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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Fatty Acid

Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)

Plant-source DHA (and some EPA) from cultivated marine algae — vegan alternative to fish oil.

Cardiovascular HealthBrain & CognitiveGeneral Wellness

Overview

Plant-source DHA (and some EPA) from cultivated marine algae — vegan alternative to fish oil.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)

      Different chemical forms of Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Re-esterified Triglyceride
      Omega-3 (rTG form)

      Re-esterified triglyceride EPA/DHA — ~70% better absorption than ethyl ester form.

      Ethyl Ester
      Omega-3 (Ethyl Ester)

      Concentrated EE form found in most prescription and budget fish oils — cheaper, less bioavailable.

      Krill (Phospholipid)
      Krill Oil

      Phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA from Antarctic krill — includes astaxanthin antioxidant.

      Mechanism of action

      Direct DHA from the same algae fish accumulate it from.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Raises Omega-3 Index in vegans/vegetarians

        Strong evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
          Rare
            Serious

              Drug interactions

              No notable interactions reported.

              Supplement interactions

              Pairs well with

              None listed.

              Avoid combining with

              No specific avoidances listed.

              Dosing & bioavailability

              Typical dose
              300–600 mg DHA (+EPA)
              With food?
              With food

              Where to buy

              Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

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              Thorne
              Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

              Scientific evidence (8)

              Meta-analysisJ Acad Nutr Diet · 2012

              Algal DHA supplementation increases omega-3 index

              Bernstein AM, et al.

              Meta-analysis of algal DHA trials.

              Key findings

              Comparable DHA elevation to fish-oil supplementation.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — Raises Omega-3 Index in vegans/vegetarians

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) Raises Omega-3 Index in vegans/vegetarians" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "Raises Omega-3 Index in vegans/vegetarians". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — randomized controlled trial

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — meta-analysis

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — pharmacokinetics

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — safety adverse events

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

              PubMed: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — dose response

              Live PubMed search

              Live results for "Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

              Key findings

              Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

              Open study
              Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

              Google Scholar: Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) — clinical evidence

              Live Scholar search

              Cross-database citation index for Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

              Key findings

              Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

              Open study
              Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.