Dec 6 2011 --- AlgaeBio, a Canadian public biotechnology company that trades on the TSX Venture Exchange, had previously announced that its ultra-pure omega-3 fatty acid oil offerings occupy a rare niche in the global marketplace containing both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), the two most beneficial long-chain fatty acids that provide a wide range of health benefits.

And because AlgaeBio uses photosynthesis, rather than fermentation, to grow its microalgae at its production facilities near Holbrook, Ariz., AlgaeBio’s resulting omega-3 fatty acid oils also include a host of accompanying compounds including cancer-fighting carotenoids, cholesterol-lowering phytosterols, regenerative chlorophyll, and various vitamins that provide a wide variety of health benefits.

It’s that free, plentiful sunlight in Arizona’s high desert plains 360 days’ worth a year as well as exclusive aquaculture use of pristine aquifer brine water, and a proprietary group of prolific marine algae species, that give AlgaeBio’s product the edge.

“These added benefits are unique to our omega-3 product,” says AlgaeBio president and co-founder Andrew Ayers. “The vast majority of the companies out there producing an omega-3 algae oil don’t use a photosynthetic process.

“And if you’re not using photosynthesis, the cells don’t produce these compounds all the carotenoids, the chlorophylls, many of the phytosterols because they’re not integral to the process.”

Topping AlgaeBio’s agenda, in the near future, is the production of ultra-pure omega-3 fatty acid oils for international customers in the rapidly expanding nutraceutical and food additive markets. Ground has been broken on AlgaeBio’s $5-million, first-phase expansion to its production facilities near Holbrook, Ariz., and large-scale commercial production is expected by early 2012.

As for the added benefits provided by ol’ sol, AlgaeBio’s omega-3 fatty acid oils include three carotenoids — beta-carotene, lutein, and fucoxanthin.

Carotenoids boost the immune system, are believed to guard against certain types of cancer, and, because of their status as antioxidants, protect cells from the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, sunlight, and pollutants.

Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, also may help in the battle against heart disease by blocking the formation of bad cholesterol. Beta-carotene, the most well-known member of the carotenoid family, has powerful anti-aging properties. High intakes of lutein have been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer, while beta-carotene decreases the risk of cervical cancer. Lutein also promotes clear vision by absorbing harmful UV rays, and help lower the risk of macular degeneration.

Chlorophyll helps to rebuild and replenish red blood cells, fights carcinogens, has strong antioxidant capacity, removes heavy metals such as mercury from the body, and has been found to help reduce inflammation.

It’s believed phytosterols, like carotenoids, work to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol entering the bloodstream. They also have a proven anti-inflammatory effect, as well as strong immune-enhancing properties, and are believed to improve the body’s production of insulin.