Iceland-based food tech company VAXA Technologies announced that a new study confirmed its novel approach would enhance the production of active vitamin B12 in Spirulina.
The company has developed a novel method that can increase the production of vitamin B12 in Spirulina using photonic management in scalable photobioreactors.
The study was conducted by a team of international researchers, and its results were published in the Discover Food journal.
The team included researchers from Reichman University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, the Danish Technological Institute, and MATIS-Food and Biotech Research and Development.
The study showed that specific light conditions in photobioreactors would significantly increase the levels of biologically active vitamin B12 in Spirulina.
Also, it has achieved an active vitamin B12 content that is comparable to that found in beef, which makes Spirulina a promising substitute for traditional animal-derived vitamin B12 sources.
VAXA chief technology officer Issac Berzin said: “These findings are a significant step forward in biotechnology and sustainable nutrition.
“Located in Iceland next to a geothermal power plant VAXA leverages the plant’s resources and Icelandic pristine water to optimise photonic management and produce Spirulina with high levels of active vitamin B12, providing a viable alternative to animal-based sources and addressing a critical nutritional deficiency in a sustainable manner.”
According to VAXA, Vitamin B12 deficiency affects more than a billion people worldwide, leading to serious health issues.
The company believes that its new production method could help address a critical global micronutrient deficiency by making Spirulina a sustainable alternative to animal-based sources.
The global study presents Spirulina as a feasible, sustainable alternative to traditional animal sources, reducing environmental impacts from livestock farming.
VAXA’s Energy 2 Food novel indoor technology platform leverages advanced biotechnology implemented in a scalable food-grade production facility.
The facility is strategically located in Iceland, adjacent to one of the world’s largest geothermal power plants.
Furthermore, VAXA is expanding its ÖRLÖ food supplement line with Icelandic Ultra Spirulina products, to provide consumers with the benefits of active B12 from sustainable nutrition.
