Energy Independent Europe

When we speak about the EU and environment the first thing we must get to is the EU Environmental Policy. The aim of this policy is to promote a resource efficient economy whilst protecting the EU population’s health. The essence of cooperation lies in the ability of the EU Member States to work together for a common agreement on environmental matters and then working this policy into a consensus with the international community.

1. How is EU fighting energy pollution?

The EU has stated there must be an extension on the sustainability scheme of solid and gaseous biomass in electricity, heating and cooling processes. There are three principles which a European wide policy on biomass sustainability needs to meet:

· Effectiveness in dealing with problems of sustainable biomass use

· Cost-efficiency in meeting the objectives

· Consistency with existing policies

This approach encourages efficient energy consumption from renewable sources, the improvement of energy supply and the economic stimulation of a dynamic energy sector in which Europe can set an example with.

On 27 March 2013, the European Commission published its first Renewable Energy Progress Report (European Union, 2013) under the framework of the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive. Since the adoption of this directive and the introduction of legally renewable energy targets, most Member States experienced significant growth in renewable energy consumption. 2010 indicators show that the EU as a whole is on its trajectory towards the 2020 targets with a renewable energy share of 12.7%.

An EU paper from which we can take important information is the Renewable Energy Road Map (European Union, 2007c). This road map is an integral part of the review of European energy policy which took place in early 2007 (Energy Package) and it promotes renewable energy sources in the long term strategy. Aiming to enable the EU to meet the twin objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing security of energy supply, it includes the target of producing 20% of total EU energy consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020. As well as measures for promoting renewable energy sources in the electricity, biofuels, heating and cooling sectors, it proposes the creation of a new legislative framework to enhance the promotion and use of renewable energy. This legislation states that each Member State is required to adopt mandatory targets and action plans in line with its potential, these must include specific measures and objectives for the three following sectors: electricity, biofuels, heating and cooling.

Starting January 2014, the EU established new targets in terms of renewable energy resources. The aim is to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and produce 27% of its energy from renewable sources. This is said to be the toughest climate change target ever established anywhere in the world.

2. Policies and measures in the EU

The Commission proposes the following measures to improve the internal market and remove the barriers to developing renewable energy:

· Reducing the administrative burden.

· Improving transparency and provision of information.

· Adjusting and increasing the number of installations and interconnection systems.

· Supporting, promoting and encouraging renewable energy sources throughout different visible actions.

· Encourage dialogue and cooperation at local/national level as well as at the European level with the grid authorities, European electricity regulators and the renewable energy industry, to enable better integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid.

· Encouraging optimal use of the existing financial instruments (Structural and Cohesion Funds) with the focus on supporting research and disseminating the funds between the following technology strategies, Strategic Energy Technology Plan (European Union, 2007a), the Framework Program for Research and Technological Development(European Union, 2007b), the Intelligent Energy for Europe Program (European Union, 2003).

· Ensuring the exchange of best practices between countries.

As a conclusion, all Member States local and regional authorities are encouraged to make maximum use of the instruments available to them and to promote the development of renewable energy sources through administrative simplification and improved planning.

3. Cost – benefit analysis

The costs of having the technological tools to sustain renewable energy processes are very controversial. Some say that they are actually destroying more of the environment because of the carbon produced by these very tools and that the high expensive means there are far better options for investing in sustainability. In reality, these renewable energy sources produce almost zero greenhouse gas emissions and the Commission estimates that the 20% target will make it possible to cut CO2 emissions by 600-900 million tonnes per year, generating savings of between €150 billion and €200 billion. It is estimated that these savings equate to over 250 million TOE (tonne of oil equivalent) per year by 2020, of which 200 million TOE would otherwise have to be imported.

At the moment renewable energies are actually cheaper than coal and nuclear power. There are no input costs for wind and solar energy. For example, while one has to buy coal for a coal-fired power plant to generate electricity (coal mining itself has huge environmental costs), solar and wind energy don’t have input costs as such – sunlight and wind are free, once the costs of the installations are covered.

Additionally, developing the technologies used in the renewable energy sector will create new business opportunities and employment. The United Nations Environment Program (United Nations, 1972), defines such activities as work in the fields, agriculture, manufacturing, development and research, administration and service activities that contribute substantially to the preservation and restoration of the environmental quality asGreen Jobs These jobs help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce materials and energy and water consumption through high efficiency strategies whilst avoiding all forms of pollution and waste.

The cost of renewable energy has been decreasing for the last 20 years, but it still remains higher than that of conventional energy sources. This issue of the cost difference still lies in the inaccurate analysis made for the differences between the external costs of fossil fuels and the investment in sustainable technology, and short sightedness of behalf of energy companies.

4. Cooperation needed between Member States

At the European level, Member States can benefit from the exchange of an amount of energy from renewable sources using a statistical transfer which means they can set up joint projects concerning the production of electricity and heating from renewable sources and it is also possible to establish cooperation with third countries. There are certain conditions that must be met, according to D4 Report - Design options for cooperation mechanisms between Member States under the new European Renewable EnergyDirective (European Union, 2014).

· The electricity must be consumed in the Community;

· The electricity must be produced by a newly constructed installation (after June 2009);

· The quantity of electricity produced and exported must not benefit from any other support.

