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Marine Phytoplankton Benefits for Plants, Humans & Pets
Marine Phytoplankton Benefits: The Complete Guide for Plants, Humans, and Pets
For over 3.5 billion years, marine phytoplankton has quietly sustained life on Earth. These microscopic organisms produce roughly 50% of the oxygen we breathe and form the very foundation of the marine food chain. Yet beyond their ecological importance, the marine phytoplankton benefits for everyday wellness are only now being fully understood—and they extend far beyond the ocean.
Whether you're nurturing a garden, supporting your own vitality, or caring for a beloved pet, this ancient superfood offers something remarkable: complete, bioavailable nutrition in its most elemental form. In this guide, we'll explore the science behind phytoplankton's power, examine its benefits across all forms of life, and help you understand why the source of your phytoplankton matters just as much as the phytoplankton itself.
What Exactly is Marine Phytoplankton?
Marine phytoplankton are single-celled photosynthetic organisms that drift through the world's oceans. The term comes from the Greek phyto (plant) and plankton (wanderer)—an apt description for these microscopic travelers that harness sunlight to create energy, just like land plants do.
But here's what makes them extraordinary: unlike terrestrial plants that absorb nutrients only through their roots (often from depleted soil), phytoplankton absorb nutrients across their entire cell surface from mineral-rich seawater. This unique characteristic allows them to concentrate an astounding array of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants within each microscopic cell.
The result? Marine phytoplankton can contain up to 300% more nutrients than land-based plants. It's no coincidence that the largest creatures on Earth—the great blue whales—thrive on a diet built upon this tiny organism.
The Bioavailability Advantage
Perhaps the most significant scientific distinction of marine phytoplankton is its bioavailability—the degree to which nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the body.
Each phytoplankton cell is smaller than a human red blood cell. This nano-size means the nutrients bypass the digestive system entirely and are absorbed directly at the cellular level. For anyone with compromised digestion, leaky gut, or absorption challenges, this direct cellular delivery represents a significant advantage over conventional supplements.
Marine Phytoplankton Benefits for Human Health
The science supporting phytoplankton for human wellness continues to grow. Here's what the research and nutritional profiles reveal:
A Complete Omega-3 Source (Without the Fish)
Marine phytoplankton is rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—the same omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. The difference? Phytoplankton is where fish get their omega-3s in the first place.
By going straight to the source, you eliminate the middleman—and the concerns that come with it:
- No heavy metal accumulation: Fish can bioaccumulate mercury and other toxins from polluted waters
- No oxidation risk: Fish oils oxidize when exposed to air, potentially creating inflammatory compounds
- Sustainable and plant-based: Ideal for vegans and those concerned about overfishing
You can learn more about our Quality Control here.
Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that marine phytoplankton supplementation helped maintain immune function and supported exercise recovery in healthy adults.
Complete Nutritional Support
- Essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein
- Trace minerals – including zinc, selenium, magnesium, and chromium
- B vitamins – including B12, crucial for energy metabolism
- Chlorophyll – supports detoxification and oxygenation
- Beta-carotene and other carotenoids – powerful antioxidants
This comprehensive profile supports mitochondrial health—the energy-producing powerhouses within every cell. Many people report sustained energy, improved mental clarity, and an overall sense of vitality when incorporating phytoplankton into their daily routine.
Marine Phytoplankton Benefits for Plants
Gardeners are discovering what marine ecosystems have demonstrated for billions of years: phytoplankton creates conditions for life to thrive.
Nature's Complete Fertilizer
When applied to soil, marine phytoplankton delivers a balanced nutritional profile that synthetic fertilizers simply cannot replicate:
- Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) – the essential macronutrients for plant growth
- Calcium and Magnesium – vital for cell wall structure and chlorophyll production
- Trace minerals – dozens of micronutrients that support optimal plant health
Unlike chemical fertilizers that can damage soil biology over time, phytoplankton-based soil enhancers work with the ecosystem. The organic matter feeds beneficial bacteria and fungi, creating a living soil that supports healthier, more resilient plants.
Versatility Across All Growing Scenarios
One of the most practical marine phytoplankton benefits for gardeners is its universal application. MARPHYL Organic Soil Enhancer works effectively on:
- Indoor houseplants and tropicals
- Outdoor vegetable gardens and flower beds
- Lawns, trees, and shrubs
- Hydroponic and aquaponic systems
- Succulents and cacti
The pH-neutral formula eliminates the risk of burning delicate plants, making it safe for even the most sensitive varieties.
Learn more about different Soil Enhancers that we offer.
Marine Phytoplankton Benefits for Pets
Our dogs, cats, and other companion animals can experience the same remarkable benefits from marine phytoplankton that sustain life throughout the ocean. As pet owners increasingly seek natural alternatives to synthetic supplements, phytoplankton has emerged as a powerful whole-food option.
