Like chlorella or spirulina, Klamath (scientific name Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae) is a cyanobacterium that is often mistaken for an algae.

This food supplement is becoming increasingly popular for its health benefits, including the minerals, vitamins and amino acids it contains.

Unlike its cousins, few analyses and studies have been carried out on klamath.

As a result, it is difficult to find accurate information and studies on this supplement.

However, this article will try to explain the origin, the various benefits, the way to consume it and the contraindications related to the consumption of this superfood.

What is Klamath?

The Klamath takes its name from the only place it can be found: Lake Klamath in Oregon, United States.

It is in this lake, with its unique characteristics, that this remarkable cyanobacterium was born.

The high nutrient content of this "micro-algae" makes it an exceptional food.

Rich in minerals, vitamins and trace elements, it has interesting nutritional properties.

Origin and history

As mentioned above, this cyanobacterium is native to Lake Klamath in the USA.

The water of this lake is very pure, with a neutral pH, due to the melting of ice and snow from the nearby volcanic mountains with a peak of 1262 metres.

But what are the conditions that have favoured the birth of these algae in Lake Klamath?

This lake is located in the middle of several mountains at an altitude of 1300 metres.

As a result, it is completely protected from urban areas and pollution.

It is also fed by seventeen springs.

Finally, the volcanic soil filters the water and guarantees its purity.

As for the history of this superfood, its benefits were discovered around the 1970s.

It was then used as a food supplement as soon as its nutritional richness was discovered.

However, it was not until 1995 that American researchers carried out specific studies that allowed a concrete claim to be made.

Finally, in 2000, the University of Urbino in Italy also experimented with the virtues of klamath, thus confirming the previous research.

What are the active ingredients?

Like spirulina, kelp contains many different substances.

Amino acids, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, fatty acids and chlorophyll are among the components of this microalgae.

However, the main active ingredients in klamath are phenylethylamine and phycocyanin.

PEA or phenylethylamine is a neurotransmitter.

It also stimulates the central nervous system in humans.

For example, dark chocolate contains PEA, making it a very powerful natural antidepressant.

PEA also helps to increase alertness and concentration.

As for phycocyanin, it is the colouring substance of kelp, which is also found in spirulina.

This name is of Greek origin and means "blue algae".

It is a powerful antioxidant and tissue regenerator.

Benefits and virtues

If Klamath is considered an algae of a thousand virtues, what are the real health benefits of this microalgae?

An ultra-complete food

Klamath contains many nutrients that are essential for good health.

Its various components make it a very popular food supplement.

In fact, it is often used as a natural tonic by the elderly, athletes and people suffering from temporary fatigue.

It also helps to combat winter illnesses.

This is why it is recommended to take it during the change of seasons.

Vitamin B12 deficiencies in vegans or vegetarians are also replenished with Klamath.

Regulates mood

In addition to its health benefits, klamath improves your mood.

This is due to the presence of phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter known as the 'pleasure hormone'.

This releases dopamine and adrenaline, which have a positive effect on morale.

This hormone also produces feelings of well-being, joy and relief.

Several studies have shown that it also improves mood and alertness in depressed people.

Relieves the symptoms of menopause

Experiments were conducted to find out the benefits of Klamath in post-menopausal women.

Thirty patients agreed to take part in the experiment. These women took Klamath tablets (an average of 4 grams) and placebos every day for eight weeks. The study found that the women who experienced the greatest reduction in menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flushes, low libido and mood swings, were those who took Klamath.

Improves immune system function

Another property of klamath discovered by scientists is its ability to boost the immune system.

Studies have shown that the polysaccharides it contains have the ability to stimulate the creation of new cells.

Although the mechanism is not yet understood, the results of the study are encouraging.

Klamath could become a natural alternative for various infections.

It stimulates concentration

Much more than a food supplement, Klamath is a concentration booster thanks to the presence of phenylethylamine.

Several trials have been carried out on children suffering from ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The results were positive and showed that 1 gram per day of Klamath kelp significantly improved concentration difficulties and reduced anxiety.

Other studies have also shown that a daily intake of 3g of Klamath improves well-being, attention and concentration.

Are there any health risks associated with Klamath algae?

Klamath is not toxic.

However, it lives and grows with other algae that can be harmful to humans.

It also lives with algae that produce microcystin, which is very dangerous to the human liver.

Therefore, the possibility of contamination from Klamath is very high.

However, Oregon health officials have limited the amount of microcystin that can be in a pill.

In addition to these dangers, Klamath can sometimes cause side effects.

This is because people may experience stomach pain or nausea after taking the supplement.

There are two main reasons for these side effects: an overdose or the ingestion of a poor quality product.

Contraindications

Klamath kelp is one of the natural substances with few contraindications.

Adequate consumption of klamath has no side effects if the dosage is respected.

However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this kelp.

Also, people taking vitamin K, anticoagulants and antidepressants should consult their doctor before taking klamath as its PEA content may interfere with these medications.

Finally, it has a very high iodine content and should be taken with great caution by people with a history of heart disease or kidney failure.

How to consume

It is advisable to take an average of 3 grams of Klamath per day.

If the daily intake exceeds this limit, side effects may occur.

It is available in various forms: powder, tablets and capsules.

It is also recommended to take it with water or a source of vitamin C, such as fresh orange juice.

Where can I find good quality Klamath?

To benefit from the famous virtues of Klamath, it is essential to buy a quality product.

Two criteria must be taken into account.

The first is the origin of the seaweed and the second is the method and place of production.

The purity of the seaweed, its quality and the absence of toxins often depend on these two criteria.

There are several production methods, but freeze-drying is the safest.

In fact, this method makes it possible to preserve the nutritional qualities of kelp.

Finally, you can also promote a product made in Europe and labelled "AB".

This label means that the kelp has been grown in its lake of origin, that it has been inspected in Europe and that it is an organic and safe product.