5. Guarantee of origin

Each Member State must be able to guarantee the origin of electricity, heating and cooling produced from renewable energy sources. The information contained in these guarantees of origin is normalized and should be recognized in all Member States. It may also be used to provide consumers with information on the composition of the different electricity sources.

6. Access to and operation of the grids

Member States should build the necessary infrastructures for energy from renewable sources in the transport sector. To this end, they should:

· Ensure that operators guarantee the transport and distribution of electricity from renewable sources.

· Provide for priority access for this type of energy.

The Commission makes recommendations related to sustainability and strongly encourages Member States to take them into account in order to ensure consistency between existing or future national sustainability schemes. The recommendations are mainly based on the sustainability scheme included in all the Directives given starting 1997 – 2013. If these schemes are adhered to then it looks bright for the future energy needs of the EU.

In 2014, renewable energy contributed 21.8% of the total amount of energy used in the EU. 
Unfortunately, there was a big difference between countries across Europe in terms of renewable energy. 
In fact, in some countries there is a high percentage of electricity generated by renewable sources, such as in Austria (66%), Sweden (59.6%), Portugal (56.5%) or my Croatia (35.5%). 
Despite the good climatic resources of the Mediterranean area, many countries in Southern Europe don’t have a high percentage of electricity generated from renewable energy, including Cyprus and Malta, which respectively end the list with 3.4% and 0.1%. 
How could you explain this issue? 
Do you think the European Union should invest money to encourage the production of renewable energy? 
How is the situation in your country?

LEDS - THE FUTURE IS HERE

Like all great inventions, the light bulb can’t be credited to one inventor. It was a series of small improvements on the ideas of previous inventors that have led to the light bulbs we use in our homes today.

INCANDESCENT BULBS LIGHT THE WAY
Long before Thomas Edison patented -- first in 1879 and then a year later in 1880 -- and began commercializing his incandescent light bulb, British inventors were demonstrating that electric light was possible with the arc lamp. In 1835, the first constant electric light was demonstrated, and for the next 40 years, scientists around the world worked on the incandescent lamp, tinkering with the filament (the part of the bulb that produces light when heated by an electrical current) and the bulb’s atmosphere (whether air is vacuumed out of the bulb or it is filled with an inert gas to prevent the filament from oxidizing and burning out). These early bulbs had extremely short lifespans, were too expensive to produce or used too much energy.

When Edison and his researchers at Menlo Park came onto the lighting scene, they focused on improving the filament -- first testing carbon, then platinum, before finally returning to a carbon filament. By October 1879, Edison’s team had produced a light bulb with a carbonized filament of uncoated cotton thread that could last for 14.5 hours. They continued to experiment with the filament until settling on one made from bamboo that gave Edison’s lamps a lifetime of up to 1,200 hours -- this filament became the standard for the Edison bulb for the next 10 years. Edison also made other improvements to the light bulb, including creating a better vacuum pump to fully remove the air from the bulb and developing the Edison screw (what is now the standard socket fittings for light bulbs).

(Historical footnote: One can’t talk about the history of the light bulb without mentioning William Sawyer and Albon Man, who received a U.S. patent for the incandescent lamp, and Joseph Swan, who patented his light bulb in England. There was debate on whether Edison’s light bulb patents infringed on these other inventors’ patents. Eventually Edison’s U.S. lighting company merged with the Thomson-Houston Electric Company -- the company making incandescent bulbs under the Sawyer-Man patent -- to form General Electric, and Edison’s English lighting company merged with Joseph Swan’s company to form Ediswan in England.)

What makes Edison’s contribution to electric lighting so extraordinary is that he didn’t stop with improving the bulb -- he developed a whole suite of inventions that made the use of light bulbs practical. Edison modeled his lighting technology on the existing gas lighting system. In 1882 with the Holborn Viaduct in London, he demonstrated that electricity could be distributed from a centrally located generator through a series of wires and tubes (also called conduits). Simultaneously, he focused on improving the generation of electricity, developing the first commercial power utility called the Pearl Street Station in lower Manhattan. And to track how much electricity each customer was using, Edison developed the first electric meter.

While Edison was working on the whole lighting system, other inventors were continuing to make small advances, improving the filament manufacturing process and the efficiency of the bulb. The next big change in the incandescent bulb came with the invention of the tungsten filament by European inventors in 1904. These new tungsten filament bulbs lasted longer and had a brighter light compared to the carbon filament bulbs. In 1913, Irving Langmuir figured out that placing an inert gas like nitrogen inside the bulb doubled its efficiency. Scientists continued to make improvements over the next 40 years that reduced the cost and increased the efficiency of the incandescent bulb. But by the 1950s, researchers still had only figured out how to convert about 10 percent of the energy the incandescent bulb used into light and began to focus their energy on other lighting solutions.

ENERGY SHORTAGES LEAD TO FLUORESCENT BREAKTHROUGHS
In the 19th century, two Germans -- glassblower Heinrich Geissler and physician Julius Plücker -- discovered that they could produce light by removing almost all of the air from a long glass tube and passing an electrical current through it, an invention that became known as the Geissler tube. A type of discharge lamp, these lights didn’t gain popularity until the early 20th century when researchers began looking for a way to improve lighting efficiency. Discharge lamps became the basis of many lighting technologies, including neon lights, low-pressure sodium lamps (the type used in outdoor lighting such as streetlamps) and fluorescent lights.

