Spirulina Worldwide

The Institution for the Use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IMSAM) is an intergovernmental entity with the status of Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council at the United Nations headquarters in New York. IMSAM recognizes that malnutrition is by far the most important single cause of illness and death globally and that it is a fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger and have access to safe and nutritious food. IMSAM believes that Spirulina can raise the level of nutrition and improve public health due to its abundance of essential proteins, minerals and vitamins that can be easily assimilated by the human body.

In keeping with its long history of humanitarian assistance, Earthrise Nutritionals recently met with IMSAM's Director-General, Ambassador H.E. Remigio Maradona, to discuss possible areas of cooperation to assist IMSAM's efforts. Earthrise endorses the institution's objectives and will provide material, educational and research support for its endeavor to use Spirulina to combat malnutrition.

The safety and nutritional benefits of Spirulina have been demonstrated in several published studies, including some sponsored by the United Nations. The following statement from an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrates the potential of Spirulina to combat malnutrition in children: "For WHO, Spirulina represents an interesting food for multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein, and able to be administered to children without any risk. We at WHO consider it a very able suitable food." (United Nations World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, June 8, 1993).

As the largest Spirulina producer in the world with over 25 years of experience, this effort is not the first time Earthrise has been involved in humanitarian assistance. Earthrise and its parent company DIC were the first corporate sponsors of a project in the use of Spirulina to fight malnutrition in children in Togo. Earthrise and DIC have also provided technical support for proposed Spirulina projects in Ethiopia and Madagascar. Earthrise has extended its assistance to the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear accident by providing Spirulina to combat radiation sickness. Moreover, Earthrise continues to sponsor participants from developing countries to attend international meetings in algal biotechnology, in order to increase their knowledge of Spirulina production and application.


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