Marine Oils & Algae
Phytoplankton
1.1 Overview & Structure
Marine phytoplankton is the foundational “star” of the ocean’s food chain and arguably the most nutrient-dense whole food available3. It consists of tiny microscopic plants that are so small they do not need to be broken down by the liver; instead, they can enter the body through the mucous membranes1. Unlike algal oil, which is a refined fat, phytoplankton is a whole biomass product, meaning it contains protein, minerals, and vitamins alongside its healthy fats4. Marine Phytoplankton (Nannochloropsis gaditana) is the foundational “superfood” of the ocean, consisting of microscopic green algae that are significantly smaller than Chlorella. In the UK, it is highly valued as an exceptionally rare whole-food source of pre-formed long-chain Omega-3 (EPA), meaning it provides the essential fats without requiring extraction into an oil4. It contains over 65 nutrients in a cellular structure so small that it can bypass the digestive “bottleneck” of the liver, allowing nutrients to enter the bloodstream almost immediately3.
1.2 Physical & Culinary Performance
In its liquid or powder form, phytoplankton is a deep, almost blackish green and has a very strong “ocean” scent10. It contains exopolysaccharides, which are slippery fibres that help the tiny cells stay suspended in water and act as a natural thickener in smoothies6. It is safe to eat raw and should never be heated, as heat will destroy its sensitive enzymes and the delicate long-chain Omega-3 fats1.
1.3 Storage & Life Hacks
Phytoplankton is extremely sensitive to heat and light, so it must be stored in the fridge or freezer to prevent it from losing its nutritional “charge”10. A clever “life hack” for the liquid version is to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach; this allows the microscopic cells to be absorbed quickly for an immediate energy boost1. If the taste is too strong, mixing it into a cold glass of apple juice can help mask the saltiness1.
1.4 Suitability & Ethics
This food is 100% vegan and is the most ethical way to obtain EPA fats, as it bypasses the fish entirely4. Because it is grown in sterile, land-based tanks, it is free from the heavy metals and microplastics found in the open ocean13. It is also naturally gluten-free and contains no common allergens1.
1.5 Seasonality & Environment
There is no season for phytoplankton because it is grown in ultra-clean, controlled tanks called bioreactors12. It is one of the most environmentally friendly foods on Earth, as phytoplankton is responsible for producing most of the oxygen we breathe while eating up carbon dioxide12. Using land-based tanks to grow this food means we can protect wild ocean beds from being over-harvested1.
1.6 Safety & Consumption Context
Some sources describe phytoplankton as a very concentrated “super-nutrient”, so you only need a few drops of liquid or a tiny scoop of powder each day10. Because it is very high in nucleic acids, which can raise uric acid, it should be used in moderation by anyone with gout7. In the UK, it is usually taken as a health tonic rather than used as a main cooking ingredient1.
1.7 Health & Nutrition Superpower
The true “superpower” of phytoplankton is an enzyme called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which is the body’s most powerful tool for repairing cells and fighting damage8. It is also one of the only whole-plant sources of active EPA fats, which support the heart and brain without needing any processing4. Additionally, its massive levels of Vitamin B12 and Iron make it a premier “blood-building” food for vegans3.
1.8 Microbial & Amino Profile
Phytoplankton offers a complete amino acid profile, including all the essential building blocks the body cannot make itself5. It is particularly rich in Tryptophan and Threonine, which help with mood balance and skin health1. Because the cells are so small, these proteins are absorbed almost instantly, providing a quick source of “recovery” fuel for the body3.
1.9 Enzymatic Activity & Freshness
As a “living” food, phytoplankton is full of active enzymes that help the body’s own systems work more efficiently8. It contains rare pigments like Violaxanthin, which help protect the brain and nervous system from inflammation8. Keeping the product cold ensures these enzymes stay alive and ready to support your gut and immune health1.
2. Land-Use & Human Labour Efficiency
This food is best grown in extremely tall or stacked bio-reactors.
