Enerex Botanicals Ltd.’s SuperPhytoplankton Rx represents the first time a food like this has been available to the public. Now this miracle nutrient can be used by everyone to experience the remarkable restorative powersof the planet’s ‘first food’.
WHAT IS PHYTOPLANKTON?
Plankton can be broadly divided into phytoplankton (plants or photosynthetic organisms), zooplankton (animals) and bacteria. Phytoplankton carries out photosynthesis and is the base of the food chain in the ocean. Zooplanktons are heterotrophic consumers. Bacteria decompose organic matter into its non-living constituents.
Phytoplankton, often called the grasses of the sea, is microscopic marine plants. The fact that they are called "plankton" refers to the drifting life-style. If they were swimming, then the term "nekton" would be used. "Phyto" refers to "plants", which are autotrophic. Autotrophs generate organic matter using external energy. This represents the first step in the food-chain, and the autotrophic organisms are therefore called "primary producers". This contrasts with heterotrophs, which gain energy by breaking down, organic matter (secondary producers and higher trophic levels).
Phytoplankton, collectively known as micro-algae, is a designation given to all algae that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. (The special strains of phytoplankton in Super Phytoplankton contain 108 billion cells per ml as measured by a special microscope called a hemocytometer. This is equivalent to 3.6 billion cells per single capsule). The other groups of algae that inhabit the seas are the macro-algae, the kelps and fucoids. Phytoplankton provides the origin of life and nourishment along with sea vegetation in the world's oceans. Through the process of photosynthesis (photo=light; synthesis=build), these microscopic, single-celled plants nourish the entire food web of the oceans. The lives of all animals that live in the sea depend on phytoplankton for energy and minerals. Phytoplankton supplies our atmosphere with 90 percent of its oxygen. Phytoplankton has the unique ability to transform sunlight, inorganic minerals and carbon dioxide into protein, carbohydrates, essential fats and countless other phytonutrients into 'Natures Perfect Food'.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PHYTOPLANKTON
Phytoplankton forms the basis of the food chain (predominantly by photosynthesis) on earth. Like their land-based relatives, phytoplankton requires sunlight, water and nutrients for growth. Because sunlight is most abundant at and near the sea surface, phytoplankton remains at or near the surface. Also like terrestrial plants, phytoplankton contains the pigment chlorophyll, which gives them their greenish color. Chlorophyll is used by plants for photosynthesis, in which sunlight is used as an energy source to fuse water molecules and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates-plant food. Phytoplankton (and land plants) uses carbohydrates as "building blocks" to grow; fish and humans consume plants to get these same carbohydrates.
Super Phytoplankton Rx®
Since the early 1980's the concentrations of micro algae have declined in the oceans in the northern hemisphere causing concern. The scientists at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration claim that the warmer temperature and wind change could be affecting phytoplankton production. We are fortunate to have discovered a sustainable plankton food source. The advanced technology used in the manufacturing of Super Phytoplankton Rx duplicates the Earth's natural processes while at the same time eliminating any possible contamination from toxic algae which can occur when an 'algae bloom' occurs or when the sea water becomes contaminated with heavy metals or toxic compounds such as PCB's, dioxin or pathogenic bacteria or viruses.
Marine phytoplankton is not a seaweed or marine plant - marine phytoplankton is a single celled organism." It is the start of the genetic code on earth (3 billion years old) and the start of the food chain. Zooplankton feeds on phytoplankton; whales and other marine creatures feed on zooplankton.
It is also very alkalizing - well beyond what you can do by eating lots of vegetables People that are on a high protein diet (including fish) are moving the body into an acidic state. Being acidic makes it more conducive for diseases to take root. Super Phytoplankton Rx® helps restore the body's natural acid/alkaline balance. In addition, it appears to be oxygenating from the inside out (again marine phytoplankton is responsible for 90% of the earth's own oxygen production). Also, a key factor in creating an environment within the body that is not conducive for diseases to take hold and spread.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Super Phytoplankton Rx contains specific strains of phytoplankton to provide the optimum nutritional profile for human needs. There are more than 10,000 different strains of phytoplankton which have been identified; each with its own unique nutritional profile. Not all phytoplankton provide the balance of nutrients which is ideal for human development, especially the lipid profile.
Enerex's unique combination of specific strains of marine phytoplankton provides over 50% protein containing 22 amino acids, and 24% total lipids providing:
- 16% EPA and 9% DHA (omega 3)
- 12% palmitoleic acid (omega 7)
- 10% oleic acid (omega 9)
- 7% linoleic, gamma linolenic and arachidonic acid (omega 6).
