Dunaliella Salina
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Dunaliella Salina (Dunaliella salina) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 370 participants, researched for Antioxidant & Carotenoid Bioavailability, Eye & Visual Health, Immune & Skin Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant & Carotenoid Bioavailability
ModerateEye & Visual Health
ModerateImmune & Skin Health
StrongNutritional & Safety Profile
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant & Carotenoid Bioavailability
To compare bioavailability of natural beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina versus synthetic beta-carotene.
Study Type
Randomised crossover trial
Purpose
To compare bioavailability of natural beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina versus synthetic beta-carotene.
Dose
15 mg beta-carotene from Dunaliella or synthetic source
Participants
24 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks per arm
Results
Dunaliella-derived beta-carotene showed 30% greater bioavailability vs synthetic form and significantly increased serum alpha-carotene.
How They Measured It
Serum beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and retinol by HPLC
To evaluate Dunaliella salina supplementation on serum antioxidant status in healthy subjects.
Study Type
Randomised placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Dunaliella salina supplementation on serum antioxidant status in healthy subjects.
Dose
25 mg natural beta-carotene from Dunaliella daily
Participants
40 healthy adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant increases in serum beta-carotene (+180%) and total antioxidant capacity, with reduction in oxidative stress markers compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
ORAC, serum carotenoids, malondialdehyde
Eye & Visual Health
To assess the effect of Dunaliella-derived carotenoids on macular pigment density.
Study Type
Randomised double-blind trial
Purpose
To assess the effect of Dunaliella-derived carotenoids on macular pigment density.
Dose
10 mg carotenoids from Dunaliella daily
Participants
52 adults with low macular pigment
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Significant increase in MPOD in Dunaliella group vs placebo, associated with improved contrast sensitivity and glare tolerance.
How They Measured It
Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) by heterochromatic flicker photometry
To evaluate the association between Dunaliella supplementation and AMD progression.
Study Type
Observational cohort
Purpose
To evaluate the association between Dunaliella supplementation and AMD progression.
Dose
15 mg natural beta-carotene from Dunaliella daily
Participants
80 patients with early AMD
Duration
2 years
Results
Supplementation group showed significantly slower AMD progression and fewer conversions to advanced AMD vs matched controls.
How They Measured It
Fundal photography, visual acuity testing
Immune & Skin Health
To evaluate effects of Dunaliella beta-carotene on immune cell function in healthy elderly.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate effects of Dunaliella beta-carotene on immune cell function in healthy elderly.
Dose
30 mg natural beta-carotene from Dunaliella daily
Participants
60 adults aged 65-80
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Natural beta-carotene significantly enhanced NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation in elderly participants.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, T-cell proliferation, cytokine profiling
To assess Dunaliella supplementation for photoprotection of skin against UV-induced damage.
Study Type
Double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess Dunaliella supplementation for photoprotection of skin against UV-induced damage.
Dose
25 mg Dunaliella beta-carotene daily
Participants
36 healthy adults with fair skin
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Significant increase in MED (UV-protective threshold) by 23% and reduced skin erythema response compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Minimal erythema dose (MED), skin erythema by colorimetry
Nutritional & Safety Profile
To review the nutritional properties, health applications, and safety of Dunaliella salina as a dietary supplement.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the nutritional properties, health applications, and safety of Dunaliella salina as a dietary supplement.
Dose
Varied across studies
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Review
Results
Dunaliella salina is a rich, safe source of natural mixed carotenoids with demonstrated antioxidant, immune, and eye health benefits.
How They Measured It
Literature synthesis across clinical and pre-clinical data
To investigate the anti-tumour effect of Dunaliella carotenoids in a murine cancer model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate the anti-tumour effect of Dunaliella carotenoids in a murine cancer model.
Dose
200 mg/kg Dunaliella extract
Participants
Murine xenograft model
Duration
21 days
Results
Dunaliella carotenoids significantly inhibited tumour growth by 45% and enhanced anti-tumour NK cell activity.
How They Measured It
Tumour volume, survival rate, immune cell activity
To assess Dunaliella salina supplementation on vitamin A status in undernourished children.
Study Type
Pilot RCT
Purpose
To assess Dunaliella salina supplementation on vitamin A status in undernourished children.
Dose
4.5 mg Dunaliella beta-carotene daily
Participants
78 children aged 2-6 with vitamin A deficiency
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Serum retinol significantly improved vs control; Dunaliella beta-carotene was an effective provitamin A source in at-risk children.
How They Measured It
Serum retinol, modified relative dose response (MRDR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dunaliella Salina research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Dunaliella Salina (Dunaliella salina), involving 370 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant protection, Eye health, Immune support and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Dunaliella Salina has been researched for: Antioxidant protection, Eye health, Immune support, Skin health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
