of testing do you perform to ensure the quality and safety of your products?
A: We conduct testing to ensure the purity, safety and quality of each batch of our Hawaiian Spirulina and BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin. Each lot goes through a series of over 15 different tests that include microbial, heavy metals, and other analyses unique to microalgae. Our spirulina is also periodically tested for microcystins and has never been found to be contaminated with them. If a lot were not to pass our strict testing standards, it would be disposed of and not processed for sale. It is also important to note that spirulina grows in an environment with a ph level around 10, which make it very difficult for other organisms to grow (though spirulina will thrive!). Purity issues are common with low quality spirulina coming from developing countries. We take our reputation for producing the highest quality, purest and cleanest spirulina in the world very seriously. In addition to our 15 in-house quality tests, we also regularly verify our own results with independent lab analyses.
Q: Are your products impacted by the radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant in Japan? How do I know they are safe?
A: Fortunately, Fukushima has not affected Hawaii or our spirulina or our astaxanthin. Though we haven’t had any problems with radiation, we do testing in our labs and we send samples to an outside lab for radiation testing. Each test has come back negative for radiation. Our spirulina and astaxanthin products are not grown in the ocean- they are grown in lined, fresh water ponds. The 5% sea water mixture in the spirulina is pumped from 2000 ft below the ocean surface and has not seen the surface in over 2000 years. It pretty much some of the purest water you can find.Spirulina is actually quite beneficial to people who have radiation poisoning. It is given to people in Chernobyl for nutrition and has had fantastic results with healing the damage.
Q: Do you farm the spirulina and BioAstin on the Big Island of Hawaii?
A: All of Nutrex’s spirulina and BioAstin is grown on our farm (Cyanotech Corp.) located in the Natural Energy Lab Facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA.
Q: Can you give Hawaiian Spirulina or BioAstin to your pets?
A: Yes. Our products are very beneficial for dog and cats. The dosage should be reduced based on the weight of the animal. For small pets less than under 20 lbs. poke the BioAstin gelcap and squeeze a few drops on your pet’s food.
Q: Are any of your products synthetically made?
A: No. Both BioAstin and Hawaiian Spirulina are naturally grown in the Hawaiian Sun.
AUTO-DELIVERY PROGRAM QUESTIONS
Q: What's the Auto-Delivery program & how does it work?
A: Auto-delivery is our convenient replenishment program that insures that you always have either BioAstin or Hawaiian Spirulina on hand, at a 10% discount with free shipping! The shipping schedule is set to default to ship in 1-2 month increments, but you can customize the shipping schedule any way you'd like to.
After placing an Auto-delivery orders, you don't need to reorder the item again. You'll be billed for your first shipment after payment has been processed. Subsequent shipments will be billed at the locked-in 10% discount price and automatically sent on a regular shipping schedule (for example, approximately every 30 or 60 days) or on a schedule you customize. Delivery and billing are repearted until you cancel your Auto-delivery. You can cancel your Auto-delivery at any time.
For more detailed information, please visit our Auto-Delivery FAQs page.
