Recent research explores the cultivation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) under controlled light conditions in scalable photobioreactors to produce biologically active, unopposed Vitamin B12. This is significant because traditional Spirulina contains mostly pseudo-vitamin B12, which is not biologically active for humans. The study describes a method of cultivating Spirulina using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a photobioreactor system located in Iceland. The research demonstrates that the resulting Spirulina biomass contains levels of active Vitamin B12 comparable to those found in beef, positioning it as a viable alternative source of this essential nutrient. The study also discusses the potential for scaling up production to help mitigate global Vitamin B12 deficiencies, particularly in regions where meat consumption is limited.
Key Points:
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A global issue affecting over a billion people, traditionally mitigated by meat and dairy consumption.
- Spirulina’s Nutritional Value: While rich in various nutrients, traditional Spirulina lacks biologically active Vitamin B12.
- Innovative Cultivation: The study uses photonic management in photobioreactors to produce Spirulina with active Vitamin B12.
- Sustainability: The process is carbon-neutral, offering a sustainable alternative to meat production.
- Global Impact: Scaling up could significantly contribute to addressing Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in children.
Source
Photonic Management of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in Scalable Photobioreactors to Achieve Biologically Active Unopposed Vitamin B12, Discover Food, 2024-08-07
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