Although life expectancy has increased, with each generation living longer than
the previous one, healthspan, or years lived in good health,
has not shown a comparable improvement. People may be living longer, but often
spend a substantial proportion of their later years in poor health.
A set of key biological features associated with aging, collectively referred to
as the “Hallmarks of Aging”, are considered to play an important
role in driving age-related pathologies. Importantly, dysfunctions in key cellular
processes are also recognized as central hallmarks of aging. In this context,
TetraSOD® emerges
as a science-backed ingredient of interest in the longevity and healthspan field.
Mechanistically, TetraSOD® has been shown, at the gene expression level,
to activate two key factors in cellular physiology and homeostasis:
NRF2
Cellular antioxidant response
NRF2 is the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and is known
to control the expression of more than 200 genes, most of them with
cytoprotective functions. NRF2 signaling gradually declines with age, and this
reduction contributes to several hallmarks of aging. Scientific literature supports
that inducing and activating the NRF2 pathway may help maintain appropriate redox
balance and counteract age-associated cellular decline.
SIRT1
Stress response and repair
SIRT1 is involved in multiple signaling and transcriptional pathways known to
regulate aging. It plays a fundamental role in the cellular response to stress,
DNA repair and mitochondrial biogenesis. As with NRF2, SIRT1 function declines
with age, and SIRT1 activation has been proposed as a relevant approach in the
context of age-related disorders.
TetraSOD® FOR WELL-BEING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL BALANCE
Supports Cellular Balance as Part of Functional Wellness Strategies
An increasing number of scientific studies indicate that oxidative stress plays a key role in physiological processes associated with aging. Everyday factors—such as diet, stress, or environmental exposure—can influence these processes. TetraSOD®, a marine phytoplankton naturally rich in antioxidant enzymes, contributes to the activation of the body’s endogenous antioxidant defenses, helping to maintain redox balance and normal cellular function.
Thanks to its antioxidant and modulatory properties, TetraSOD® can be used as an ingredient in formulations aimed at supporting cellular balance and overall well-being.
Research Areas Related to Oxidative Stress
Preclinical and clinical studies on TetraSOD® have explored its role in cellular mechanisms related to oxidative balance, inflammatory response, and metabolic function.
The scientific literature has examined potential applications in various contexts of wellness and physical activity, without making health claims in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006.
TetraSOD® FOR PHYSICHAL PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY
Optimize Your Sports Formulations with TetraSOD®
TetraSOD® is a natural antioxidant ingredient that can be incorporated into nutritional products and supplements for athletes.
Antioxidant ingredient that contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
Suitable for use in sports supplements and nutritional products.
Compatible with intense training and physical activity programs.
Designed to be integrated into advanced formulations seeking innovative, high-quality ingredients.
TetraSOD® provides antioxidant molecules that can complement a well-balanced sports nutrition strategy, helping to support cellular health during physical activity.
TetraSOD® Study Outcome Graphics
Study outcome graphics
Observed outcomes associated with TetraSOD®
The following charts convert the study-summary data into web-ready visual blocks.
Values are presented as approximate reported changes
from the cited studies and should be read as ingredient-level scientific information.
Increase or improvement marker Decrease marker where lower values were reportedBars are visual indicators; labels carry the exact approximate values
Scientific communication note: these visuals summarize research outcomes and are not intended as consumer advertising, medical advice, disease-related claims or authorized health claims.
Physical performance, recovery and body-composition markers
Summary of the first evidence group.
PerformancePhysical performance, aerobic power, endurance and strength.
RecoveryMuscle fatigue, recovery and muscle-damage markers.
CardiorespiratoryHeart rate, oxygen pulse, VO₂max and VO₂peak.
Body markersLean mass, fat percentage, immune cells and IGF-1.
Cardiorespiratory and oxygen-use outcomes
Toro 2020 · Cocksedge 2025
Heart rate at thresholds / test / recovery↓ ~2–3.3%
Absolute and relative VO₂max↑ ~6–7%
O₂ pulse↑ ~16%
Haemoglobin↑ ~9–10%
End-exercise VO₂peak↑ ~3.5%
Chart based on percentage values listed in the supplied summary slide.