Both Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla experimented with fluorescent lamps in the 1890s, but neither ever commercially produced them. Instead, it was Peter Cooper Hewitt’s breakthrough in the early 1900s that became one of the precursors to the fluorescent lamp. Hewitt created a blue-green light by passing an electric current through mercury vapor and incorporating a ballast (a device connected to the light bulb that regulates the flow of current through the tube). While the Cooper Hewitt lamps were more efficient than incandescent bulbs, they had few suitable uses because of the color of the light.

By the late 1920s and early 1930s, European researchers were doing experiments with neon tubes coated with phosphors (a material that absorbs ultraviolet light and converts the invisible light into useful white light). These findings sparked fluorescent lamp research programs in the U.S., and by the mid and late 1930s, American lighting companies were demonstrating fluorescent lights to the U.S. Navy and at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. These lights lasted longer and were about three times more efficient than incandescent bulbs. The need for energy-efficient lighting American war plants led to the rapid adoption of fluorescents, and by 1951, more light in the U.S. was being produced by linear fluorescent lamps.

It was another energy shortage -- the 1973 oil crisis -- that caused lighting engineers to develop a fluorescent bulb that could be used in residential applications. In 1974, researchers at Sylvania started investigating how they could miniaturize the ballast and tuck it into the lamp. While they developed a patent for their bulb, they couldn’t find a way to produce it feasibly. Two years later in 1976, Edward Hammer at General Electric figured out how to bend the fluorescent tube into a spiral shape, creating the first compact fluorescent light (CFL). Like Sylvania, General Electric shelved this design because the new machinery needed to mass-produce these lights was too expensive.

Early CFLs hit the market in the mid-1980s at retail prices of $25-35, but prices could vary widely by region because of the different promotions carried out by utility companies. Consumers pointed to the high price as their number one obstacle in purchasing CFLs. There were other problems -- many CFLs of 1990 were big and bulky, they didn’t fit well into fixtures, and they had low light output and inconsistent performance. Since the 1990s, improvements in CFL performance, price, efficiency (they use about 75 percent less energy than incandescents) and lifetime (they last about 10 times longer) have made them a viable option for both renters and homeowners. Nearly 30 years after CFLs were first introduced on the market, an ENERGY STAR® CFL costs as little as $1.74 per bulb when purchased in a four-pack.

LEDS: THE FUTURE IS HERE
One of the fastest developing lighting technologies today is the light-emitting diode (or LED). A type of solid-state lighting, LEDs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light, are often small in area (less than 1 square millimeter) and emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light.

They are also the most efficient lights on the market. Also called luminous efficacy, a light bulb’s efficiency is a measure of emitted light (lumens) divided by power it draws (watts). A bulb that is 100 percent efficient at converting energy into light would have an efficacy of 683 lm/W. To put this in context, a 60- to 100-watt incandescent bulb has an efficacy of 15 lm/W, an equivalent CFL has an efficacy of 73 lm/W, and current LED-based replacement bulbs on the market range from 70-120 lm/W with an average efficacy of 85 lm/W.

In 1962 while working for General Electric, Nick Holonyak, Jr., invented the first visible-spectrum LED in the form of red diodes. Pale yellow and green diodes were invented next. As companies continued to improve red diodes and their manufacturing, they began appearing as indicator lights and calculator displays in the 1970s. The invention of the blue diode in the 1990s quickly led to the discovery of white LEDs -- researchers simply coated the blue diodes with a phosphor to make it appear white. Shortly thereafter, researchers demonstrated white light using red, green and blue LEDs. These breakthroughs led to LEDs being used in a variety of applications including traffic lights, flashlights and TVs.

To make LEDs an option for general lighting, researchers next had to focus on improving the efficiency of LEDs -- which in the beginning were no more efficient than incandescent bulbs. In 2000, the Energy Department partnered with private industry to push white LED technology forward by creating a high-efficiency device that packaged LEDs together.

When the Department announced the L Prize competition in 2008 (a competition designed to spur the development of ultra-efficient solid-state lighting products to replace common lighting technologies), there were just a few LED bulbs on the market that could serve as a replacement for incandescents, and most were 25-40 watt equivalents. In late 2009, Philips Lighting North America entered its LED bulb in the L Prize 60-watt replacement category. (Why focus on this type of bulb? In 2010, the Department estimated there were approximately 971 million 60-watt incandescent bulbs in use.) After a rigorous evaluation process, including testing by independent laboratories and field assessments, the Energy Department announced that Philips Lighting North America won the first L Prize in 2011. The ability to hit the tough L Prize performance targets showed it could be done and drove others in the market to strive higher.

Lighting companies continued to make improvements to both the quality of light and the energy efficiency of LEDs while cutting their costs. Since 2008, the cost of LED bulbs has fallen more than 85 percent, and most recently, a number of retailers announced that they will sell LEDs at $10 or less. Today’s LED bulbs are also six to seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights, cut energy use by more than 80 percent and can last more than 25 times longer. Taken together, these advancements have led to rapid deployment in the past of couple years in both commercial and residential applications. In 2012 alone, more than 49 million LEDs were installed in the U.S. -- saving about $675 million in annual energy costs -- and as prices continue to drop, LEDs are expected to become a common feature in homes across the country.

