SuanNutra USA to distribute TetraSOD marine microalgae for cell health & metabolism

Nutraceutical ingredients company SuanNutra USA has finalized a distribution agreement with Spanish biotech company Fitoplancton Marino to supply its microalgae-based ingredient TetraSOD across North America. The marine bioactive complex offers clinically backed benefits in cellular and metabolic health, with demonstrated benefits in body composition and energy metabolism. 

Derived from the microalgae Tetraselmis chuii, the patented ingredient delivers high enzymatic activity alongside a diverse matrix of bioactive compounds. The “SOD” in TetraSOD refers to superoxide dismutase, a naturally occurring enzyme in oxygen-breathing organisms that plays a central role in the human body’s antioxidant defense system.

In addition to its high SOD activity, TetraSOD contains natural polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols that contribute to its broad biological activity.

“TetraSOD represents a strong addition to SuanNutra USA’s portfolio of science-backed ingredients,” says 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 US market.”

“Its marine origin and sustainable production further reinforce its differentiation in a highly competitive, yet fast-growing market — particularly across metabolic health, performance, and healthy aging categories.”

Indirect antioxidant activity

Efficacious at a daily dose of 25 mg, TetraSOD is supported by 10 patents and backed by 17 peer-reviewed studies conducted since 2006, with the latest published in March 2026.

Efficacious at a daily dose of 25 mg, TetraSOD is supported by 10 patents and backed by 17 peer-reviewed studies conducted since 2006.The ingredient claims to perform as an indirect antioxidant that activates the body’s endogenous defense and adaptive response mechanisms.

In multiple preclinical and clinical studies, the ingredient helped activate NRF2 and SIRT1 pathways. NRF2 is a key transcription factor involved in the cellular antioxidant response, while SIRT1, as part of the sirtuin family, plays an important role in cellular protection and repair.

“Together, these pathways help protect cells against oxidative stress, inflammation, toxins, and environmental stressors, while also supporting cellular repair mechanisms,” SuanNutra highlights.

Clinical and preclinical research

Clinical and preclinical research supports TetraSOD’s benefits across three areas: metabolic health and body composition, physical performance and recovery, and cellular and systemic health.

“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,” says Carlos Unamunzaga, CEO of Fitoplancton Marino.

In human clinical studies, TetraSOD supplementation led to improvements in aerobic capacity, oxygen uptake (VO2 max), and recovery markers after 14 days usage at the recommended dose.

“Additional studies have demonstrated TetraSOD’s role in supporting post-workout muscle recovery, noting its ability to reduce muscle damage,” adds Marián Gutiérrez Montero, business development director of SuanNutra. 

“According to a couple of preclinical studies, the daily ingestion of TetraSOD reduced markers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, and, most recently, we uncovered evidence of its potential role as a prebiotic.”

Eco-centric harvesting

T. chuii was first identified in the 1950s and has long been used in aquaculture due to its rich nutritional profile. Fitoplancton Marino developed a patented production method employing sustainable practices to maximize the content of SOD, lipids, and other key components of these super microalgae.

The phytoplankton is cultivated and harvested in closed outdoor bioreactors in El Puerto de Santa Maria, near the Spanish coast.The phytoplankton is cultivated and harvested in closed outdoor bioreactors in El Puerto de Santa Maria, near the Spanish coast. This patent-protected technology enables cultivation under controlled temperature, oxygen levels, stressors, and nutrients to increase the concentration of SOD to a minimum of 30,000 µ/g.

No extraction is involved in the process as the microalgae is simply harvested and dried into a fine, pale-green powder.

Effect on microbial diversity

Last year, lab research published in the journal Foods demonstrated TetraSOD’s ability to increase microbial diversity in the colon, which supported the growth of beneficial bacteria over pathogenic strains, while inducing the production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate. 

Research published last March also demonstrated TetraSOD’s ability to protect telomere length in human cells, supporting its potential role in 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,” says Gutiérrez Montero.

“TetraSOD is a rigorously tested ingredient and adheres to the stringent Asian, EU, US, and Canadian quality standards,” highlights SuanNutra. It also holds Novel Food approval in the EU, Self-Generally Recognized as Safe status in the US, and a Natural Product Number in Canada.