Recovery, strength and muscle-damage markers
Sharp 2020 · Sharp 2021
Creatine kinase levels↓ ~40%
Squat-jump power↑ ~18%
Peak RFD in CMJ↑ ~30%
Mean RFD in CMJ↑ ~30%
Absolute mean difference in peak RFD in IMTP↑ ~132%
Salivary IgAMean difference reported
RFD = rate of force development; CMJ = countermovement jump; IMTP = isometric mid-thigh pull.
Body-composition, immune and endocrine-related markers
García 2022 · Sharp 2021a
Fat percentage↓ ~15%
Muscle percentage↑ ~3%
Lymphocytes↑ ~28%
IGF-1↑ ~42%
Seminal parameters and reproductive-outcome markers
Summary of the second evidence group.
Semen volumeIncrease reported after supplementation.
Sperm parametersConcentration, total number and progressive motility.
DNA integrityOverall SDF and double-strand DNA breaks.
OutcomesLive births and spontaneous pregnancies reported in follow-up.
Seminal parameters after three months
Corral 2023
Semen volume↑ ~35%
Total sperm number↑ ~138%
Sperm concentration↑ ~86%
Progressive motility↑ ~26%
LH↑ ~17%
Oxidative-stress-related cohort markers
Leiva 2026 · In press
LH in cohort with sORP/C > 1.34↑ ~22%
FSH in cohort with sORP/C > 1.34↑ ~10%
Progressive motility↑ ~33%
Sperm concentration in cohort with sORP/C > 1.34↑ ~100%
Overall sperm DNA fragmentation↓ ~25%
Double-strand DNA breaks↓ ~33%
Reported reproductive outcomes during follow-up
Leiva 2026 · In press
Live births during 6 months post-supplementation
TetraSOD®
66%
Placebo
21%
Observed spontaneous pregnancies
TetraSOD®
84%
Other group
16%
The source slide states that approximately 84% of observed spontaneous pregnancies occurred in the group supplemented with TetraSOD®.
Study references shown in the supplied summary
Sharp et al., 2020; Sharp et al., 2021a; Sharp et al., 2021b.
Toro et al., 2020; Cocksedge et al., 2025; García et al., 2022.
Corral et al., 2023; Leiva et al., 2026, in press.
HEART RATE
ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD
During physical activity, a significant decrease in heart rate was recorded, an objective indicator of the physiological response to exercise.
Significant decrease in heart rate during activity (–3.6%)
HAEMOGLOBIN
O2 CARRYING CAPACITY
A significant increase in hemoglobin levels was observed, an objective measure reflecting the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood during the study.
Significant increase in hemoglobin levels (+4.9%), indicating an improvement in parameters related to oxygen transport.
HEART RATE
RECOVERY PHASE
A significant decrease in heart rate was observed 3 minutes after activity, an objective indicator of the physiological response during the recovery phase.
Significant decrease in heart rate 3 minutes after activity (–4.2%)
VITAMIN E LEVELS
OXIDATIVE STRESS
A significant increase in vitamin E levels was observed, an objective measure reflecting the concentration of this nutrient in the blood. Significant increase in vitamin E levels (+13.4%), associated with a reduction in exercise-induced oxidative stress during the study.
BODY FAT MASS
A significant decrease in body fat mass was observed; an objective measure recorded during the study. Significant decrease in body fat mass (–8.8%).
Summary
TetraSOD® is a marine-derived functional ingredient with applications in physiological wellness, sports nutrition, and post-exercise recovery. Its antioxidant and cellular balance-modulating profile makes it a valuable component for formulations aiming to provide functional and scientifically supported benefits in advanced nutritional products.
Legal Notice:
This product is intended exclusively for companies and professionals in the food and research sectors. It is not available or directed to the end consumer. The information provided is scientific and technical in nature, referring only to the ingredient, and does not constitute advertising or claims of health benefits under Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006.
Notice – TetraSOD®
The information on this website is intended exclusively for professionals in the food sector and refers only to the ingredient TetraSOD®, not to finished products. The content may not comply with current regulations in all countries, including Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. Manufacturers or distributors of finished products are responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations. The ingredient mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and has not been approved by the FDA.