Incandescents and existing lighting fixtures use designs that date back to Edison’s days. Replacing the old bulbs with LEDs is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving energy on lighting. LED lighting systems designed to take full advantage of LED’s strengths have even greater energy-savings potential than forcing LEDs into 19th century fixtures.

It’s hard to tell where lighting technology will go in the future, but one thing is clear: it won’t be your grandfather’s light bulb.

Merry Christmas

As 2014 comes to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our work. It's because of people like you that countless individuals around the world are now living better life stories. With your support, we're able to take meaningful and measurable action in several ways.
Thank you again for helping to empower individuals and strengthen green communities in Croatia, and around the world. Together, we're building the kind of world we want all our children and grandchildren to live in.
From everyone at the Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (#CCRES) - Merry Christmas, and have a happy holiday season.

Sincerely,  Željko Serdar

HCOIE / VJETROELEKTRANE

Naša iskustva nedvojbeno potvrđuju da je u početnoj fazi provedbe politike obnovljivih izvora energije najveći udio strane opreme i know how-a, međutim s razvojem i realizacijom projekata, sve više i više se povećava udio "domaće komponente projekta" koja uključuje opremu, uslugu i radove. S time se razvijaju i osnažuju specijalizirani razvojni i proizvodni programi, inženjering i sl. Postoje procjene unutar Zajednice obnovljivih izvora energije (HGK) da je moguće ostvariti sinergiju odnosno udio domaće komponente u vjetroelektrani do 70% ukupne vrijednosti, pri čemu neke poslovne inicijative idu u pravcu razvoja specifičnih proizvodnih programa kroz mješovite tvrtke i zajedničkih projekata s renomiranim stranim partnerima. Također, očekuje se da će se Končarov projekt razviti u dovoljnoj mjeri da u budućnosti osigura i regionalnu tržišnu perspektivu. Sukladno propisima o građenju (Zakon o prostornom uređenju i gradnji NN 76/07) zabranjeno je planiranje i gradnja vjetroelektrana u zaštićenom obalnom području mora (otoci i obalni pojas 1000 m), a rigorozni uvjeti instituta procjene utjecaja na okoliš sagledava sve utjecaje vjetroelektrana na okoliš (buka, krajobrazni i ornitofaunski utjecaj) te, u konačnici, kroz javnu raspravu uvažava stajalište lokalnog stanovništva. Ne smijemo zaboraviti da je i napredak tehnologije vjetroturbina doprinio i poboljšanju tehničkih pogonskih karakteristika i značajnom smanjenju utjecaja na okoliš (buka, ornitofaunski utjecaj i dr.).
HCOIE / VJETROELEKTRANE: http://youtu.be/LHSmTn-P0nU

CCRES ENERGY EFFICIENCY COALITION

CCRES ENERGY EFFICIENCY COALITION

Palmaria Palmata Fights Ebola

p a l m a r i a   p a l m a t a

is a cold water algae species that is found in the middle to lower shore in many parts of Europe and the North Atlantic Coasts of America. It can grow in depths of up to 20m on both exposed and sheltered shores. It is found growing on rocks and on the stipes of L. hyperborea and Fucus serratus as an epiphyte.

Palmaria palmata can be eaten raw, roasted, fried, dried, or roasted, or as a thickening agent for soups.

CONSTITUENT
Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, cobalt, iodine, iron, lutein, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, sodium, tin, vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and zinc.

PARTS USES
The entire plant, dried and cut.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
Added to food in the form of dried flakes or powder for a slightly salty flavor, can be drunk as a tea. Also suitable as an extract or capsule.

SUMMARY
Palmaria palmata is an excellent source of phytochemicals and minerals, and a superior source of iodine.

PRECAUTIONS
Don’t overdue, and avoid it entirely if you suffer hyperthyroidism. You only need a few flakes, or as little as a quarter-teaspoon a day, to get your mineral needs, and it is best to get your minerals from a variety of whole food and whole herb sources. Don’t use on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks at a time, taking a 2 week break before using again. This will prevent you from overdosing iodine with potential imbalance in thyroid function. For periodic use only and not to be taken for extended periods of time. Not to be used while pregnant.

For educational purposes only.

CCRES ALGAE TEAM 

part of 

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources. 

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Štitnjača i Fucus alga

Štitnjača, žlijezda smještena u području vrata, s prednje strane dušnika, stvara hormone koji u svom sastavu imaju jod, a uvelike kontroliraju metabolizam našeg organizma. 

• Hipotireoza
• Hipertireoza

Jednostavnije rečeno, hormoni štitnjače kontroliraju brzinu kojom će se zbivati izmjena tvari u našem organizmu, koliko brzo će se tvari uz prisustvo kisika razgraditi, a novonastale strukture ugraditi u stanicu. Jod je neophodan element za normalan rad ove male žlijezde, te svaki nedostatak joda u organizmu vrlo brzo dovodi do nastanka jedne od najraširenijih bolesti „nutritivnog karaktera" - uvećanja štitnjače ili takozvane „guše".

