You've probably heard of spirulina and chlorella, but are you familiar with phytoplankton? These microscopic algae produce 70% of all oxygen on Earth. They are also packed with nutrients that your body can put to good use. But what exactly does phytoplankton do? And is a plankton supplement really healthy? We're diving deep!
What is phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that float freely in seawater. The word 'phytoplankton' comes from the Greek 'phyton' (plant) and 'planktos' (floating). So, they are actually floating plants, so small that you can only see them with a microscope!
These tiny algae are among the oldest life forms on Earth. They were the very first life form to begin producing oxygen. Therefore, without phytoplankton, life on Earth would not have been possible. They float on the water surface because they need sunlight for photosynthesis, just like ordinary plants. Through this process, they absorb CO2 from the seawater and release oxygen. They still produce 70% of all the oxygen we breathe!
The special thing about phytoplankton is their size. They are so small (between 0.2 and 200 micrometers) that they can pass directly through your cell membranes. That makes them unique among superfoods.
Which plants fall under phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton is not a single species, but a large group of very small organisms that all live in seawater. Even though you cannot see them with the naked eye, they are everywhere. Sometimes as many as 100 million per liter of seawater! Phytoplankton has several main species:
- Cyanobacteria : these are actually bacteria that behave like plants. They produce oxygen and have existed for a very long time. Some give the water a blue-green color.
- Dinoflagellates : these can propel themselves using small whip-like tails. A few species can glow at night, creating that beautiful blue light you sometimes see in warm seas.
- Diatoms : have a kind of glass shell around them with beautiful patterns. They produce a lot of oxygen and are full of silicon.
- Coccolithophores : small organisms that wrap themselves in chalky scales. They help absorb CO2 from the water.
The color of seawater depends on how much phytoplankton it contains. A lot of phytoplankton makes the water greener, while little phytoplankton results in that deep blue ocean water. In supplements, you usually get a mix of different types (each with its own valuable substances).
What is phytoplankton good for?
Phytoplankton is one of the most complete food sources from nature. In just a small spoonful, you get many valuable nutrients that you would normally have to consume through various foods! What makes phytoplankton special is that it is much smaller than other algae, allowing your body to absorb the nutrients more easily.
Phytoplankton is packed with omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), B vitamins including the rare B12, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and trace elements from seawater. The protein content is also particularly high, with all the essential amino acids your body needs. It also contains natural substances such as chlorophyll and carotenoids.
What is the difference between spirulina and chlorella?
Spirulina and chlorella grow in freshwater, while phytoplankton comes from the ocean. As a result, phytoplankton contains different minerals and naturally has much more omega-3 fatty acids (something freshwater algae hardly have). Whereas with spirulina and chlorella you mainly get protein, iron, and chlorophyll, with phytoplankton you get a more complete mix, including those valuable omega-3 fats from the sea.
What is the diet of phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton actually needs very simple 'food': sunlight for energy, CO2 from seawater, and minerals floating freely in the ocean. They make their own food through photosynthesis, just like plants on land do.
From phytoplankton to omega-3
Phytoplankton itself is also on the menu of many marine animals. The smallest inhabitants start: sponges and mussels filter billions of phytoplankton from the water. Small crustaceans and shrimp greedily gobble them up. These are in turn eaten by young fish, which are themselves food for larger fish.
In this way, the food chain climbs all the way up to whales and sharks, all dependent on these small algae. All fish we know for their omega-3 – from salmon to sardines – have obtained these fatty acids through this natural food chain.
With algae oil, you skip these intermediate steps and go directly to the source. Because, just like phytoplankton, algae produce omega-3 themselves through photosynthesis. This way, you benefit from the same nutritional power of the ocean, but in a form that suits you.
Omega-3 at Arctic Blue
Bee Arctic Blue we understand the value of algae from the ocean. For example, we have high-quality algae oil and MSC-certified fish oil . Both benefit from the same natural omega-3 source as phytoplankton. You can at Arctic Blue Order individual products or take out a convenient subscription.
Do you have any further questions about our products? Are you curious about what we do at Arctic Blue Do you find this important and how we care about the ocean? Then read one of our other blog articles!
