Products & Ingredients

Suannutra USA Becomes North American Distributor of Fitoplancton Marino’s TetraSOD

The algae-derived ingredient is formulated to support the body's antioxidant defense, supporting metabolism, immune function, and physical performance.

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By: Mike Montemarano

Associate Editor, Nutraceuticals World

Photo: Fitoplancton Marino

Suannutra USA has become the exclusive North American distributor for TetraSOD, a marine phytoplankton-derived ingredient designed to support cellular and metabolic health measures, manufactured by Fitoplancton Marino. The patented ingredient, derived from Tetraselmis chuii, delivers high enzymatic activity alongside a diverse matrix of bioactive compounds, the company reported.

In addition to its high superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, it contains naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, contributing to its biological activity.

TetraSOD acts as an indirect antioxidant, supporting endogenous defense and adaptive response mechanisms, the company reported, influencing metabolism, immune function, and physical performance.

Tetraselmis chuii was first identified in the 1950s and has long been used in aquaculture due to its rich nutritional profile.

“We invested more than 20 years in developing the ingredient, revealing the science behind the ingredient’s action, and obtaining the regulatory approvals in many countries. Now, everything is aligned for consumers to enjoy TetraSOD’s benefits and adopt the mindset of agelessness,” said Carlos Unamunzaga, CEO of Fitoplancton Marino.

Fitoplancton Marino developed a patented production method to sustainably maximize the content of SOD, lipids, and other key components of these microalgae.

The phytoplankton is cultivated and harvested in closed outdoor bioreactors in El Puerto de Santa Maria, near the Spanish coast. The patented technology controls temperature, oxygen levels, stressors, and nutrients to increase Sod to a record-breaking minimum of 30,000 µ/g, and no extraction is involved in the finished ingredient. It’s simply dried into a pale-green powder.

“TetraSOD represents a strong addition to Suannutra USA’s portfolio of science-backed ingredients,” said Anthony Weston, CEO of Suannutra. “With its solid clinical evidence, low effective dose, and benefits that were perceived by subjects in under a month, we believe TetraSOD has the potential to become a true hero ingredient in the U.S. market. Its unique marine origin and sustainable production further reinforce its differentiation in a highly competitive, fast-growing market, particularly across metabolic health, performance, and healthy aging categories.”

TetraSOD is protected by 10 patents, and is supported with 17 peer-reviewed studies, the latest of which was published in March. It is clinically efficacious at a dose of 25 mg daily, and has been shown to support measures of metabolic health and body composition; physical performance and recovery; and cellular and systemic health. Human clinical studies suggest it may improve aerobic capacity, oxygen uptake, and recovery markers after 14 days of supplementation.

“Additional studies have demonstrated TetraSOD’s role in supporting post-workout muscle recovery, noting its ability to reduce muscle damage,” said Marián Gutiérrez Montero, business development director of Suannutra. In addition to preclinical evidence of its ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, the most recent lab study suggested that TetraSOD may exhibit prebiotic activity, Gutiérrez Montero noted. Administration favored the growth of beneficial bacteria over pathogenic strains, and induced short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. A study in March also found that, in human cells, TetraSOD appeared to protect telomere length, suggesting its potential role in supporting healthy aging.

“This micro-seaweed’s wellness attributes are proving to be diverse and all-encompassing and already feature in a full spectrum of supplement formulations targeting healthy aging, sports and active nutrition, GLP-1 support, and cellular health,” Gutiérrez Montero added.

The primary mechanism of action for the ingredient appears to be the activation of NRF2 and SIRT1 pathways; the former is a transcription factor involved in cells’ antioxidant response, and the latter plays an important role in cellular protection and repair. Together, they protect cells against oxidative stress, inflammation, toxins, and environmental stressors, while supporting cellular repair mechanisms, the company reported.

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