Treba istaći da je u razvijenim zemljama nedostatak joda u prehrani relativno rijetka pojava, te je najčešće povezan s malom koncentracijom joda u vodi za piće i zemlji na kojoj se voće i povrće uzgaja. Ako se zna da je područje na kojem pojedinac živi siromašno jodom zbog raznih okolišnih čimbenika, onda se tim osobama mora sugerirati uzimanje većih količina joda putem hrane.

Namirnice koje su najbogatije jodom jesu: alge, najviše od svih Fucus, morske ribe, jaja, jogurt, sir, jodirana sol. Pojedine namirnice na neki način brane organizmu pravilno iskorištavanje joda i mogu umanjiti sposobnost organizma da iskoristi jod za sintezu hormona štitnjače. Dobro je znati da u te namirnice ubrajamo: karfiol, kelj, prokulice, repu i kikiriki. Najviše su riziku izloženi strogi vegetarijanci (veganisti) koji takve namirnice svakodnevno koriste u prehrani i to u velikim količinama. U zemljama u razvoju gušavost je vrlo često posljedica jedne autoimune bolesti koja smanjuje funkciju štitnjače, pa nastupa hipotireoza.

Hipotireoza

Hipotireoza, odnosno smanjena funkcija štitnjače, dovodi do usporavanja tjelesnog metabolizma. Bolest se razvija izrazito polako. Uz uvećanje štitnjače i pojave gušavosti (što i nije svaki puta pravilo, jer se štitnjača može povećati i samo s jedne strane), javlja se umor, zaboravljivost, uvećanje tjelesne mase, nepodnošljivost hladnoće, zatvor stolice, suhoća kože i kose. Ako je uzrok autoimune prirode, onda se u organizmu stvaraju protutijela koja napadaju vlastito tkivo štitnjače, a posljedica toga je smanjeni nastanak hormona. Hipotireoza se može javiti u svako životno doba, ali je mnogo raširenija među starijim osobama. Ako se razvije tijekom adolescencije može usporiti rast i razvoj sekundarnih seksualnih osobina, a ako se javi u najranijem djetinjstvu vrlo često i normalni razvoj moždanih funkcija. Stoga se danas redovito nivo hormona štitnjače kontrolira odmah po rođenju djeteta. Slabo aktivna štitnjača kod žena vrlo često dovodi do uvećanja vrijednosti kolesterola u serumu. Terapija se sastoji u davanju sintetskih molekula hormona štitnjače. 

Simptomi hipotireoze proizlaze iz usporenih metaboličkih procesa, smanjene potrošnje kisika, poremećenog metabolizma određenih vitamina, lipida i proteina, a s obzirom da u pravilu nastaju postepeno, često prolaze nezapaženi u ranim fazama bolesti. 

Glavni simptomi su: 
- kroničan umor, malaksalost 
- bolovi u mišićima I zglobovima 
- usporenost, pospanost, otežana koncentracija 
- snižena tjelesna temperature, nepodnošenje hladnoće 
- bezvoljnost, napetost, razdražljivost, promjene raspoloženja 
- opstipacija 
- porast tjelesne težine 
- povišene razine kolesterola, LDL i triglicerida u krvi 
- usporen rad srca, smanjeni minutni volume srca / oslabljena srčana funkcija 
- anemija 
- edemi (oticanje nogu, ruku, lica, jezika, kapaka) 
- smanjeno znojenje 
- suha, ispucala kosa koja pojačano opada 
- suha koža koja se ljuska, sklona crvenilu, svrbežu, aknama i upalama 
- krhki, ispucali nokti 
- promuklost (uslijed otoka glasnica), česte grlobolje 
- nagluhost 
- zamagljen vid 
- poremećaj menstruacijskog ciklusa 
- sterilitet 
- pojava gušavosti 
- miksedemska koma – najteži stupanj bolesti s gubitkom svijesti i hipotermijom 

- usporen / smanjen rast u djece 

Hipertireoza

Hipertireoza ili uvećana aktivnost štitnjače dovodi do uvećanog stvaranja aktivnih hormona, te po tome nastupa ubrzanje metabolizma, srce brže kuca, krvni tlak je veći, nastupa gubitak težine, povećanje apetita, znojenje, nepodnošljivost topline, izbočenost očiju. Obično se hipertireoza javlja uslijed prisutnosti protutijela u krvi koja stimuliraju štitne stanice, ali se razlog stvaranja tih protutijela još uvijek ne zna. Hiperaktivnost štitnjače ima i svoj genetski uzrok i mnogo je raširenija bolest u žena u usporedbi s muškom populacijom. Zbog ubrzanog metabolizma osobe koje pate od hipertireoze iskorištavaju prehrambene tvari mnogo brže. Ako gubitak težine počinje predstavljati veliki problem moraju se u prehranu uvesti namirnice bogate bjelančevinama kako bi se nadoknadio gubitak mišićne mase. To su meso, riba, jaja, mlijeko i mliječni proizvodi, ali i dodatne količine vitamina B-skupine su neophodne jer sudjeluju u metabolizmu ugljikohidrata i bjelančevina. U tu svrhu treba konzumirati nemasnu svinjetinu, fermentirane mliječne proizvode ili uzeti nadopune u obliku pivskog kvasca.

