OCTOBER, 2024 - SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH

Klamath Falls, Oregon – October 10, 2024 – E3Live, a world leader in harvesting and manufacturing nutrient-dense, wild-grown AFA blue-green algae supplements, is excited to announce a long-awaited DNA breakthrough that will reshape the understanding of
algae in nutrition science.  Advanced gene sequencing, conducted by SeqCoast Genomics in Portsmouth, NH, has confirmed that E3Live's Klamath Lake AFA is genetically distinct from other
strains of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), which were previously misclassified under a single umbrella species, marking a critical step forward in algae taxonomy, nutrition, and safety studies.

Perhaps most significant in this discovery is the additional confirmation that the AFA subspecies from Upper Klamath Lake is incapable of producing harmful toxins such as cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, or anatoxin-a. This finding directly challenges the notion that all AFA species pose risks of toxicity, thus ensuring the safety of products derived from this particular strain. These results align with the broader understanding that all five AFA varieties found in Oregon waters have been proven to be non-toxic. This ensures what E3Live scientists have known for decades, that it is a safe and extraordinarily powerful superfood supplement.

Updating AFA Studies Based on Genomic Differentiation

The recent genomic evidence distinguishing Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) strains compels a reexamination of historical studies. For decades, research has assumed AFA to be a single species, leading to broad generalizations about its safety, nutritional value, and toxicity. This new differentiation between toxic and non-toxic strains highlights the need to revise previous conclusions. In line with scientific progress, outdated studies must be reassessed to reflect this specificity, especially regarding nutritional and toxicological properties. Researchers, regulatory agencies, and public health officials should incorporate these findings to provide more accurate insights, correct misconceptions, and guide future research.

This discovery is pivotal in clearing up a long-held misconception surrounding the safety and reputation of Klamath Lake’s AFA. Most articles on AFA previously misclassified it as a single species, leading to the false belief that all strains had the same properties—similar
to thinking that all varieties of mushrooms are poisonous. Understanding species differentiation is critical in both food safety and nutrition.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Stem Cell Modulation

A growing body of evidence suggests that compounds in AFA may have potential benefits related to stem cell activity. A recent study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine examined the effect of AFA consumption on circulating stem cell levels in humans. The study showed a significant increase in circulating CD34+ cells, a marker of stem cell activity, within 48 hours of AFA consumption. This research builds upon the earlier foundational work of Christian Drapeau, whose research on plant-based compounds and stem cell mobilization set the stage for these new findings. The potential therapeutic implications of AFA in regenerative medicine warrant further investigation.

Located at 4,100 feet elevation and nourished by the crystal clear spring water coming from the deep aquifers of Crater Lake, Klamath Lake's distinct ecological factors play a critical role in being the only harvestable location in the world for this rare strain. As a wild-crafted food, it has also been one of the most overly tested supplements in the market, with weekly 3rd party labs that have always exceeded state and federal regulations for product purity.
Nutritionists have long considered AFA to be the most nutrient dense of all green superfoods, boasting a nutritional profile that includes high amounts of chlorophyll, phenylethylamine (PEA), and other compounds that benefit immune and cognitive functions. Studies show that eating AFA significantly increases the number of circulating stem cells within the human body, something no other green superfood can do.

“E3Live has been the stewards of sustainably harvested Klamath Lake AFA for 29 years. With millions of consumers and their powerful testimonials, we have always known that this AFA is extremely pure, safe and beneficial, but this genomic confirmation only strengthens our commitment to bringing AFA to the world,” said Scott Ohlgren, CEO of E3Live. “Our focus remains on being stewards of the surrounding ecosystem, and harvesting, processing, and delivering pure, nutrient-rich AFA, with now an even more promising future for nutraceutical applications.”

References

Genome. (n.d.-b). NCBI.  
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Taxonomy. (n.d.). Taxonomy
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Driscoll, C. B., et al.
(2018). “A closely-related clade of globally distributed bloom-forming
cyanobacteria within the Nostocales.” Harmful Algae, 77, 93–107.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2018.05.009

Dreher, T. W., et al.
(2022). “7-epi-cylindrospermopsin and microcystin producers among diverse
Anabaena/Dolichospermum/Aphanizomenon CyanoHABs in Oregon, USA.” Harmful Algae,
116, 102241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2022.102241

Merino, J. J., et al.
(2020). “The Bluegreen Algae (AFA) Consumption over 48 h Increases the Total
Number of Peripheral CD34+ Cells in Healthy Patients.” Journal of Personalized
Medicine, 10(2), 49. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm10020049

U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. (2024). “Natural toxins in food.”
https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/natural-toxins-food