HealthInsights

The Science of Marine Phytoplankton: Bioavailable Energy

By Emily Chen, RD•
NutritionMitochondriaCellular HealthScienceMarine Biology

The Science of Marine Phytoplankton: Bioavailable Energy

When we think of "Sea Superfoods," we think of fish oil or seaweed. But both of these are "Middlemen." The fish get their Omega-3s by eating the ultimate source: Marine Phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton are single-celled, microscopic organisms that live in the ocean. They are responsible for producing 50% of the Earth's oxygen and are the foundation of all life in the sea. For humans, they represent the most bioavailable, "Ready-to-use" source of cellular energy on the planet.

Bypassing the Digestion Bottleneck

The biggest challenge with most food is Digestion. Your body must spend massive amounts of energy (ATP) to break down proteins and fats before it can get any energy out of them.

Marine Phytoplankton bypass this system.

  1. Nano-size: These organisms are smaller than a human red blood cell.
  2. Direct Entry: Because of their size and their unique phospholipid structure, the nutrients in phytoplankton do not need to be processed by the liver or stomach acid. They move through the gut wall and enter the blood via Osmosis.
  3. Mitochondrial Fuel: Once in the blood, they are pulled directly into the mitochondria. They provide an immediate influx of raw ATP, nucleotides, and minerals.

Eating phytoplankton is like plugging your cells directly into a wall outlet.

The Purest Omega-3 (EPA)

Most people take fish oil (Triglyceride form) which the body must convert. Phytoplankton contains EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) in the Phospholipid form (as discussed in the Phospholipid article).

  • This form is 100% bioavailable to the brain and heart.
  • Furthermore, because phytoplankton is at the bottom of the food chain, it contains Zero Mercury or PCB toxins that accumulate in larger fish.

SOD: The Master Antioxidant

Phytoplankton is one of the only dietary sources of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). As we covered in the Glutathione article, SOD is the first line of defense inside the mitochondria. It is the only enzyme fast enough to catch the "Superoxide" radical before it can damage your DNA.

Actionable Strategy: Supplementing with the Source

  1. Look for 'Open Cell' or 'Marine' Specific: Most phytoplankton have a hard silica shell that humans cannot digest. You must buy Open-Cell Marine Phytoplankton (usually the Nannochloropsis gaditana strain) that has been grown in a controlled photo-bioreactor to ensure purity.
  2. The Morning Boost: Because of the instant ATP delivery, taking a few drops of liquid phytoplankton (or 500mg of powder) in the morning provides a sharp, jitter-free increase in cognitive clarity that lasts for hours.
  3. Trace Mineral Replenishment: Phytoplankton contains every trace mineral found in the ocean in the exact ratios found in human blood. It is the ultimate "Multi-mineral" for restoring a depleted nervous system.
  4. Avoid 'Pond' Algae: Do not confuse Marine Phytoplankton with Spirulina or Chlorella. While those are healthy, they are fresh-water algae and do not possess the same phospholipid structure or the same density of EPA.

Conclusion

We are planetary creatures. By returning to the very foundation of the food chain, we can provide our cells with the raw, high-voltage energy they have been starving for. Marine Phytoplankton is the biological "Shortcut" to mitochondrial health. Stop using the middlemen, and go straight to the source.

Scientific References:

  • Gammone, M. A., & D'Orazio, N. (2015). "Anti-Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Algal Carotenoids: Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin." Marine Drugs.
  • Durmaz, Y., et al. (2007). "Marine microalgae: as a source of energy." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
  • Soni, R. A., et al. (2017). "Exploring the potential of microalgae: as a source of food and fuel." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.