Glavni simptomi hipertireoze su: 
- razdražljivost, nemir, nervoza, promjene raspoloženja 
- smanjena sposobnost koncentracije 
- dvoslike, smetnje vida, povlačenje kapaka i izbuljene oči 
- tremor (drhtanje ruku, osjećaj “treperenja” tijela) 
- povišen krvni tlak, tahikardija (ubrzan rad srca) 
- pojačano znojenje, nepodnošenje topline 
- opadanje kose 
- učestale stolice 
- gubitak tjelesne težine 
- poremećaj menstrualnog ciklusa 
- malaksalost 
- nesanica 
- guša (povećana štitnjača), osjećaj “knedle” u grlu, pritisak u vratu

Konzumiranje namirnica bogatih jodom je jedan od najboljih načina da imate zdravu štitnjaču. Jod je neophodan za zdravu funkciju štitnjače jer joj pomaže da proizvodi hormon tiroksin. Štitnjača koristi tiroksin da regulira metabolizam. Najbolji prirodni izvor joda je alga fucus.

The Effects of Astaxanthin - Skin Health

 

 

 

Brighter Skin and Well-Being Goes Hand-in-Hand

 

The multibillion dollar beauty industry continues to flourish, spurred by consumers' desire to look and feel forever-young. Several categories exist within the beauty industry, but none more vibrant than the anti-aging segment which includes products to reduce or reverse visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and freckles. While aging is natural and cannot be avoided, there are factors such as solar radiation and physical and mechanical damage that accelerate the propensity of visible aging. Today, humans face increasing exposure to chemical pollution, ultraviolet radiation and ozone levels, all of which can damage the skin's dermal layer causing wrinkles and enhancing the risk of malignant skin cancer. These negative effects are compounded with increasingly poor diets and lifestyle habits which are not conducive to maintaining the skin's natural repair process and antioxidant network. Clearly, there is opportunity for natural ingredients to help improve long term skin health management through topical application and nutritional supplementation.
In the past, Beta-carotene (provitamin A) and Vitamin E have been extensively studied. Recent focus, however, has switched to other carotenoids such as astaxanthin, (derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis), which is shown to have potent quenching and anti-lipid-peroxidation properties; a weakness of Beta-carotene and Vitamin E (Miki, 1991). In human trials, astaxanthin has been shown to reduce visible signs of UV-aging through both topical and dietary supplementation within 4 to 6 weeks of use. This data is supported by a number of in-vitro and animal studies. Research suggests potential skin benefits from the use of astaxanthin to maintain a youthful appearance, reverse premature signs of aging and prevent UV induced skin cancer. Naturally, further investigation is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of action and to replicate results using significantly larger clinical trials. To date, the astaxanthin potential is promising.

Table 1. Astaxanthin maintains skin health by several methods

Protecting the Skin's Natural Antioxidant Network and DNA

 

Oxygen radicals formed from UV radiation attack skin cells in a variety of ways. As demonstrated by O'Connor & O'Brien (1998), UVA light is capable of producing oxidative stress in living cells in-vitro. By monitoring catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Astaxanthin is capable of reducing oxidative stress, (2002) demonstrate that UVA irradiated skin cells pretreated with astaxanthin (10 μM) suffered significantly less DNA damage. Furthermore, astaxanthin protected the skin's endogenous antioxidants SOD and glutathione (GSH) from oxygen radical attack. Topical restoration of the skin's natural antioxidant balance is one method to maintaining healthy skin. UV radiation and air borne pollutants tend to strip away the nutrients essential to maintain the skin's hydrolipidic barrier. As a result, the skin will become dry and unhealthy in appearance.

Topical Wrinkle Reduction

In a study using hairless mice, Arakane (2002) demonstrates astaxanthin's ability to suppress the formation of UVB photoinduced wrinkles. UVB doses of 65-95 mJ/cm2 were applied five times per week for 18 weeks on the back skin of the mice. After each UVB treatment, topical application of astaxanthin (350 μM) was coated on the exposed areas. After only 5 weeks, the appearance of new wrinkles were significantly reduced up until the end of the study period, (2001) demonstrates the same anti-wrinkle observations in female human subjects (n=3) using a topical cream containing astaxanthin. A dermatological assessment revealed significant reduction of wrinkles and puffiness on the lower eye and cheeks after 2 weeks of use. In a separate test using female subjects (n=11), instrument analysis recorded significant moisture improvement.
 

Figure 1. Cheek moisture retention after 3 weeks application of astaxanthin cream (0.07% of 5% astaxanthin extract; Seki et al., 2001).

   
 Increased moisture content in 8 out of 11 subjects.

Skin Health that can be Swallowed

"Beauty from within" or improved skin condition through nutrition and supplementation is a worldwide trend that is on the increase. The market for beauty supplements is currently worth 800 million dollars, and rapid growth in this segment is expected over the next 10 years. Two human clinical trials established the use of astaxanthin to improve visible signs of premature aging and general skin health. The first, a double-blind placebo controlled study (Yamashita 2002), showed that astaxanthin in combination with tocotrienol, (a superior form of vitamin E), improved several aspects of overall skin condition. Eight female subjects with dry skin conditions (mean age 40 yrs) received daily doses containing 2 mg astaxanthin and 40 mg natural tocotrienols. Several types of data were collected at 2 and 4 weeks and compared to the initial baseline readings. Measurable differences were observed starting just 2 weeks after supplementation. By the 4th week, the treated subjects with dry skin characteristics exhibited the following: increased moisture levels.

