Which is best? Phycocyanin in liquid, powder or tablet form?

Phycocyanin is a super protein with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to the health. This blue pigment has many benefits for the body, but there are significant differences depending on the form used. Phycocyanin comes in several formats and each has its own characteristics. In this article, we will see why the best way to consume this super protein is as liquid phycocyanin.

Phycocyanin comes in which forms?

Phycocyanin is a natural protein found in some blue-green algae, such as spirulina. This pigmented protein is commonly used as a dietary supplement because it has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can stimulate the immune system. Phycocyanin comes in various solid forms, such as powder or pills, and also exists in liquid form.

Phycocyanin powder:

Phycocyanin powder is one of the most commonly used forms as a dietary supplement. This form of the blue protein can be produced in different ways. It has to go through a drying process at 40 or 50°C to produce a fine powder. This drying process results in the loss of many of the benefits of phycocyanin. Indeed, in its native form, phycocyanin is associated with water molecules. The drying process changes its three-dimensional structure, resulting in a loss of its antioxidant power. Phycocyanin in powder form also has low bioavailability, which means the body absorbs it less effectively, thereby limiting its benefits.

Phycocyanin tablets and capsules:

To produce phycocyanin capsules or tablets the same extraction, purification and drying process must be gone through as for phycocyanin powder. Additional processing processes are, however, required to obtain the tablet and capsule form. To produce them, binders, additives, preservatives and sometimes even dyes have to be added to the phycocyanin powder so that tablets can be made. All these processes needed to manufacture capsules and tablets further deteriorate phycocyanin, which the body has more difficulty absorbing and that has lost some of its effectiveness.

Liquid phycocyanin: optimal purity

Liquid phycocyanin is the rarest, but also the purest and most stable form of this super protein. It is often used in research to carry out studies on phycocyanin. This protein is also naturally soluble in water - which means in its native form in cyanobacteria, phycocyanin is bound to water. Liquid phycocyanin is extracted from the biomass of blue algae such as spirulina. Then, the extracted phycocyanin is purified to remove impurities and obtain a pure phycocyanin solution. Producing this blue protein as a liquid solution means the original chemical structure of natural phycocyanin is kept and its biological functions are more effective and more easily absorbed by the body, so all its benefits are retained.

What is “liquid” phycocyanin in its “native” form?

Phycocyanin is a protein with a complex structure, which is bound to water in its native form in blue-green algae. PHYCOMANIA offers phycocyanin in its native liquid form with an exceptional level of quality, because it keeps its structural integrity so its health benefits can be fully enjoyed. PHYCOMANIA products are, therefore, presented in the form of a highly concentrated solution so the phycocyanin can be rapidly absorbed by the body and all the benefits can be enjoyed quickly and easily. PHYCOMANIA offers two phycocyanin-based products:

• 10K: this is the most concentrated solution of phycocyanin in its native form. 10K is comprised of pure phycocyanin bound to water, stabilised fresh in vegetable glycerine, so the antioxidant potential of phycocyanin can be fully attained. This food supplement has many benefits for the body. It can be used to help the muscles relax after physical exertion, and can also regulate blood pressure and the heart rate.
• RHIN BLUE: this solution comes in a bottle and has been developed to reduce fatigue and fight oxidation. This dietary supplement based on liquid phycocyanin is also enriched with acerola, caffeine and taurine. The synergy between the different components of RHIN BLUE has a stimulating and energising effect, but also helps the body fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

The advantages of consuming liquid phycocyanin in its native form compared with phycocyanin powder:

Phycocyanin is produced using a complex extraction process. The production of tablets, capsules and phycocyanin powder requires the use of drying methods that can be harmful to the protein, and additives are required to stabilise the products. Liquid phycocyanin, however, is the purest form of phycocyanin currently available on the market. These characteristics give liquid phycocyanin many advantages compared with other forms:

Liquid phycocyanin is absorbed faster and more easily than phycocyanin powder:

The liquid form of phycocyanin is more easily assimilated by the body than other forms of the protein. This is because in its native form, this protein is naturally associated with water. By producing a phycocyanin in liquid form, all its structural characteristics that give it its benefits are kept. Powdered phycocyanin, however, must go through a drying process, and loses its original structure, resulting in a loss of benefits.

So, by consuming liquid phycocyanin it is taken more quickly into the bloodstream, from where it can be efficiently distributed to the body’s cells and tissue. Thanks to these characteristics, the benefits can be obtained quickly and optimally from this super protein if it is consumed in the form of a liquid solution, unlike if taken in powder or capsule form.

Liquid phycocyanin is easier to digest than phycocyanin powder:

Liquid phycocyanin is a dietary supplement that is easy to digest. Indeed, the liquid form does not contain any fibre, thereby preventing any digestive disorders from occurring. Consuming phycocyanin powder or capsules may cause digestive disorders in some people, such as bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation. Liquid phycocyanin, however, is gentle on the digestive system and can be consumed without fear of such unpleasant symptoms.

Liquid phycocyanin is easier to use than phycocyanin powder:

Liquid phycocyanin is a convenient and easy way to get your daily dose of this powerful food supplement. Unlike other forms, such as powder or capsules, liquid blue protein is easy to take. Just add it to a drink or food and enjoy its benefits. It also has a mild and discreet taste, so it can give a smoother flavour to the drinks it is added to. Liquid phycocyanin is also easy to dose. Just choose and measure and the amount according to individual needs.

Liquid phycocyanin also works in synergy with other nutrients:

Liquid phycocyanin is an incredibly powerful supplement, which can be mixed with other nutrients to create a synergistic effect. These protective properties are particularly enhanced if this blue-green pigment is used with antioxidants, which can help protect cells and organs from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, when combined with taurine and caffeine as in RHIN BLUE, phycocyanin can give a rapid energy boost for those who need it. So, it’s a great choice for athletes and people looking for an effective way to increase their energy levels.

Finally, liquid phycocyanin is the most powerful and purest form of this dietary supplement. This blue pigment in solution is the most suitable form for ensuring that the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunostimulant benefits of phycocyanin can be enjoyed to the full. 

With 10K, PHYCOMANIA obtained the highest concentration potential of native and liquid phycocyanin, stabilised fresh, with a guaranteed 10,000 mg (10K) of phycocyanin per litre. There are liquid phycocyanins on the market announcing concentrations of more than 12,000 mg per litre (12K), even up to 32K (32,000 mg/litre). It is important to note that these products must have been enriched with phycocyanin powder, because in its native form, at such concentrations, it is impossible to stabilise the fresh native phycocyanin without reducing its qualities.

There is, therefore, no point in enriching it, since the extra cannot be absorbed. The concentration is effective, but there are no additional benefits.