Algal DHA (Algae Oil)
Also known as: algae oil, algal oil, vegan DHA, microalgae DHA, Schizochytrium oil, vegan omega-3
Algal DHA is docosahexaenoic acid produced by fermenting marine microalgae such as Schizochytrium, the same organisms that fish obtain their DHA from. It provides a fish-free, vegan omega-3 source and is the DHA used in most infant formulas and prenatal products. Commercial oils are typically 35-45% DHA, with some grades adding EPA. Formulators dose it on DHA milligrams rather than on total oil. It is commonly used in prenatal, plant-based, and cognitive support formulas where fish and shellfish allergens or sustainability concerns rule out marine oils.
Research summary
DHA is a major structural fatty acid of neural and retinal membranes and a precursor to protectins and other specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mg | 200–500 mg | 1,680 mg | — |
Dosed as mg DHA. raw_material_mg_per_dose_unit assumes a 40% DHA oil, so 1 mg DHA needs about 2.5 mg oil (200 mg DHA = 500 mg oil; 500 mg DHA = 1,250 mg oil). The pooled trials in the 2012 meta-analysis used a median of 1.68 g/day algal DHA, which is used here as dose_max_studied; several individual trials went higher. Prenatal products commonly target 200-300 mg DHA. Take with food.
Standardization: Declare DHA (and EPA, if present) mg per 1,000 mg oil; typically 35-45% DHA
Source material: Schizochytrium sp. or Crypthecodinium cohnii fermentation oil
As supplied: Assumes a 40% DHA oil (400 mg DHA per 1,000 mg); adjust for the actual supplier grade
Forms of Omega-3
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algal DHA (Algae Oil) | 200–500 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid | high |
| Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Concentrate) | 500–2,000 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid | mid |
| Krill Oil | 500–2,000 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid | high |
| Cod Liver Oil | 1,000–2,000 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil-based; softgel or liquid only. Vegan softgel shells (carrageenan or modified starch) are commonly used for plant-based positioning. Oxidation-prone; use antioxidants and nitrogen flushing.
Formulation notes
Free of fish and shellfish allergens, which is its main formulation advantage. Count DHA toward total omega-3 if stacked with fish or krill oil.
Sources
Related ingredients
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Concentrate)
Fatty acidFish oil concentrate is a refined marine oil enriched in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Typical: 500–2,000 mg
Folic Acid
VitaminFolic acid is the fully oxidized, synthetic form of folate used in food fortification and most supplements.
Typical: 400–800 mcg
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
NootropicA leaf extract from the ginkgo tree standardized to flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, long used in memory and circulation formulas.
Typical: 120–240 mg
L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF)
VitaminL-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the main circulating form of folate and the form cells use directly for homocysteine remethylation, so it bypasses the MTHFR enzyme step that is less active in people carrying the common 677C>T variant.
Typical: 400–1,000 mcg
Choline Bitartrate
VitaminCholine bitartrate is the tartaric acid salt of choline and the most economical way to add this essential nutrient to a formula.
Typical: 250–550 mg