Fossil coral from the ocean off Yonaguni originates in aggregated “young age” stone corals that were fossilized by maintaining the porous structure they had when they were living. This is a unique coral structure having no impurities.
The fossilized coral of Yonaguni Island originates from coral reefs that grew in pristine seas during the warm period approximately 100,000 years ago. Subsequent crustal movement elevated the reef above the sea. The “youth” of this fossilized coral is notable, considering that the genesis of coral dates back about 460 million years. Unlike coral limestone of older generations found with fish bones, sea urchin needles, and dead shellfish, it retains high purity. This youth and purity mark the rarity of the fossilized coral. Furthermore, more than 70 kinds of minerals including calcium are contained in the fossilized coral.
The sea off the coast of Yonaguni Island
Various raw materials are used as sources of calcium for health foods. For instance, calcium phosphate is the principal content of fish-bone calcium. Calcium lactate is chemically synthesized. The raw materials for calcium carbonate, which can also be made from fossilized coral, are frequently oyster or scallop shells. While those calciums are usually processed by heat to become calcinated (remove impurities), one characteristic of our fossilized coral is that its calcium is non-calcinated throughout processing, ensuring the highest grade for foodstuffs.
The application of heat to calcium carbonate alters its properties. The fact that fossilized coral is not calcinated means that it is not oxidized. This prevents the denaturing and degrading of any mineral ingredients such as calcium and magnesium.
Drying room
Through a special preparation method, fossilized coral used in our nutritionally functional food products is finished as ultra-fine particles with an average grain size of 3µm, having outstanding aqueous dispersion. Since the porous aragonite crystalline structure is directly retained, this is a product with outstanding absorption, and consumption within the body promptly leads to dissolution.
Other particle sizes are also available, in accordance with customer requirements.
Microscopic view of fossil coral
The superb fossilized coral found on Yonaguni Island contains over 70 kinds of natural minerals, including all 16 essential minerals.
As humans we must consume minerals daily from our diet, because our bodies cannot create them. Through our modern-day lifestyle and diet, we tend to absorb plenty of calories in the forms of fat, protein and sugar, while we suffer deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
As a component of bones and teeth, and as a regulator of physiological functions, calcium is an essential mineral. Calcium is the most plentiful mineral contained in fossilized coral, at about 37%. Yonaguni Island’s fossilized coral is truly nature’s wonderful blend of minerals.
Mineral ingredients of Yonaguni fossilized coral from a report by Western Analysis, Inc. dated July 1, 2006Mineral content list
Role of Calcium in Anti-aging by Ph.D. YomeiReport by Ph.D. Yomei
Unprocessed fossil coral
Another outstanding characteristic of Yonaguni fossilized coral is its power to adsorb bacteria. A test report by Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science about adsorption effects confirmed that fossilized coral calcium adsorbs E. coli and staphylococcus aureus. More interestingly, the adsorbed bacteria do not multiply in fossilized coral calcium. The enormous surface area that results from the porosity of fossilized coral enables this adsorption ability.
According to measurements of specific gravity and surface area of corallite prepared by Japan Energy Research and Development, the surface area of such porous fossilized coral is estimated to be around 2,200 times greater than the surface areas of other substances in general. Fossilized coral utilizes this incredible surface area for superior bacteria adsorption.Test Report
Due to its porous structure and enormous surface area, fossilized coral has been proven to be superior not only for the adsorption of bacteria, but also for the elimination of heavy metals and residual pesticides. According to the results of tests conducted by Kounoshima Kasei’s Environment Measurement Center, fossilized coral demonstrates very high removal rates (adsorption rates) exceeding 99% for heavy metal ions such as cadmium, copper and lead. Furthermore, an authority on mold toxins, Prof. Masateru Koiwa of Rakuno Gakuen University in Hokkaido, has also confirmed that fossilized coral adsorbs mold toxins.
Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by Fossilized CoralTest Report
Our DONAN material’s capability to boost immune reactions is realized in combination with lactic acid bacteria.Test Report
Microscopic view of fossil coral (upper: x 2,000; lower: x 10,000)