A woman of many talents, Corinna Bellizzi is an omega-3 expert who pioneered the growth of Nordic Naturals. Now she leads Örlö Nutrition, a new algae brand that features the world’s first carbon-negative omega-3s. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Bellizzi’s interesting and educational journey.
Thank you for joining us. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m someone who believes beauty and wellness start from within, and I’ve dedicated my life to exploring how nutrition and sustainability can transform both people and the planet. My journey began in the natural products industry, where I helped create supplements and beauty products, but my defining moment came at Nordic Naturals. There, I led the charge to make omega-3s, prenatal, and children’s nutrition mainstream, shaping an entirely new category of wellness.
Then I had my “aha” moment, fish get their omegas from algae! That discovery and the stark reality that no fish resource is truly sustainable propelled me into the fascinating world of algae and spirulina with ÖRLÖ. These tiny organisms are sustainable superstars and absolute powerhouses for beauty and wellness. Think radiant skin, stronger hair, and nutrition that truly works on a cellular level.
Today, I’m pursuing a Ph.D in sustainability education at Prescott College, diving into how smarter nutrition choices can positively impact our world. At home, life is just as vibrant. I’m a mom to two energetic boys (6 and 9), a devoted pet parent, and married to a husband who keeps things interesting. I also host Nutrition Without Compromise, a podcast brought to you by ÖRLÖ, where we talk about all things beauty, health, and sustainability, and how they’re all connected.
What makes ÖRLÖ’s spirulina products stand out in the crowded wellness market, and how does Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) differentiate itself from other spirulina offerings?
ÖRLÖ’s Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) is a game-changer in beauty and wellness. Grown in Iceland’s pristine environment using pure Icelandic water and sustainable geothermal energy, IUS provides nutrients in their most bioavailable forms, including rare bioactive B12 and iron that’s absorbed up to 6.5 times better than other plant sources. This means maximum impact for your body, with none of the earthy aftertaste of typical spirulina. Also, since IUS is grown in an indoor, secured environment, there’s no need to use pesticides and herbicides, and there’s no worry of environmental toxins. This spirulina is truly a cut above the rest. IUS is crafted to boost skin radiance, support stronger hair, and energize your cells for total vitality. With antioxidants, amino acids, and essential minerals, IUS isn’t just spirulina; it’s a beauty and wellness booster designed to help you look and feel your best.
Spirulina has been hailed as a superfood for its nutritional density, but can you explain the specific benefits of spirulina that make it so powerful for overall wellness?
Spirulina is the ultimate superfood, and ÖRLÖ’s Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) takes it even further! With roughly 70% protein, including essential amino acids, IUS supports skin elasticity and strengthens hair, while powerful B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and phycocyanin actively combat oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing visible signs of aging. But IUS doesn’t stop there. With 56 essential nutrients, it supports immune health, promotes gut health, and even helps balance cholesterol. This nutrient-rich superfood is perfect for those seeking beauty and balanced wellness from within.
Sustainability is a key pillar of ÖRLÖ Nutrition. How does the production of your Icelandic Ultra Spirulina reflect ÖRLÖ’s commitment to environmental stewardship?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at ÖRLÖ Nutrition. Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) is grown using Iceland’s pure water and powered entirely by geothermal energy, making it a carbon-neutral superfood. By harnessing Iceland’s natural resources, we deliver high-quality, nutrient-rich spirulina with minimal environmental impact. With IUS, you’re not only nourishing your body, but you’re also supporting a healthier planet.
What role does science play in the development of ÖRLÖ’s spirulina products, and how do you ensure that these supplements are not only potent but also bioavailable for maximum absorption?
Science drives everything we do at ÖRLÖ. We carefully select bioavailable, research-backed nutrients to combine with Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) for maximum potency and absorption. Every ingredient meets rigorous standards for effectiveness, so you experience real, lasting benefits. Our Focus & Memory Gummies are a great example. With IUS as a natural source of B12 for energy, we added nootropics like Sharp PS (the most heavily researched phosphatidylserine), Lion’s Mane, and L-Theanine for enhanced focus and mental clarity. This synergy delivers wellness benefits that build over time, helping you look and feel your best every day.
Many consumers are looking for natural ways to boost their energy and immune systems. How does spirulina support these needs, and what kind of feedback have you received from customers?
Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) is packed with bioavailable B12 and iron, both essential for supporting energy and immunity. B12 helps fuel cellular energy, while iron enhances oxygen flow to cells, leaving you feeling revitalized. IUS also contains antioxidants that strengthen immune defenses by reducing oxidative stress. Our customers love the Immunity Boost Oral Spray, praising its great taste and nearly instant boost in energy and wellness. Just two quick sprays, twice a day, provide an effective way to keep energy levels up and immune health strong.
Can you walk us through the process of cultivating your spirulina in Iceland? What are the key benefits of this unique environment in terms of product quality and sustainability?
Our Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) is cultivated in one of the world’s purest environments. By harnessing Iceland’s geothermal energy, pristine water, and advanced technology, we create ideal conditions that maximize IUS’s nutrient potential. This precision ensures unparalleled purity and potency, using less than 1% of the land and water needed by other sources.
This ultra-clean process means that IUS is free of the earthy taste of typical spirulina, making it easy to blend into foods and supplements. Whether it’s in our Brain Performance Bars or the upcoming Women’s Vitality Mix, IUS brings pure, sustainable nutrition and great taste to every serving.
Spirulina is often described as a cell-activating superfood. Could you elaborate on what this means and how it contributes to enhancing wellness at a cellular level?
Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) is a true cell-activating superfood, packed with nutrients that work deep within to energize your cells, combat inflammation and oxidative stress, support skin vitality, and boost overall cellular health. Its bioactive B12 and iron enhance oxygen delivery and ATP production, which powers energy right down to the cellular level, ensuring you can perform at your best. With antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and minerals that support bone and skin health, IUS helps your body function optimally, promoting beauty and wellness from the inside out.
What exciting advancements or discoveries about spirulina are you most excited to share?
At ÖRLÖ Nutrition, we’re constantly exploring new possibilities for spirulina. One of our most exciting findings is that Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ (IUS) produces bioactive B12 rare in plant-based sources alongside highly absorbable iron, making it ideal for beauty and wellness enthusiasts. Unlike typical spirulina, which contains pseudo-B12, IUS delivers real, methylated B12, nourishing from within to support energy, metabolism, and radiance. IUS has truly become our hero ingredient, delivering transformative nutrition in forms you’ll love—from gummies to bars and oral sprays. And with our upcoming Women’s Vitality Mix launching in 2025, we’re thrilled to keep innovating and sharing the best of science-driven wellness with you.
Take charge of your health and shop the exceptional brand at https://orlonutrition.com/.
TAG WORDS: Icelandic ÖRLÖ, Corinna Bellizzi, ÖRLÖ’s Icelandic Ultra Spirulina™ Product Line, Omega 3, Focus & Memory Gummies, Immunity Boost Oral Spray