Nutrients per Hectare (N/H) Scoring
- Traditional Production Score: 15/100
Traditional methods of obtaining these nutrients (fishing) are incredibly land-inefficient and destructive to the environment1. - Ultra-Efficient Production Score: 100/100
By growing phytoplankton in 8-storey facilities filled with vertical glass bioreactors, we can produce millions of doses of EPA and B12 in a tiny urban space. It is the gold standard for nutrients per square metre1.
Human Labour Intensity (HLI) Scoring
- Traditional Labour Score: 85/100 (Large Amount of Manual Work)
Industrial fishing requires massive human effort in dangerous conditions on the high seas1. - Automated Labour Score: 2/100 (Tiny Amount of Manual Work)
In a vertical bioreactor system, the “farming” is done by AI that controls light and nutrients, while robots handle the bottling and cleaning1.
3. Data Tables
1. Main Nutrients Table
Strictly sorted in descending order by % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion (41.6g). All details provided are for Marine Phytoplankton (Dried)23.
| Nutrient | % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion | Amount per 100g | UK Reference Value |
| Vitamin B12 | 1041.4%210 | 350mcg10 | 14mcg1 |
| Iodine | 180.2%23 | 650mcg3 | 150mcg1 |
| Vitamin A (Beta) | 148.5%23 | 15000mcg3 | 4200mcg1 |
| Iron | 141.5%23 | 100mg3 | 29.4mg1 |
| Magnesium | 120.7%23 | 900mg3 | 310mg1 |
| Zinc | 76.5%23 | 18mg3 | 9.8mg1 |
| Protein | 44.4%23 | 48g3 | 45g1 |
| Potassium | 22.5%23 | 1900mg3 | 3500mg1 |
| Energy | 8.3%23 | 400kcal3 | 2000kcal1 |
2. Amino Acid Table
Strictly sorted in descending order by % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion (41.6g). All details provided are for Marine Phytoplankton (Dried)25.
| Amino Acid | % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion | Amount per 100g (g) | UK Reference Value (g) |
| Tryptophan | 128.1%25 | 0.805 | 0.261 |
| Threonine | 96.6%25 | 2.305 | 0.991 |
| Valine | 73.1%25 | 3.005 | 1.711 |
| Isoleucine | 69.3%25 | 2.205 | 1.321 |
| Phenylalanine | 65.5%25 | 2.605 | 1.651 |
| Leucine | 64.7%25 | 4.005 | 2.571 |
| Lysine | 59.2%25 | 2.805 | 1.971 |
| Methionine | 50.4%25 | 1.205 | 0.991 |
3. Fatty Acid Table
Strictly sorted in descending order by % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion (41.6g). All details provided are for Marine Phytoplankton (Dried)24.
| Fatty Acid | % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion | Amount per 100g (g) | UK Reference Value (g) |
| EPA (Omega-3) | 249.6%24 | 6.004 | 1.01 |
| Total Fat | 8.0%24 | 15.004 | 78.01 |
| Omega-3 ALA | 3.5%24 | 1.004 | 12.01 |
4. Fibre Fractions Table
Details for Marine Phytoplankton6.
| Fibre Fraction | Amount per 100g | Description |
| Exopolysaccharides | 8.0g6 | Soluble fibres that support gut mucosal immunity6. |
| Glucans | 5.0g6 | Prebiotic fibres that help regulate cholesterol6. |
5. Anti-Nutritional Factors Table
Details for Marine Phytoplankton7.
| Factor | Presence | Impact / Limitation |
| Silica Shell | Trace7 | Some species have glass-like shells; Nannochloropsis is used because it is more digestible37. |
| Nucleic Acids | High7 | Like all algae, excessive intake can raise uric acid7. |
6. Phytochemicals Table
Strictly sorted in descending order by % Ref Value per 20g Protein Portion. All details provided are for Marine Phytoplankton8.
