Research team cultivates beef-comparable bioactive vitamin B12 from spirulina

26 Aug 2024 --- An international research team has cultivated photosynthetically controlled spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and produced carbon–neutral biomass containing biologically active vitamin B12 in levels comparable to beef. The research offers a potential sustainable solution to vitamin B12 micronutrient deficiency.

The researchers note that B12 deficiencies can be resolved with an intake of around 2.4 µg/day.

“The findings demonstrate that photosynthetically controlled spirulina (PCS) can produce desirable levels of active vitamin B12, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional animal-source foods,” says Dr. Asaf Tzachor, founder and academic director of the Aviram Sustainability and Climate Program at Reichman University, Israel.

The exploratory study was conducted by researchers from Reichman University, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Ruppin Academic Center, Danish Technological Institute and Matίs, Iceland.

Earlier this year, the health benefits of spirulina supplementation were more closely assessed for its effects on cardiometabolic disease by researchers from Qatar University. The effect of spirulina supplementation on body weight parameters has been explored in multiple clinical trials.

Biomass composition evaluated

In the study published in Discover Food, the team evaluated a biotechnology system developed by VAXA Technologies in Iceland, focusing on its engineering components, inputs (such as energy) and outputs, including biomass composition.

While spirulina blue-green algae have been proposed previously as a healthier, more sustainable substitute for meat and dairy, traditional spirulina fell short as a viable alternative because of its pseudo-vitamin B12 content, which is not bioavailable to humans. The limitation hindered its potential to address vitamin B12 deficiencies and replace beef meat in human diets, which presents significant environmental challenges.

The biotechnology system employs photonic management (modified light conditions) to enhance active vitamin B12 production in spirulina and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

The innovative approach yielded carbon-neutral, nutritious biomass containing biologically active vitamin B12 at levels comparable to beef — 1.64 µg/100 g in PCS vs 0.7–1.5 μg/100 g in beef.

Production extrapolations

The study also explores production scale-up scenarios with profound implications for global nutrition. By reallocating electricity from heavy industry, Iceland could produce 277,950 metric tons of spirulina biomass annually.

The output translates to approximately 4555 g of active vitamin B12 per year, meeting the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for over 13.8 million children aged 1–3. More ambitious scenarios suggest the potential to meet the RDA for over 26.5 million children aged 1–3 and over 50 million children aged 0–6 months.

Reichman University, in partnership with the Aviram Foundation, established the Aviram Sustainability and Climate Program in response to worldwide planetary and public health crises.

The program trains students from all disciplines to develop solutions and strategies for addressing resource scarcities, climate change, extreme weather events, and food, water and energy crises.

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