Perfect for Sensitive Systems
Because phytoplankton is absorbed before it reaches the gut, it's ideal for pets with:
- Digestive sensitivities or bowel disease
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Compromised nutrient absorption
- Recovery from illness or surgery
Senior pets, in particular, often struggle to absorb nutrients efficiently. The direct cellular delivery of phytoplankton ensures they receive the full benefit of every nutrient.
A Safer Alternative to Fish Oil
While fish oil has been a popular omega-3 source for pets, it comes with significant drawbacks:
| Fish Oil | Marine Phytoplankton |
|---|---|
| Oxidizes when exposed to air, potentially causing inflammation | Stable and non-oxidizing |
| May contain mercury and other heavy metals | Free from bioaccumulated toxins |
| Contributes to overfishing | Sustainably harvested |
| Requires large doses | Concentrated—only 1/2 of a teaspoon daily |
Phytoplankton provides EPA and DHA directly, with nearly double the omega-3 content by weight compared to fish oil.
Observed Benefits in Dogs and Cats
Pet owners report improvements in:
- Coat quality – shinier, softer fur with reduced shedding
- Joint mobility – especially in senior pets
- Energy levels – more vitality and playfulness
- Skin health – reduced itching and irritation
- Overall immunity – fewer minor illnesses
And for pets with fish or shellfish allergies? Phytoplankton is a plant cell, not a fish product, making it a safe alternative that doesn't trigger allergic reactions.
Dosage
As Phytoplankton is packed with nutrients, you need to add very little of it to your pet's daily diet.
🐶For a dog of 55lbs (25kg) you need around one capsule (or 1/2 of a teaspoon).
🐱For an average sized cat you need 1/2 capsule (or 1/4 of a teaspoon).
Why Source Matters: Wild vs. Lab-Grown
Not all marine phytoplankton products are equal. The source dramatically impacts quality, purity, and nutritional completeness.
The MARPHYL Difference: Wild and Multi-Species
Most commercial phytoplankton products use a single strain grown in laboratory bioreactors. MARPHYL takes a fundamentally different approach.
Our marine phytoplankton is:
- 100% wild-harvested from the Strait of Georgia, where mountain snowmelt from Western Canada meets the Pacific Ocean
- Multi-species – containing up to 80 different phytoplankton species, each contributing unique nutrients
- Drawn from one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, monitored weekly by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for biotoxins and contaminants
This biodiversity matters. Just as eating a variety of vegetables provides broader nutrition than eating only one, multi-species phytoplankton delivers a more complete nutritional profile than single-strain alternatives.
Sustainability That Gives Back
True sustainability means returning more than you take. MARPHYL's harvesting process:
- Returns water to the ocean after harvesting
- Produces more phytoplankton than we remove, maintaining a positive ecosystem impact
- Captures CO2 and releases oxygen during production—each of our tanks has the atmospheric impact equivalent to one acre of forest
When you choose MARPHYL, you're not just nourishing yourself—you're supporting the very ecosystem that makes this nutrition possible.
How to Use Marine Phytoplankton
For Humans
MARPHYL Marine Phytoplankton supplements are available in vegan capsules or pure powder form.
Recommended intake:
- Capsules: 1 capsule daily (150mg)
- Powder: ¼ to ½ teaspoon daily
The powder has a distinct oceanic profile. We recommend blending it into a smoothie, mixing with juice, or simply taking our vegan capsules for convenience.
For Plants
Dilute MARPHYL Organic Soil Enhancer at a ratio of 1:20 (1 part MARPHYL to 20 parts water).
Application frequency: Most plants: Every 2 weeks
Apply directly to soil or use as a foliar spray. The 100% natural formula is safe for all plants—indoor, outdoor, edible, and ornamental.
For Pets
🐶For a dog of 55lbs (25kg) you need around one capsule (or 1/2 of a teaspoon).
🐱For an average sized cat you need 1/2 capsule (or 1/4 of a teaspoon).
Pure phytoplankton is so concentrated that even this tiny amount delivers meaningful nutrition. Most pets accept it readily when mixed with their regular food.
Experience the Foundation of Life
From the microscopic depths of the ocean comes one of nature's most complete nutritional sources. Marine phytoplankton benefits extend across all forms of life—helping plants thrive with robust growth, supporting human health with comprehensive cellular nutrition, and keeping our pets vibrant and healthy.
For 3.5 billion years, this ancient organism has sustained life on Earth. Now, wild-harvested from the pristine waters of Vancouver Island, it can nourish your entire household.
Discover the superfood behind all superfoods. Discover MARPHYL.