Spirulina

THE WAY TO TACKLE MALNUTRITION

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a micro-organism, which grows rapidly in photosynthesis. It is referred to as a ‘cyanobacterium’. It is typically 0.1 millimetre in length, looking like a miniscule green filament rolled into a great many closely-bound spirals.

Spirulina has been eaten in some communities in Chad for centuries and to this day. Nowadays it is used principally as a dietary supplement of great nutritional and therapeutic value.

The first written records of spirulina date from the 16th century, It was eaten by the Aztecs who harvested it from lake, water, mixing it with maize to eat.
Spirulina resurfaced in the 1950s, when it was (re-)discovered by a mission of European scientists in Chad.

Spirulina Benefits

High Protein Content

Between 50 and 70% of its dry weight, a level almost twice as high as for soya

High Vitamin A Content

One gram of spirulina covers the daily requirements of vitamin A for an adult.

High B12 Content

Exceptionally high vitamin B12 content(four times higher than raw liver).

High Iron Content

Exceptionally high iron content and a high content of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium and iodine

Rich in Vitamins

Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8 and B9, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K

Source of Zinc

Excellent source of zinc, when produced in growth tanks to which zinc has been added.

8 Essential Aminoacids

The eight essential amino acids which the body cannot synthesise

15 Pigments

Including chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumour properties

How Spirulina can tackle malnutrition?

In 1999, at the World Nutrition Congress, Antenna and the Medical College of Madurai presented the results of the clinical trials which were conducted in southern India. Main finding was that a daily dose of 1 to 3 grams of spirulina, over a period of four to six weeks, could be sufficient to cure young children aged five years or younger of mild to moderate malnutrition.

The study ended with a recommendation to the Indian government about the supply of free spirulina in schools, particularly in deprived regions.

Spirulina as sustainable model for villages

Spirulina cultivation is also a way for the poorest of the poor to create a sustainable economic activity. It is here – in promoting the development of local communities – that spirulina stands out clearly from the ready-to-use dietary supplements that are imported and distributed by certain large international organisations.

Local production means that there is a local supply, separate from the broader market, and from international policies.

Given the quantity of protein produced, it requires very little space – 15 times less than sugar cane, 20 times less than soya and 250 times less than rice. It needs three to four times less water than soya, five times less than maize, and 40 times less than beef

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Our main objective of spirulina program

Our main objective of spirulina program is to empower rural women and children in combating malnutrition through the local production and distribution of spirulina.

At the moment we are in the process of modernizing our spirulina cultivation model. We are currently testing a bioreactor technology kit for spirulina cultivation. This vertical production method heightens productivity and guarantees a clean growing medium.

This model will be later used together with our partner villages to allow women to produce high-quality spirulina for their own consumption and create an income-generating activity in their villages.

-Amutha, Spirulina Team

We Produce Quality Spirulina in Raceway Tank

Our 20×60-feet raceway tank is optimized for high-quality and bulk spirulina production, capable of yielding up to 20 kg. Regular harvesting and processing will keep the spirulina at peak quality.

-Murugeshwari, Spirulina Team

We Check Quality

Consistent maintenance and monitoring are crucial for efficient spirulina production. Regular checks ensure clean water, balanced pH, and proper temperature. Effective aeration, nutrient management, and lighting are essential. Combine this with lab testing to maintain high-quality output and optimal efficiency.

– Malini , Spirulina Team

Malnutrition Survey Report

We have gathered feedback from people who used the free spirulina supplement provided by Antenna Trust 20 years ago,

Survey of the Effect of the Spirulina Fortified Diet on the children’s health provided 10-17 years ago.

Date : 26th September 2022

Agenda : Long Term Effects of Spirulina Fortified Children – After 10-15 years

Case 1: Place - Alathur Colony, Alathur Village
Previous History - Suffering from Strabismus(Crossed eye)and Physical Disability associated with his legs. Mr Ramar started his fortified diet at the age of 4 years. He continued his diet for one year. He still suffers from the diseases he was born with. During our conversation, he said that he liked the Fortified Chikkis, Ladoos and Caramel covered puffed Rice Ball. Because of his condition, he was deprived even from a Primary Education. He currently lives with his brother, who takes care of him.

