💙 What Is Phycocyanin? The Blue Pigment in Spirulina, Explained
Blog title: What Is Phycocyanin? The Blue Pigment in Spirulina, Explained
Spirulina is famous for being green, but the pigment behind a lot of the attention is actually blue. It is called phycocyanin, and it is why “blue spirulina” products exist. If you have wondered what phycocyanin is and where it comes from, this guide explains it factually, using the liquid extract Xelliss PhycoSci X20 as a worked example. This is an ingredient explainer, and no health claims are made for spirulina or phycocyanin here.
⚡ The Short Answer
Phycocyanin is a naturally occurring blue pigment found in spirulina, a type of blue-green microalgae. It belongs to a family of pigment proteins that help algae capture light. It is what gives spirulina its bluish tint and is the reason concentrated “blue spirulina” products look so vivid. This describes what the pigment is, not what it does in the body.
🌊 First, What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that grows in water. It has been eaten as a food in various cultures.
Spirulina naturally contains plant protein, along with vitamins, minerals and pigments like phycocyanin.
Phycocyanin is the blue pigment within it. Whole spirulina looks green because it also contains green chlorophyll.
Sold as powder, tablets and, as here, a liquid extract concentrated for its phycocyanin.
🔬 Spirulina Maxima vs Spirulina Platensis
There are two main species used in supplements. As a factual point of algae science, Spirulina maxima (Arthrospira maxima) contains up to 20 to 30 percent more phycocyanin than the other main species, Spirulina platensis. PhycoSci X20 is built on maxima specifically to concentrate the phycocyanin. This is a comparison of the pigment content of two algae species, not a health claim.
⚙️ How the Extract Is Made
What makes a liquid phycocyanin extract different from spirulina powder is the extraction. PhycoSci X20 uses a process the manufacturer calls EPNA. Described factually:
A solvent-free, water-based extraction rather than a chemical solvent process.
Kept cold and heat-free, which helps preserve the phycocyanin during extraction.
The spirulina is cultivated in a controlled photobioreactor system rather than open ponds.
A controlled system that uses water and sunlight efficiently and helps prevent contamination.
🌿 What’s in PhycoSci X20
The formula is deliberately simple. Described factually, included as part of the overall formulation:
The concentrated source of phycocyanin and spirulina’s plant compounds.
A mild stabilizer base that makes the extract easy to take.
It is a pure, GMO-free extract with no synthetic additives. Read the label for the full declaration.
🥄 How to Use It
Adults, pour 8 ml daily into a glass of water using the measuring cup.
Shake well before use, dilute in water and drink. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 45 days.
A plant-derived extract. Check the label for the full declaration.
🔄 Related Products in the Range
The liquid phycocyanin extract.
A Spirulina maxima food supplement.
The vegan multivitamin capsule.
Browse everything on the official Zinzino site.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is phycocyanin?
A naturally occurring blue pigment protein found in spirulina, a blue-green microalgae. It gives spirulina its bluish tint and is the pigment behind “blue spirulina” products.
Why is spirulina green if phycocyanin is blue?
Whole spirulina also contains green chlorophyll, so the green dominates. Phycocyanin is the blue pigment within it.
What is the difference between Spirulina maxima and platensis?
They are two species used in supplements. As a factual point, Spirulina maxima contains up to 20 to 30 percent more phycocyanin than platensis, which is why maxima is used in PhycoSci X20.
How is PhycoSci X20 extracted?
Through a solvent-free, cold and heat-free water-based process the manufacturer calls EPNA, from spirulina grown in a controlled photobioreactor.
How do I take it?
Adults, pour 8 ml daily into a glass of water using the measuring cup. Shake well before use.
How should I store it?
Store unopened bottles in a dark, dry place or refrigerator. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 45 days.
⚠️ Safety Notes
For adults. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of children. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a medical condition. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary from person to person and depend on a balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and other lifestyle habits. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. For adults. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a medical condition.