Tetraselmis chuii: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Updated on 19 March 2025

Tetraselmis chui is a unicellular microalga with 4 flagella, present in marine environments and widely used in aquaculture to nourish larval crustaceans and mollusks. It was first isolated off the coast of Great Britain in the 1950s. For several years, Tetraselmis chui has been studied for its health benefits. This microalga is particularly rich in carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with omega-3 representing 5.3% of total fatty acids, omega-6 8.1%, and omega-9 32.8%. It also contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that combats oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals produced by the body. Thus, Tetraselmis chui is a beneficial source of SOD for hair, skin, and joint health, fighting problems related to oxidative stress. This microalga has antioxidant, antifungal, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Tetraselmis chui can therefore be consumed as a dietary supplement for its numerous benefits on the body.

Other name(s)

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Scientific name(s)

Tetraselmis chuii

Family or group:

Aquatic organisms

Active ingredients:

SOD

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Sports performance
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Athletes could benefit from improved performance and quicker recovery following Tetraselmis chuii extract consumption. By combating oxidative stress and inflammation caused by rigorous training, TetraSOD® (a proprietary formula) might help athletes minimize muscle fatigue and maximize training efficiency. A study evaluated the effects of 60 days of Tetraselmis chuii supplementation on hematological, anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in healthy men. The results showed that supplementation led to a significant increase in erythropoietin (EPO) and IGF-1 levels (hormones beneficial for physical performance), as well as a decrease in body fat and an increase in muscle mass. Additionally, supplementation led to increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol levels. These results suggest that Tetraselmis chuii supplementation may have beneficial effects on physical performance, body composition, and hormonal regulation in healthy men.

Posologie

Oral administration

25 - 200 mg

TetraSOD®

Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Anthropometric, Hormonal, and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Study
Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Ergospirometric, Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters in Amateur Soccer Players

Properties

Antioxidant

Tetraselmis chuii extracts have demonstrated high antioxidant activity, which could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and carotenoids according to several studies.

Usages associés

Sports performance

TetraSOD® activates the antioxidant response pathway in human cells: An in vitro approach
TetraSOD®, a Unique Marine Microalgae Ingredient, Promotes an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Status in a Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Model in Rats

Anti-inflammatory

Tetraselmis chuii has shown promise in combating oxidative stress and inflammation thanks to its bioactive compounds. Antioxidants such as chlorophyll and carotenoids neutralize free radicals, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. Polysaccharides inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6, thereby reducing inflammation.

TetraSOD®, a Unique Marine Microalgae Ingredient, Promotes an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Status in a Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Model in Rats

Bioenergizing

A study evaluated the effects of 60 days of Tetraselmis chuii supplementation on hematological, anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in healthy men. The results showed that supplementation led to a significant increase in erythropoietin (EPO) and IGF-1 levels (hormones beneficial for physical performance), as well as a decrease in body fat and an increase in muscle mass. Additionally, supplementation led to increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol levels. These results suggest that Tetraselmis chuii supplementation may have beneficial effects on physical performance, body composition, and hormonal regulation in healthy men.

Usages associés

Sports performance

Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Anthropometric, Hormonal, and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Study

Safety dosage

Adult: 25 mg - 200 mg

Current studies have used doses ranging from 25 to 200 mg per day for up to 60 days. Regarding contraindications, there is not enough data to determine whether Tetraselmis chuii supplementation is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with chronic conditions.

Conseil scientifique