Tetraselmis chuii: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 7 November 2025

Tetraselmis chui is a unicellular microalga with four flagella, found in marine environments and widely used in aquaculture to feed crustacean and mollusk larvae. 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-3s representing 5.3% of total fatty acids, omega-6s 8.1% and omega-9s 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 source of SOD beneficial for hair, skin, and joint health by fighting issues 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 many benefits to the body.

Scientific name(s)

Tetraselmis chuii

Family or group:

Aquatic organisms

Active ingredients:

SOD

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

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

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

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

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

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Sports performance
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Athletes could benefit from improved performance and faster recovery following consumption of Tetraselmis chuii extract. By combating oxidative stress and inflammation caused by rigorous training, TetraSOD® (a proprietary formula) may help athletes minimize muscle fatigue and maximize training effectiveness. nnA study evaluated the effects of Tetraselmis chuii supplementation for 60 days 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. In addition, supplementation resulted in increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol levels. nnThese results suggest that Tetraselmis chuii supplementation may have beneficial effects on physical performance and body composition, as well as on hormonal regulation in healthy men. nn

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

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

Usages associés

Athletic 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 proven promising in the fight against oxidative stress and inflammation thanks to its bioactive compounds. Antioxidants, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. Polysaccharides inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α and IL-6, thus reducing inflammation. nn

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 Tetraselmis chuii supplementation for 60 days 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. In addition, supplementation resulted in increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol levels. nnThese results suggest that Tetraselmis chuii supplementation may have beneficial effects on physical performance and body composition, as well as on hormonal regulation in healthy men. nn

Usages associés

Sports performance

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

Safe dosage

Adult: 25 mg - 200 mg

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

Conseil scientifique