Super Phytoplankton Rx provides a superior fatty acid profile including improved bio-availability over fish and vegetable oils.
LIPID UPTAKE / BIOAVAILABILITY
EPA and DHA are important constituents of membranes where they are in the phospholipids portion of the lipids. Phospholipids are needed for the transport of dietary lipids. Thus EPA/DHA in phospholipids (algae) is more efficiently used (crosses the blood/brain barrier) than EPA/DHA in oils or triglycerides (artificial enrichment products). In other words the organic transfer mechanism is much more efficient with micro algae. In their natural environment fish larvae feed on plankton whose lipid is predominately phospholipids. Thus the EPA/DHA in algae may be more useful than EPA/DHA in fish oils because the larvae need the phospholipids for transporting and using lipids in their diet.
Super Phytoplankton Rx represents a significant advancement in algae production over traditional sea water facilities.
GROWING PROCESS
Super Phytoplankton Rx is grown using sealed photo-bioreactor technology, preventing any type of contaminants from entering the systems. The advantages of photo bioreactors over conventional open ponds include lower contamination, higher biomass concentrations, and better process control.
The obvious drawback of open-culture systems is the contamination from competitors, pathogens, and predators. In addition, there are difficulties in control because of large variations in physical and chemical parameters. Thus, for the production of high-value products from a plethora of potential micro algal species, which cannot be cultured reliably in open-culture systems, incorporation of efficient photo-bioreactors is indispensable.
SECURE LOCATION
The Super Phytoplankton Rx growing facility is many miles from any type of fish, shrimp, or shellfish operation and so there are no opportunities for aquaculture pathogens to be introduced. The site is used exclusively for growing plants and uses organic techniques, prohibiting any type of chemical insecticides.
SAFE WATER SOURCE
The water at the facility is NOT ocean water. A well on-site brings up fresh water from 200' feet. The water is sterilized at 160 F' (71 C') for 20 minutes, then salts, trace nutrients, and vitamins are added to create artificial seawater. There are no vectors for seawater pathogens or heavy metals.
"STATE-OF-THE-ART" TECHNOLOGY
A variety of technologies are used for cleaning and sterilizing the water. These include micron filtration, UV light irradiation, and ozone gas saturation. These will effectively kill any type of virus or bacteria in the water. All of the water at the facility is 100% re-circulated and passes through the sterilization process on a constant basis. A custom designed computer monitoring system maintains all of these systems to ensure complete sterilization of the water.
CENTRIFUGE
The Super Phytoplankton Rx cells are harvested using large centrifuges that generate over 5,000 gravities. This does not damage the cells. This process ensures that the algae will not be contaminated by a new living species such as from an algae bloom, which can occur when phytoplankton is produced direct from sea water.
VIRUS AND BACTERIA FREE
Super Phytoplankton Rx is certified free from virus and pathogenic bacteria. Vectors for contamination are eliminated by "state-of-the-art" technology, the site's location, and the growing process. Super Phytoplankton Rx® is not axenic (100% bacteria free). Algae cultures have a symbiotic relationship with certain types of bacteria which are necessary to break down key nutrients; however none of the bacteria in the algae is harmful to animal or marine organisms.
DRYING
The centrifuge stage produces algae 'paste' containing about 30% algae. This 'paste' is then sent to a 'state-of-the-art' GMP compliant drying facility where the moisture content is reduced to less than 6% without the use of heat or solvents. The resultant algae are now in a powdered state and ready to be blended with kelp or other foods.
BLENDING WITH KELP
Enerex's proprietary formula blends the Super Phytoplankton Rx with Pacific Kelp. Pacific Kelp is another of natures 'super foods' Pacific Kelp is a superior source of organic trace minerals. Sea plants, most notably Ascophyllum Nodosom (kelp), have long been recognized as a superior source of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Kelp contains over 60 essential minerals and trace minerals and being a sea plant, these nutrients are in the most bioavailable form possible, making kelp the finest source of organic minerals on the planet. Organic minerals are the only form of mineral that the body can incorporate directly into the cells and tissues, and organic minerals are only provided by plants, with kelp being the most potent and most complete form.
When our special strains of phytoplankton are blended with kelp, the result is the most advanced 'superfood' possible. The important cellular nourishment provided by this unique formula will dramatically assist the body's ability to heal itself and should become a regular part of a healthy diet for long term good health.
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chemical migration from container to product. In all of these areas, PETE is
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barrier to oxygen or moisture; studies also show high concentrations of
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