Dunaliella

BotanicalAlgaeBest with a meal

What is it

Dunaliella salina is a halophilic (salt-loving) microalga used as a natural source of beta-carotene. It is one of the world's richest natural sources of mixed carotenoids.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vitamin A status

Good Evidence

Beta-carotene supplementation reliably improves vitamin A status in deficient individuals and provides antioxidant support.

Cardiovascular and skin support

Limited Evidence

Carotenoid intake is associated with lower cardiovascular events in observational studies, with some support from intervention trials of mixed carotenoids.

How it works

Under high salt and sunlight stress, Dunaliella produces large amounts of beta-carotene (up to 10% of dry weight) along with mixed carotenoids including alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. The carotenoids serve as photoprotection in the alga and as antioxidants and vitamin A precursors in humans. Natural Dunaliella-derived beta-carotene differs from synthetic beta-carotene in that it contains both all-trans and 9-cis isomers along with related carotenoids, which has been associated with different bioactivity in some studies.

Dosage

Beta-carotene from food sources has no established RDA. Studies of Dunaliella beta-carotene typically use 6 to 30 mg/day. Vitamin A activity is approximately 1 mcg RAE per 12 mcg of beta-carotene from supplements.

When and how to take it

Take with a fat-containing meal for absorption.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dunaliella salina natural beta-carotene

Mix of all-trans and 9-cis isomers plus other carotenoids.

Fat-soluble; better absorbed with dietary fat.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. High intake can cause carotenodermia (harmless yellow-orange skin color). Unlike synthetic beta-carotene, natural Dunaliella beta-carotene has not been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers in the same way the ATBC and CARET trials suggested for synthetic high-dose forms.

Who should be cautious

Smokers and former heavy asbestos workers should be cautious with very high-dose beta-carotene from any source. Pregnancy: typical doses from natural sources are safe.

Interactions

May reduce absorption of statins or other lipid-modifying drugs if taken at the same time in large doses. Generally minimal interactions at typical use.

Food sources

Cooked carrots

Amount
100 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is natural beta-carotene better than synthetic?⌄

Natural sources provide a mix of carotenoids and isomers, which may be advantageous. Avoid very high-dose synthetic beta-carotene if you smoke.

Will Dunaliella turn my skin orange?⌄

Only at high cumulative intake. The color is harmless and reverses on discontinuation.

References

Dunaliella on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dunaliella on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dunaliella (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Dunaliella with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.