EATING SUNSHINE, CREATING ENERGY
Microalgae actually invented photosynthesis – the ability to transform sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into energy. This skill is part of every living plant’s powers today, and it is what allows plants to create energy: they absorb sunlight, water and carbon dioxide and turn it into the energy they need to live, grow and prosper. Land-based plants use that energy to grow branches, leaves, root systems, flowers and seeds. A lot of energy is required for being a plant like the pineapple or the Rhododendron. Or the majestic Redwood tree.
For our tiny microalgae friends, the story is a bit different. Being one-celled plants, they grow by dividing – that is, turning themselves into two new one-celled organisms. There are no branches, roots, or leaves involved. So, what do microalgae do with all the energy they produce? The answer is that they use that energy to create nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, astaxanthin and many more. What's more, as it turns out, microalgae got so good at this process that other living organisms, animals and humans decided to simply “source” these nutrients and get these essentials through their diets. Yup, we all need to consume omega-3, just like we need to get Vitamin C and iron in our diets.