Figure 2. Beauty supplement results for the cheek and eye region (Yamashita, 2002)  
Moisture levels increased in treated groups at 2 and 4 weeks. Control groups got worse.

Figure 3. Magnified Skin Section at start, 2 and 4 weeks (Yamashita, 2002)
   
Visible reduction of fine wrinkles

In the second study by Yamashita (2006), female subjects with a variety of skin types (n=49, mean age 47 yrs) were given either 4 mg (2 x 2 mg) astaxanthin or placebo in a single-blind, randomized, controlled study. After six weeks of consuming 4mg astaxanthin per day, the results of a standard questionnaire showed that the treated group of women all felt that their skin condition had improved significantly (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Subject response after 6 weeks astaxanthin supplementation (Yamashita, 2006)  
Skin improvements seen in all categories after astaxanthin supplementation.

Instrument analysis proved that the treated group had indeed achieved positive results in hydration.

Figure 5. Dermatologist skin analysis of moisture and elasticity at 3 and 6 weeks astaxanthin supplementation (Yamashita, 2006).
   
Astaxanthin reduced wrinkles and increase elasticity.

Astaxanthin and Skin Cancer

The risk of skin cancer is increased in skin which is frequently damaged by the sun. Although skin cancer is almost 99% curable if detected early, 1 out of 90 people in the US or 1 out of 150 people in the UK will develop melanomas. Those in the highest risk category are people exposed to frequent short bursts of strong sunlight. Sun screens can block the UV rays, but dietary carotenoids such as astaxanthin can be vital for skin protection as well.
In another study on hairless mice, Black (1998) demonstrates that astaxanthin significantly delays the UV ray formation of skin lesions and tumors. Further support comes from Savoure et al., (1995) which shows that hairless mice (SKH1) deficient in vitamin A, fed 10 mg/kg/feed astaxanthin alone or in combination with retinol, show enhanced skin protection after UVA and UVB irradiation. Astaxanthin significantly inhibited accumulation of putrescine .

Mechanism of Action

Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat. The dermis contains collagen, elastin, and other fibers that support the skin's structure. It is these elements that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance – and these are the parts of the skin that are damaged by UV radiation (UVR).

Anti-wrinkle

The UVR that affects the skin is composed of two types of waves; UVA and UVB. UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays, and are the main cause behind inflammation and melanin production. However, it is the UVA rays, with their longer wavelength, that are responsible for much of the damage associated with photoaging. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage collagen fibers, leading to wrinkle formation (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Illustration showing effect of UVA, UVB & Ozone on skin

UV rays induce the production of in situ radical oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). These factors are the root of wrinkle formation because they destroy the collagen matrix in the dermis. Fortunately, the skin's repair mechanism will rebuild the damage collagen. However, the hindrance of skin renewal by repeated exposure to uncontrolled levels of ROS and MMP leads to the formation of wrinkles. The presence of astaxanthin attenuates the effects of reactive oxygen and MMP and therefore, it allows the skin to regenerate properly (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Astaxanthin supports skin renewal by attenuating factors which contribute to wrinkle formation

Astaxanthin defends against Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Oxygen present in our cells can form harmful radicals known as ROS or active oxygen when sufficient energy from UV rays is applied. ROS include singlet oxygen, superoxides and hydroxyl radicals (leading to peroxyl radicals) and they attempt to steal electrons from neighboring molecules such as DNA, phospholipids, enzymes and protein in order to stabilize. Fortunately, astaxanthin is able to quench singlet oxygen reactions and supress lipid peroxidation much more effectively than other well known antioxidants and thus control the presence of ROS. In vitro singlet oxygen quenching activity of Astaxanthin was found to be superior when compared to Catechin, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Tocopherol, Lutein and Beta Carotene (Nishida et al., 2007).

Astaxanthin Dominance against Singlet-Oxygen compared to other antioxidants

Singlet oxygen depletes the antioxidant defense system of fibroblasts, especially CAT and SOD. Fibroblasts secrete collagen, a main component of extracellular matrix which provides structural support to the cells. Exposing fibroblasts to singlet oxygen is a widely used technique to model ageing and UV oxidative stress. Furthermore, viability of the fibroblasts remains vital to the maintenance of healthy skin appearance. Tominaga et al (2009a) showed evidence on the ability of Astaxanthin to protect human dermal fibroblasts through in-vitro study. Human dermal fibroblasts were pre-incubated with Astaxanthin and other antioxidants and then exposed to singlet oxygen (Figure 8). Cell viability was restored to more than 80% when the cells were treated with Astaxanthin.
In another study, Camera et al. (2008) compared the photoprotective properties of astaxanthin to other antioxidants on human dermal fibroblasts. After a physiological dose of UVA was applied, roughly equal to a UV dose accumulated within 1-2 hours on a sunny day. Astaxanthin was considerably superior at preventing cell death (reduction of caspase-3 activity at protein level) compared to Canthaxanthin and Beta Carotene (Figure 9).

