You have probably heard of spirulina and chlorella, but do you know phytoplankton yet? These microscopically small algae provide 70% of all the 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 are diving deep into it!
What is phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton are microscopically small organisms that float freely in seawater. The word 'phytoplankton' comes from the Greek 'phyton' (plant) and 'planktos' (drifting). So they are actually floating little plants, so small that you can only see them with a microscope!
These minuscule algae are among the oldest life forms on earth. They are the very first life form that started producing oxygen. Without phytoplankton, life on earth would not have been possible. They float at the water's surface because they need sunlight for photosynthesis, just like ordinary plants. Through this process, they absorb CO2 from the seawater and give back oxygen. They still produce 70% of all the oxygen we breathe!
What is special about phytoplankton is their size. They are so small (between 0.2 and 200 micrometres) that they can pass directly through your cell membranes. That makes them unique among superfoods.
Which little 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 litre of seawater! Phytoplankton has several main types:
- Cyanobacteria: these are actually bacteria that behave like little plants. They produce oxygen and have existed for a very long time. Some give the water a blue-green colour.
- Dinoflagellates: these can propel themselves with small whip-like tails. A few species can light up 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 colour of seawater depends on how much phytoplankton is in it. A lot of phytoplankton makes the water greener; little phytoplankton results in that deep blue ocean water. In supplements you usually get a mix of different types (each with their own valuable substances).
What is phytoplankton good for?
Phytoplankton is one of the most complete food sources in nature. In one small spoonful you already get many valuable nutrients for which you would normally have to eat several different foods! What is special about phytoplankton is that it is much smaller than other algae, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients.
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 with spirulina and chlorella?
Spirulina and chlorella grow in fresh water; phytoplankton comes from the ocean. As a result, phytoplankton contains different minerals and naturally has far more omega-3 fatty acids (something freshwater algae hardly have). While spirulina and chlorella mainly give you protein, iron and chlorophyll, phytoplankton gives you a more complete mix including those valuable omega-3 fats from the sea.
What does phytoplankton feed on?
Phytoplankton actually needs very simple 'food': sunlight for energy, CO2 from the seawater, and minerals floating freely in the ocean. They make their own food through photosynthesis, exactly as plants on land do.
From phytoplankton to omega-3
Phytoplankton itself is also on the menu of many sea creatures. The smallest inhabitants start: sponges and mussels filter billions of phytoplankton out of the water. Small crustaceans and shrimp gobble them up eagerly. These in turn are 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 tiny algae. All the fish we know for their omega-3, from salmon to sardines, got these fatty acids through this natural food chain.
With algae oil you skip these intermediate steps and go straight 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
At Arctic Blue we understand the value of algae from the ocean. We offer high-quality algae oil and MSC-certified fish oil. Both benefit from the same natural omega-3 source as phytoplankton. At Arctic Blue you can order individual products or take out a convenient subscription.
Do you have any questions about our products? Are you curious about what we consider important at Arctic Blue and how we care for the ocean? Then read one of our other blog articles!
