The formulation of Bioalcalino C was developed based on the available scientific evidence regarding the use of Spirulina maxima and Acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), two ingredients characterized by high nutritional density and complementary biological activities.
The objective of the formulation is to support the body's physiological defenses, contribute to protection against oxidative stress, promote energy metabolism, and support the body's recovery under conditions of increased nutritional requirements.
Spirulina (Spirulina maxima)
Spirulina is a microalga naturally rich in high-biological-value proteins, phycocyanins, carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals.
Numerous clinical studies have documented beneficial effects on metabolism, immune response, and protection against oxidative stress.
The antioxidant effect is mainly attributed to C-phycocyanin, which is capable of reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating NADPH oxidase activity, and increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase).
Several randomized clinical studies have shown improvements in metabolic parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, and overweight, with reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol.
A meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN confirmed that spirulina supplementation leads to a significant reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure, suggesting a potential role in supporting cardiovascular health.
Further studies have shown a reduction in inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6), probably through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the modulation of the innate immune response.
In elderly subjects and athletes, spirulina has been associated with improved physical endurance, perception of fatigue, and muscle recovery, probably due to its high concentration of essential amino acids, bioavailable iron, and antioxidants.
Acerola (Malpighia glabra L.)
Acerola is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, accompanied by flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids that improve its bioavailability and amplify its biological activity.
The daily dose of 300 mg of vitamin C contributes, according to the health claims authorized by Regulation (EU) 432/2012, to:
• normal immune system function;
• protection of cells from oxidative stress;
• reduction of tiredness and fatigue;
• normal collagen formation;
• regeneration of reduced vitamin E;
• increased absorption of dietary iron.
Several clinical studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation between 200 and 500 mg/day improves plasma ascorbic acid levels and reduces oxidative stress biomarkers.
A Cochrane systematic review also highlighted that vitamin C supplementation does not prevent the onset of the common cold in the general population, but may reduce its duration and severity, especially in subjects exposed to intense physical stress.
Evidence on the Spirulina + Vitamin C combination
The combination of spirulina and vitamin C has a solid biological justification.
Vitamin C regenerates numerous intracellular antioxidant systems, while spirulina provides phycocyanins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds capable of reducing the production of free radicals.
The complementary action contributes to maintaining cellular redox balance, supporting:
• physiological immune response;
• energy metabolism;
• protection of cell membranes;
• recovery after physical stress;
• normal muscle function.
The available literature reports no negative interactions between the two ingredients; on the contrary, numerous studies suggest a possible synergy in modulating oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation.
Main clinical studies
Spirulina
Belay A. The Potential Application of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a Nutritional and Therapeutic Supplement in Health Management. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2002.
Karkos PD, Leong SC, Karkos CD, Sivaji N, Assimakopoulos DA. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011.
Serban MC, Sahebkar A, Dragan S, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2016.
Hernández-Lepe MA, López-Díaz JA, Juárez-Oropeza MA, et al. Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima supplementation on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lipid profile. Marine Drugs. 2018.
Finamore A, Palmery M, Bensehaila S, Peluso I. Antioxidant, immunomodulating and microbial-modulating activities of Spirulina. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2017.
Deng R, Chow TJ. Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina. Cardiovascular Therapeutics. 2010.
Acerola and Vitamin C
Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017.
Carr AC, Lykkesfeldt J. Discrepancies in vitamin C recommendations and requirements. Nutrients. 2021.
Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013 (subsequent updates).
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin C. EFSA Journal. 2013.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 on authorized health claims relating to foods.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism
Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health. International Journal of Biomedical Science. 2008.
Calder PC. Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. 2020.
Gombart AF, Pierre A, Maggini S. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System. Nutrients. 2020.
Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, et al. Enhancing immunity in viral infections through nutrition. Nutrients. 2020.
