Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (dietary supplement) and sun exposure can greatly affect lipid and pigment composition. As more is learned about the components of different cyanobacterial species, growers and harvesters are better able to determine the optimal growth conditions for obtaining optimal yields. " Aphanizomenon flos-aquae" has been shown to contain varying amounts at least 13 vitamins: vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, vitamin K, and many of the B-complex vitamins including B (thiamin), B (riboflavin), B (pyridoxine), choline, biotin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and B (cobalamin). However, "Aphanizomenon flos-aquae" contains pseudovitamin B which can block absorbtion of true B and is
L-gulonolactone oxidase deficiency living in a malarial infested environment". He based his observation on evidence which indicates that G6PD deficient individuals display enhanced sensitivity to ascorbic acid induced hemolysis. Studies of human diseases have benefited from the availability of small laboratory animal models. However, the tissues of animal models with a GULO gene generally have high levels of ascorbic acid and so are often only slightly influenced by exogenous vitamin C. Guinea pigs, for instance, are a popular human model but lost the ability to synthesize L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase 20 million years ago. This is a major handicap for studies involving the endogenous