Algae Facts – The Science Behind the World's Most Powerful Organism
Algae is not a trend or a buzzword. It is the origin of life on Earth – the foundation of the global food chain, the source of half the oxygen we breathe, and one of the most nutritionally complex organisms ever studied.
This page documents what the science actually shows.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a food system that delivers abundant, sustainable nutrition while regenerating terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
We are pioneering a path that transforms food production from an environmental cost into an environmental benefit.
What That Means In Practice
- We research algae rigorously and share what we find – openly and honestly
- We build products only from what the science supports
- We hold ourselves to the highest regulatory standards available
- We document our work in real time so others can follow, learn, and build on it
Who We Are
Natural Resources is an agriculture company specialising in algae research, cultivation, and product development. We operate at the crossroads of environmental science, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.
We are not a supplement company that discovered algae. We are an algae company that builds supplements.
That distinction drives everything we do.
Science-Backed
Every product we develop is grounded in documented, cited research. The Research Library on this site reflects the science we study. The Live Research Hub reflects the work we are actively doing.
Sustainable
Our algae is cultivated indoors in a controlled, closed-loop environment – without soil, freshwater runoff, herbicides, or pesticides.
Forward-Thinking
We are working toward FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) classification – holding our products and processes to the highest regulatory standard available. We see algae not just as a supplement ingredient, but as the foundation of a future food system.
What We've Built So Far
Chlorelina® – Pet Supplement
Our first product. A concentrated blend of Chlorella and Spirulina formulated as a daily supplement for pets.
The Research Library
A growing collection of sourced and cited algae research spanning agriculture, nutrition, medicine, biofuels, aquaculture, and more – freely available to anyone who wants to learn.
Live Research Hub
We document our own experiments and testing in real time – growth rates, trial logs, and honest updates at every stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is algae and why does it matter?
Algae is one of the oldest and most complex life forms on Earth — predating land plants by nearly two billion years. It produces approximately 50% of the world’s oxygen, forms the base of the global food chain, and contains over 10,000,000 biological compounds — a level of nutritional and biochemical complexity that no terrestrial plant comes close to matching. It delivers complete proteins, bioavailable minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, chlorophyll, natural carotenoids, and vitamins including B12 — making it one of the most complete nutritional sources found in nature. At VitalAlgae, we believe algae is not a trend. It is the foundation of life, and we are only beginning to understand what it can do.
Is algae safe?
Yes — when properly sourced, tested, and processed. Chlorella vulgaris, the species at the core of our Chlorelina™ formula, has been consumed by humans and animals for decades and is recognized as safe by regulatory agencies worldwide. Every batch of Chlorella vulgaris used in our products is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering microbiological safety (Salmonella, E. coli, total plate count), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), chemical contaminants, and full nutritional composition. Our products are developed in partnership with researchers at North Carolina State University and are formulated to meet rigorous safety standards for animal supplementation. We never cut corners on quality — because your pet’s health depends on it.
What industries use algae?
Algae is one of the most broadly applicable organisms on the planet. It is actively used and researched across nutrition and functional foods, animal feed and aquaculture, human nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, biofuels and renewable energy, bioplastics and sustainable packaging, environmental remediation (including microplastic removal from water), cosmetics and skincare, and agricultural soil amendment. NASA has studied algae for life support in space. Universities worldwide publish thousands of algae research papers annually. Our Research Library documents the breadth of this science — and our products represent our effort to translate it into practical, everyday solutions starting with pet health.
Where does the research on this site come from?
Every article and study in our Research Library is sourced from peer-reviewed scientific journals, university publications, and credible institutional research organizations. We cite the original source for every piece of content so you can verify, read further, and draw your own conclusions. We do not publish sponsored content or manufacturer-funded claims without clear disclosure. Our Live Research Hub goes further — documenting our own ongoing research in real time, including a formal target animal safety and effectiveness study currently underway at North Carolina State University’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science (Study No. L001 and B001). We believe transparency is the foundation of trust, and we let the science speak for itself.
Have more questions about Chlorelina™?
We’d love to hear from you. Chlorelina™ is our algae-based daily supplement for dogs and cats, formulated from 100% Chlorella vulgaris to support energy, vitality, coat health, digestion, and overall wellbeing. It is currently available in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz sizes. If you have questions about ingredients, dosing, your specific pet’s needs, or anything else, visit our Products page for full details or reach out to us directly at info@stevemarks.com or (720) 446-7000. We are a small, science-driven team and we personally respond to every inquiry.
What We Stand For
Rigour
We only publish what is sourced. We only sell what is researched.
Sustainability
Every decision considers its environmental impact – from cultivation to packaging.
Transparency
We share our work openly – including experiments that are still in progress.
Responsibility
We are working toward the highest regulatory standards available – not the minimum.
Vision
We see algae as the foundation of a future food system. We are building toward that.
Holding Ourselves To The Highest Standard
Several strains of algae have already been classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Natural Resources is actively pursuing full GRAS classification for its products.
What Is GRAS?
GRAS – Generally Recognized As Safe – is an FDA designation indicating that a substance is considered safe for its intended use based on a history of use or scientific evidence.
What This Means For You
- It means we are not cutting corners on safety
- It means our products are held to a defined and documented regulatory standard
- It means we are committed to the long process of formal recognition – not just a marketing claim
Timeline expectation: approximately 1 year from application
Why CHLORELINA™
Algae is not a trend. It is the origin of life on Earth – adaptive, responsive, and nutritionally unmatched.
NATURE'S MOST COMPLETE NUTRITION: CHLORELINA™
CHLORELINA™delivers 60+ bioavailable nutrients
including complete protein (all 9 essential amino acids), omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, minerals,
chlorophyll, and antioxidants—far superior to synthetic multi-vitamins with only 5-10 isolated nutrients
VISIBLE RESULTS IN WEEKS
Pet parents report noticeably shinier coats, increased energy,
improved joint mobility, and fresher breath within 2-4 weeks. Perfect for dogs and cats of all ages,
especially beneficial for senior pets
95% ABSORPTION RATE:
Unlike synthetic supplements (40-60% absorption), Chlorella is a whole
food your pet’s body recognizes and utilizes efficiently. Gentle on sensitive stomachs, highly
bioavailable nutrition
SUSTAINABLY GROWN IN NORTH CAROLINA
Made in USA using circular economy methods that
convert dairy waste into premium nutrition. Carbon-negative production. No fillers, additives, or artificial
ingredients—just pure Chlorella vulgaris
RISK-FREE GUARANTEE
We’re so confident your pet will love CHLORELINA™, we offer a 60-day
money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied for ANY reason, we’ll refund your purchase. No questions
asked
Want To Learn More Or Work With Us?
Whether you’re a pet owner, a researcher, or someone interested in what algae can do – we’d love to hear from you.
Formulated in partnership with North Carolina State University
Chlorelina™ is a federally registered trademark (USPTO Serial No. 99196729).
