Marine Phytoplankton

Marine Phytoplankton are single-cell plants of the oceans. Since they are single-celled, they can remain floating on the water. They have chlorophyll and thus can produce proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, but they need organic nutrients. Many sea creatures survive on them, like jellyfish, shrimps and krill. In addition, larger fish and mammals like blue whales feed on plankton-eating krill. Therefore, Marine Phytoplankton forms an essential part of marine life.¹ However, Phytoplankton can also grow in freshwater lakes.²

Marine Phytoplankton is used to feed and cultivate various seafaring creatures, as they are rich in numerous nutrients and are relatively cheap to produce.³ In recent years there has been increasing interest in their health benefits for human health. However, it is worth knowing that they have a cell wall that is indigestible by humans. Therefore, food supplements are created after processing the Phytoplankton and removing their cell wall.

Health Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Marine Phytoplankton:

Excellent Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The human diet is rich in omega-6 fatty acids but deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids is one of the factors behind the sudden rise of metabolic disorders like diabetes, dementia and obesity. It is well known that fish oil and krill oil are rich in omega-3s. However, most of these omega-3s are produced by Marine Phytoplankton, which are then consumed by fish, krill and other sea creatures. Therefore, Phytoplankton supplements may boost heart and brain health. Moreover, Phytoplankton is good for consumption by vegans.⁴
Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Marine Phytoplankton is an excellent source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds and so, they may help counter oxidative stress and prevent chronic ailments. Furthermore, these carotenoids demonstrate antiproliferative properties, therefore helping to prevent cancers.⁵
Improve Exercise Performance

Antioxidant-rich Phytoplankton supplements are frequently used by athletes. Studies show that they may help reduce fatigue and muscle damage caused by extensive training. Therefore, Marine Phytoplankton may boost exercise capacity.⁶
Rich in Healthy Carotenoids

Carotenoids are potent antioxidants and they improve eye health and prevent cardiovascular diseases. They are also good for preventing cancer. Vitamin A is also a carotenoid. However, high consumption of Vitamin A is associated with various health risks. On the other hand, other carotenoids, like those found in Marine Phytoplankton, do not cause harm even at higher doses and so provide more incredible health benefits. They also have anti-aging properties and may prevent age-related macular degeneration and other disorders.⁷
Source of Essential Amino Acids

Researchers are exploring various ways of creating protein concentrates from Marine Phytoplankton. This is because Marine Phytoplankton appear to have an excellent amino acid profile with a good amount of essential amino acids. Moreover, Marine Phytoplankton are relatively easy to mass produce. Therefore, Marine Phytoplankton biomass may be used to produce protein supplements, especially for vegans.⁸

Side Effects of Marine Phytoplankton

Marine Phytoplankton would not cause any side effects. However, they may cause allergic reactions in those intolerant to chlorophyll. Further, it is worth noting that Marine Phytoplankton may accumulate certain toxins, micro-plastics, heavy metals, as some parts of oceans are highly polluted.

Properties

Anti-Aging⁵
Antioxidant⁵
Brain Function / Neuroprotective⁴^,⁸
Cancer Prevention⁵
Cardiovascular Support⁴
Enhances Endurance⁴^,⁶
Enhances Strength⁶^,⁸
Eye Health⁷
Heart Support / Health⁴
High/Good Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids⁴
Physical Endurance⁶^,⁸

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