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Tetraselmis Chuii

Tetraselmis chuii is a marine microalgae approved as a Novel Food in the EU. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Marketed as a sustainable superfood. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. Primarily used in aquaculture as fish feed. Potential as a sustainable nutrient source but lacks clinical evidence for specific health claims. Generally safe as food.

Quick Answer

What it is

Tetraselmis chuii is a marine microalgae approved as a Novel Food in the EU. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
  • Grade C: Exercise Recovery
  • Grade C: Aerobic Exercise Performance

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Tetraselmis Chuii

Quick Facts: Tetraselmis Chuii

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Aerobic Exercise Performance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C4
D3
4 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
A randomized crossover trial demonstrated upregulated NRF2, GPX7, GSR, GSTM3, and PRDX6 gene expression in human skeletal muscle biopsies — the first in vivo confirmation in humans. In vitro studies in human myoblasts showed SOD activity increased 34-37%, GPx 72-83%, and CAT 37-42%. Supported by animal data showing enhanced liver GPx and GSH.
moderate↑Improves
C
Exercise Recovery
Three small human RCTs (n=19-32 each) found 25 mg/day Tetraselmis chuii for 14-16 days reduced creatine kinase by 14% post-exercise, preserved squat jump power (15% less decline vs placebo), and improved perceived recovery by 16%. Force development returned to baseline only in the supplementation group.
moderate↑Improves
C
Aerobic Exercise Performance
A double-blind trial in 32 amateur soccer players found 200 mg/day for 30 days increased VO2max and oxygen pulse with decreased heart rate. A separate randomized crossover RCT confirmed increased VO2peak at 25 mg/day for 14 days in healthy adults.
small↑Improves
C
Immune Function
In a placebo-controlled RCT (n=19), 25 mg/day preserved salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels post-exercise while placebo showed significant decline. A separate RCT (n=46) found significant increases in leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes after 60 days of supplementation at both 25 and 200 mg/day.
small↑Improves
D
Inflammation
In rat models of metabolic syndrome, Tetraselmis chuii significantly reduced TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, and NF-kB expression while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 and reducing oxidized LDL. A separate rat study confirmed dose-dependent reductions in serum and muscle TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Human anti-inflammatory data is limited to exercise recovery contexts.
small↓Improves
D
Sperm Quality
A pilot trial in 40 idiopathic infertile men found 250 mg/day for 90 days increased sperm concentration by 86%, total sperm count by 138%, and progressive motility by 26%, with reduced DNA double-strand breaks. However, this trial lacked a placebo arm and compared two doses only. A placebo-controlled RCT has been presented at conference but not yet fully published.
moderate↑Improves
D
Body Composition
A single double-blind RCT in 46 healthy young men found both 25 and 200 mg/day for 60 days increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass, with concurrent increases in free testosterone, IGF-1, and erythropoietin. Awaits replication.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (9)

The Potential of Superoxide Dismutase-Rich Tetraselmis chuii as a Promoter of Cellular Health
(2025)
PMID: 40004157
Neuroprotective Potential and Bioactive Compound Characterization of Tetraselmis chuii
(2024)
PMID: 38612712
Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Anthropometric, Hormonal and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Study
(2022)
PMID: 35627597
TetraSOD, a Unique Marine Microalgae Ingredient, Promotes an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Status in a Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Model in Rats
(2022)
PMID: 36235679
Marine phytoplankton improves recovery and sustains immune function in humans and lowers proinflammatory immunoregulatory cytokines in a rat model
(2021)
PMID: 33887828
Marine Phytoplankton Improves Exercise Recovery in Humans and Activates Repair Mechanisms in Rats
(2021)
PMID: 33352600
Phytoplankton Supplementation Lowers Muscle Damage and Sustains Performance across Repeated Exercise Bouts in Humans and Improves Antioxidant Capacity in a Mechanistic Animal
(2020)
PMID: 32635494
Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Ergospirometric, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Amateur Soccer Players
(2020)
PMID: 32967151
Safety assessment of a lyophilized biomass of Tetraselmis chuii (TetraSOD) in a 90 day feeding study
(2019)
PMID: 31505236

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