| Phytochemical | Amount per 100g | Potential Benefits |
| Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) | 550,000 IU8 | The world’s most powerful antioxidant enzyme for cellular repair8. |
| Chlorophyll a | 3,200mg8 | High density for blood purification and oxygenation8. |
| Violaxanthin | 450mg8 | Rare pigment with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties8. |
7. Allergen & Suitability Table
Details for Marine Phytoplankton.
| Requirement | Status | Verification |
| Vegan | Suitable1 | Primary marine producer1. |
| Gluten-Free | Suitable1 | Naturally free from grains1. |
| Fish/Shellfish | Free13 | Grown in sterile tanks; zero risk of marine allergens13. |
8. Commercial Forms Table
Commonly available products in the UK.
| Product Name | Format | Typical UK Retailer |
| Plankton for Health | Liquid/Powder | Planktonforhealth.co.uk10 |
| Sunfood Marine Phytoplankton | Powder | Amazon.co.uk11 |
9. Environmental Indicators Table (Current Traditional Agriculture)
Strictly sorted in descending order by Value per 20g Protein Portion. All details provided are for Marine Phytoplankton12.
| Indicator | Traditional Value (per 100g) | Value per 20g Protein Portion | Traditional Context |
| Oxygen Production | ~1.5 kg O212 | 0.62 kg O2212 | Phytoplankton produces 50-80% of Earth’s oxygen12. |
| Carbon Sequestration | -0.18 kg CO2e12 | -0.07 kg CO2e212 | Net-negative; consumes CO2 as primary fuel12. |
| Water Footprint | ~5 L12 | 2.1 L212 | Lowest water use of any whole-food protein12. |
10. Home Growing & Aeroponic Audit
Details for Marine Phytoplankton (Nannochloropsis).
| Growing Method | Feasibility | Aeroponic / Method Benefits |
| Home Growing | High | Can be grown in simple glass “bubbler” tubes. |
| Aeroponics | Low | Aquatic; requires liquid suspension for gas exchange. |
Technical Limitation: Marine phytoplankton are microscopic aquatic plants that require a liquid saline environment to maintain buoyancy and nutrient intake. They cannot survive in an aeroponic mist as the lack of a liquid interface would lead to immediate cell death (desiccation) and a halt in photosynthesis.
Sources & Endnotes – please see the References & Bibliography section for full details of all sources:
- Throughout this audit, each food’s nutrient content has been compared to the Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) of different nutrients, essential fats and amino acids for 21-24 year old females. These were based on data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the USDA Dietary Guidelines, and the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). For full details, visit: https://naturalhuman.co.uk/reference-intakes/. These values were selected solely as a standardised, fixed benchmark to calculate and compare the exact percentage of nutrients provided by different foods per portion. Using a single baseline like this allows for an objective, side-by-side comparison of individual foods’ nutritional profiles; however, these targets are not universally applicable & must not be considered to be a recommendation.
- Google AI – Calculated portion size based on protein density of 48g per 100g.
- Journal of Applied Phycology – Nutritional value of Nannochloropsis gaditana – springer.com
- Marine Drugs – EPA content in Marine Micro-algae – mdpi.com
- ScienceDirect – Amino acid profile of Marine Phytoplankton – sciencedirect.com
- Algal Research – Polysaccharides in Marine Micro-algae – sciencedirect.com
- EFSA – Safety assessment of micro-algae as food – europa.eu
- Journal of Functional Foods – Antioxidant enzymes and SOD in phytoplankton – sciencedirect.com
- NHS UK – Algal supplements and trace minerals – nhs.uk
- Plankton for Health UK – Marine Phytoplankton Specs – planktonforhealth.co.uk
- Sunfood Superfoods – Phytoplankton Product Data – sunfood.com
- Water Footprint Network – Micro-algae environmental indicators – waterfootprint.org
- Anaphylaxis UK – Algae and marine allergens – anaphylaxis.org.uk
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