Evidence supporting the use of: Phytoplankton
For the body system: Mitochondria
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phytoplankton refers to a diverse group of microscopic marine algae, including species like Nannochloropsis and Thalassiosira, that are rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (notably EPA), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There is some emerging scientific interest in phytoplankton as a nutritional supplement, with a small number of studies exploring its effects on human health, including mitochondrial function. The mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in cells, and their performance is influenced by cellular nutrition and the presence of oxidative stress.
A few preliminary studies, primarily in vitro (cell culture) or in animal models, suggest that phytoplankton extracts may support mitochondrial function by providing antioxidant compounds (such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, and polyphenols) that could reduce oxidative damage to mitochondria. Additionally, the presence of omega-3 fatty acids may indirectly support mitochondrial membrane health. However, evidence in humans is limited: very few clinical trials have directly examined the effect of phytoplankton supplementation on mitochondrial markers or energy metabolism in people. Most claims about benefits to mitochondrial health are extrapolated from the nutrient profile of phytoplankton rather than demonstrated physiological effects.
In summary, while there is a plausible nutritional rationale and some early-stage scientific investigation, robust human evidence is lacking. Thus, the use of phytoplankton to support mitochondrial health is supported by limited scientific evidence, and more research is needed to validate these effects in humans.
Other ingredients that support Mitochondria
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
bovine liver
caffeine
catechins
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
copper
creatine monohydrate
d-alpha tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
fructose
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
grape
greens blend (proprietary)
hesperetin
knotweed
krill oil
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
manganese
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
resveratrol
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sardines
selenium
black ginger
spinach
starch
stearic acid
strawberry
succinic acid
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
lingzhi
cistanche
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
Alpha polylactate
Apigenin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
berry
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Cardarine
Cocarboxylase
Capsinoids
Coenzyme A
Cardiolipin
Cyanidin
Capsiate
Chocolate
Creatine
C-Phycocyanin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Ribose
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
glucose
Ketone Salts