Introducing the People
who Bring Local Foods
& Products to the Co-op
Coastside Bio Resources
Even if you're not familiar with this local company's name, you have probably seen their products in the "supplements" or "pet" sections of the Co-op. Do the supplement names "ArthriSea" or "SeaCuMAX" ring a bell? How about the pet products "Sea Jerky" or "SeaFLEX"? These joint health products for both pets and humans have anti-inflammatory properties and are used by many people (and their companion animals) who have trouble with mobility.
Coastside Bio Resources was started in Stonington by Ron Stegal and Pete Collin in 1994 to explore, develop, produce, and patent dietary supplements made from sea cucumbers.
Sea cucumbers are a lesser-known invertebrate relative of the starfish and sea urchin. They are found locally as well as in tropical oceans. Although they are a delicacy in China, they are not commonly consumed here. These funny looking sea creatures contain amino acids and polysaccharides that are similar to our own cartilage.
Collin claims that his products have joint supportive properties that dampen a chronic inflammatory response, and many of the Co-op's customers would attest to that claim as well.
After the above products were tested in medical models and clinical trials, they were released with much acclaim by Dr. Aker, a local chiropractor. Collin also notes that the Blue Hill Co-op was an early supporter of his products. The company experienced instantaneous popularity, and soon their products were being shipped all over the U.S. as well as internationally. Recently, Coastside Bio Resources has developed several new products, such as an anti-fungal lotion and "ImmunoSEA,” a stimulator of natural immunity.
On the web at http://www.coastsidebio.com/