Figure 8. Astaxanthin's cell protection ability comparison with other anti-oxidants (Tominaga 2009a)  
Study showed that astaxanthin had the highest ability to protect cells.

Figure 9. UVA-induced activation of caspase-3, detected by annexin V staining, 24h after irradiation (Camela et al., 2008) 
 

Gaining Customers' Hearts with Tangible Results - Astaxanthin Inner and Outer Treatment

Complementing astaxanthin oral administration with astaxanthin topical treatment (dual treatment) can have enhanced synergistic effects against premature skin aging since astaxanthin is effective at all layers of skin, the skin surface, epidermis and dermis.
According to studies conducted by Tominaga et al. (2009b), astaxanthin "dual treatment" was found to be effective in all layers of skin. In a study with 28 subjects aged 20-55 years, astaxanthin effectively reduced wrinkles as well as improved skin elasticity. Replica analysis after 6 mg of astaxanthin supplementation combined with topical application for 8 weeks showed a reduction in the overall average wrinkle depth.
Furthermore, a reduction in wrinkle width by 9%.

Figure 10. Effects of Astaxanthin on skin elasticity after extended intake/external application (Tominaga 2009b)

 

Figure 11. Stimulatory effects of Astaxanthin on collagen production and maintenance (Tominaga 2009b)

Anti-inflammatory Action

Inflammation that normally follows sun exposure can be modulated by a powerful antioxidant. Yamashita (1995) shows in healthy male subjects (n=7), that topical natural astaxanthin significantly reduces burn level (erythema) by 60% at 98 hours after UVB exposure. We now know that astaxanthin works by suppressing the proinflammatory mediators and cytokines via the IκB kinase dependant NF-κB activation pathway (Lee et al., 2003).

Safety for Topical & Nutritional Use

Natural astaxanthin is determined safe for topical and nutritional use. A total of forty-five subjects (males and females) were exposed to the Standard Japanese Patch test and results were reported 24 and 48 hours after application. Dermatitis was only induced by the adhesive plaster and not astaxanthin itself (Seki et al., 2002). Furthermore, Koura (2005) reports no adverse topical reactions in animal sensitization models. Astaxanthin is listed in the JP Cosmetics and INCI name as astaxanthin.

Outlook

Naturally, the best way to avoid photo-aging is through prevention of the solar effects on skin by applying sunscreen to areas vulnerable to increased exposure. However, recent surveys reveal that people in general are not doing enough to protect their skin. The use of powerful carotenoids like astaxanthin in topical and nutritional skin products can help deliver the benefits against the risk of accelerated photo-aging and skin cancer.

References

1. www.skincancer.org
2. www.skincancerfacts.org.uk/facts.asp
3. Yamashita(2006). The Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Astaxanthin on Skin Condition. Carotenoid Science, 10:91-95.
4. Koura(2005). Skin sensitization study of Astaxanthin in Guinea Pigs. Study No. 05035. New Drug Research Center Inc., Hokkaido Japan.
5. Lee et al., (2003). Astaxanthin Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production and Inflammatory Gene Expression by Suppressing IκB Kinase-dependent NF-κB Activation. Molecules and Cells, 16(1):97-105.
6. Arakane (2002), Superior Skin Protection via Astaxanthin. Carotenoid Sci., 5:21-24.
7. Lyons & O'Brien et al., (2002). Modulatory effects of an algal extract containing astaxanthin on UVA-irradiated cells in culture. Journal of Derma. Sci., 30(1):73-84.
8. Yamashita (2002). Cosmetic benefit of the supplement health food combined astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style 21, 6(6):112-117.
9. Seki et al., (2001). Effects of astaxanthin from haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance J., 12:98-103.
10. Black (1998). Radical Interception by carotenoids and effects on UV carcinogenesis. Nutrition Cancer., 31(3):212-217.
11. O'Connor & O'Brien (1998). Modulation of UVA light induced oxidative stress by beta-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured fibroblasts. J. Derma. Sci., 16(3):226-230.
12. Savoure et al., (1995). Vitamin A status and metabolism of cutaneous polyamines in the hairless mouse after UV irradiation: action of beta-carotene and astaxanthin. International J Vit. and Nutr. Res., 65(2):79-86.
13. Yamashita (1995). Suppression of post UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin from krill. Fragrance J., 14:180-185.
14. Miki (1991). Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure & Appl. Chem., 63(1):141-146.
15. Camera et al., (2009). Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta carotene differently affect UVA-induced oxidative damage and expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes. Experimental Dermatology. Vol. 18 (3), Pages 222 - 231 .
16. Tominaga et al., (2009a). Protective effects of astaxanthin against single oxgyen induced damage in human dermal fibroblasts in-vitro Food Style 21, 13(1):84-86.
17. Tominaga et al., (2009b). Cosmetic effects of astaxanthin for all layers of skin. Food Style 21, 13(10):25-29.
18. Nishida et al. (2007). Carotenoid Science. Vol.11:16-20.

CCRES special thanks to 

  Mr. Mitsunori Nishida, 

 
President of Corporate Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)