Algal DHA

250mg DHA

Brain DHA from algae - the primary source fish get it from, without the fish. ~60% of brain structural phospholipids are DHA. Microencapsulated to eliminate any fishiness. Fully vegan.

Category Cardiovascular
Dose 250mg DHA
Form Schizochytrium sp. - microencapsulated, vegan
Evidence Level Strong - established in brain and cardiovascular research

Mechanism

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that constitutes approximately 60% of brain structural phospholipids. It is critical for neuronal membrane fluidity - maintaining the lateral diffusion of receptor proteins - and is the primary anti-neuroinflammatory lipid, serving as a substrate for resolution of inflammation via specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).

Algal DHA from Schizochytrium microalgae is the primary source from which fish accumulate their DHA - fish do not synthesise DHA themselves. The algal source eliminates the heavy metal, PCB, and dioxin bioaccumulation concerns of fish oil while delivering identical DHA. Microencapsulation removes any residual organoleptic issues.

Key Benefits

  • ~60% of brain structural phospholipids are DHA - direct structural role
  • Vegan origin - the same source fish accumulate DHA from
  • Microencapsulated: no fishy taste or reflux
  • DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function (GB NHC-authorised at ≥250mg/day)
  • Supports neuronal membrane fluidity and synaptic transmission

The Research

Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.

Stonehouse W. (2014). Nutrients. 6(7):2730-58.Does consumption of LC omega-3 PUFA enhance cognitive performance in healthy school-aged children and throughout adulthood? Evidence from clinical trials.PubMed →
Yurko-Mauro K, et al. (2010). Alzheimers Dement. 6(6):456-64.Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline.PubMed →
Maltais M, et al. (2022). Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 178:102415.Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and cognitive performance throughout adulthood: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.PubMed →
In the formula

Algal DHA

250mg DHA

Schizochytrium sp. - microencapsulated, vegan

When to take it

Take with food containing fat - DHA is fat-soluble. Absorption increases 3-4× with a fat-containing meal.