What Are the Benefits of Phytoplankton?

Phytoplankton are very important organisms that play a vital role in Earth's biosphere. They provide a large array of vitamins and minerals, which has helped make them a popular nutritional supplement.

Benefits

• Phytoplankton improve the cardiovascular system, cholesterol levels, joints, skin, vision, the liver, and sleep and also promote a healthy blood sugar level.

Vitamins

• Phytoplankton contain vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C, and E.

Minerals

• Minerals and other nutrients found in phytoplankton include: iodine, tyrosine, glutamine, copper, cobalt, selenium, biotin, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, selenium, iron, lysine, folic acid, calcium, chromium, and bioflavinoids.

Ocean Food Cycle

• Phytoplankton make up the most important part of the ocean food cycle by producing the majority of the food through photosynthesis. Most animals in the ocean eat phytoplankton or eat an animal that eats phytoplankton.

Oxygen

• Given the abundance of phytoplankton, these plants are some of the largest producers of oxygen on the planet.