Lithothamnium calcareum or red algae, a natural source of calcium

The Lithothamnium calcareum or Phymatolithon calcareum It’s a red algae also known as “calcareous algae”, “red calcareous alga” or “calcic alga”. It belongs to the marine algae and was long thought to be a coral due to its red-purple color.

The red algae is considered a high quality natural source of calcium which also provides magnesium, iron, zinc and iodine. It is used as a food supplement or added to vegetable drinks to enrich them with calcium up to levels similar to those of milk of animal origin (about 120 mg of calcium per 100 g).

However, It is not allowed to add this seaweed to organic vegetable drinks because the regulations do not allow unnecessary additives for the conservation or safety of the product. But it is in the hands of the consumer who wishes to add a supplement rich in calcium to their drink.

Harvesting and processing of L. calcareum

the seaweed L.calcareum It grows between 20 and 50 meters deep on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. When the algae die, they sink to the bottom of the sea and are deposited there in a kind of trenches, where they are collected after three months or vacuumed with special devices.

The collection has to be very respectful because this alga grows slowly, only a few centimeters a year. After harvesting, the red algae is dried at a low temperature, crushed, and finally ground into a powder.

mineral content

Calcium levels are significantly higher in red algae than in brown algae, green algae, and other algae. When it dries, L.calcareum contains approximately 30% calcium and 6% magnesium.

Only a few milligrams or grams of seaweed are consumed per day as a dietary supplement, generally a maximum of 2.4 g.

This amount provides an average of 750 mg of calcium, which already covers 75% of the daily calcium requirement. Additionally, 2.4 g provides about 20% of the daily requirement for iron and magnesium.

It should be noted, however, that the mineral content of algae can fluctuate greatly, since it depends on the conditions of the place of origin.

High bioavailability of calcium in L.calcareum

Bioavailability is the percentage of a nutrient present in a food that is actually absorbed and used by the body.

Calcium is mainly absorbed through the small intestine. It reaches the blood, which distributes it throughout the body. Approximately 99% of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. Excess calcium is excreted in the urine.

80% of the calcium in L. calcareum is in the form of natural calcium carbonate, which is easily assimilated by the body.

The iodine in the L.calcareum

Most seaweed must be eaten very sparingly due to its high iodine content. This is an essential mineral for health, but in excess it can damage the functioning of the thyroid.

The L. calcareum It has iodine, but in an adequate proportion. 1 g of L. calcareum contains about 34 µg of iodine (the daily requirement is 200 µg).

Assuming a dose of 2.4 g of L. calcareum per day, they would be taken 85 µg of iodine, an adequate dose to optimize the supply of this mineral. In any case, people with thyroid problems should not take iodine supplementation without consulting their doctor.

Prevent side effects

To assimilate calcium carbonate from the L.calcareum it is necessary for the stomach to produce enough digestive acids, since these are neutralized. This is an advantage for people who suffer from excess acidity.

In order not to interfere with digestion, the red algae capsules or powder is taken at least half an hour before meals.

The amount of powder contained per capsule and the corresponding calcium content depend on the manufacturer. dust it can be diluted in water or mixed with a vegetable drink.

It is not convenient to exceed the recommended amounts because excess calcium in the diet can favor some cardiovascular diseases.

scientific references