Case 3 : Mr. JohnPrevious History - Suffered from Hyperthyroid as well as Hypothyroidism.Pic - Mr. John at 44 years young. Mr. John works as a Car Driver, He has been continuously consuming Spirulina in the gelatin capsule form along with Amla for the past 7 years. His case is quite interesting because he is now recovered from his condition of Hyperthyroidism. To be more specific he first suffered from Hypothyroidism but later when he started the consumption of Spirulina he was having Hyperthyroidism. The company of which capsules he consumes is - Gerophyta. Mr. John reports feeling more active, less tiredness and a better eyesight. Mr John weighs 95 kilos and says that his weight has been constant for the past three years.

Case 4 : Mrs Dhanlaxmi, Mrs Kanimuli, Mr PrabhagarPrevious History : No report of any Health Ailments, Malnutrition, etc.In the process of continuing our expedition, we came across a woman who was milking the cows. On asking her about Spirulina she admitted that her children had consumed the fortified snacks 15 years ago. All of her children were healthy and had no issues during their birth and in the period of their infancy. Mrs. Dhanlaxmi is 25 yr old and has completed matriculation, Mrs. Kanimuli is 23yr old and holds an MBA degree, the youngest of the sibling Mr. Prabhagar is 21 yr old and is currently pursuing B.A LL.B. Their mother, in conversation with us, said that they consumed it because it was tasty for them and for no specific health reason.

Case 5: Ms Manoomani, Mr. Vasithramani.Pic - Miss. Manonmani in conversation with Miss. Malini about herself and her sister.We then in a very complex street, somehow reached a house where we met Ms. Manoomani. She is a B.A, B.Ed and currently works as a Teacher in a Primary School. Her brother, Mr Vasithramani is a B.A and we couldn't meet him as he had gone to work. They were 15 and 11 yr old respectively when they had started their diet, she said she felt very active during her diet and missed it when the distribution had stopped. Both of them do not suffer from any Health Problems before, after the diet as well as in today’s date.

Case 6.: Mrs. VasanthiPrevious History : No report of any Health Ailments, Malnutrition, etc.Pic - Miss Malini in conversation with Mrs. Vasanthi’s mother.Our next stop was to Mrs. Vasanthi’s mother in Kathakinaru Village. We spoke to her inquiring about the whereabouts of her daughter to which she said that after completing her degree in B.A Tamil she got married and now lives with her husband. Mrs. Vasanthi has been consuming the diet since the age of 5 yr for a period of 5 years. There have been no side effects at all and observable weight gain while her childhood was seen during her fortified diet. Her mother was quite happy with the service and inquired why the distribution stopped all of a sudden.

Case 7 : Mr Ashokamman Mrs. PandiammalPrevious History : Mr Ashokamman - Suffering from Mental Retardness. Mrs. Pandiammal - No report of any Health Ailments, Malnutrition, etc. Pic - In conversation with Mrs. Pandiammal and her father.We had our first conversation with Mr. Ashokamman’s father. He immediately remembered when Mrs. Amutha 15 yr ago with her colleagues used to come to distribute amongst over 100 children. Mr. Ashokamman(35 yr) had gone to work when we were present there. He works as a Mason on a Daily wage basis, previously he also worked as a Coolie, which suggests that he is physically fit. During our conversation his father opened up about Mr. Ashokamman’s suffering from malnutrition. He states that now he is completely okay and the Spirulina Fortified diet is responsible for the recovery.We also spoke to Mr. Ashokamman’s sister Miss. Pandiammal, about her experience and review about the Spirulina diet, to which she says she was very much fond of the chikkies and ladoos. Her love for the snacks was so much that she used to wait everyday for Mrs. Amutha to come along with her colleagues to distribute the Snacks. This was very evident as we saw her instantly recognizing her after 15 long years