Omega 3 plant based DHA 500mg

1. What is optimal brain function?

Maintaining normal brain function is important for working memory and executive function. This is often reflected in the speed at which we can successfully analyse data and execute tasks.


2. Could I have a DHA or omega 3 deficiency?

The UK & US have very low levels of DHA due
to the western diet [9]. 68% of U.S. adults & 95% of children, do not consume enough Omega 3 in their diet to meet U.S. Dietary Guidelines [9]. Only 25% [10] of the UK population consume oily fish. The recommendation is 2 portions of fish per week [at least one should be oily]

3. How does DHA work ?

DHA is especially concentrated in connective tissue and forms an integral part of cell membranes. It supports the growth of dendrites (connective fibres) [11,12,13] which form new connections in a process known as neurogenesis.


4. Does age impact neurogenesis?

The brains ability to create new connective tissue decreases with age [14] but diet can play an important role [15]. DHA supports the durability & performance of the brain's structure.[16]

5. How do I take it?

1 softgel algae oil capsule per day with a large glass of water. Blend into a smoothie if desirable.

6. Is there a link between low DHA and cognitive decline?

Some patient groups with cognitive decline have been shown to be low in DHA [9,10,11,16].

7. Are there other health benefits of DHA?

- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision in healthy adultsᶧ [17].

- Maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus & breastfed infantsᶧᶧ [2].

- DHA also has the following UK & EU cardiovascular health claims for maintaining normal blood pressureᶧᶧᶧ[18], contributing to the normal function of the heartᶧᶧᶧᶧ[18] and contributing to normal blood triglyceride levelsᶧᶧᶧᶧᶧ[19]

8. How long does it take to have an effect?

High-dose supplementation of DHA has been shown to begin increasing DHA levels after a month and maintain the levels throughout the supplementation period[13]. DHA concentrations peak at 18 weeks and return to baseline after supplementation has been stopped[14].

9. Does it taste fishy?

Low quality fish or algae oil will taste fishy because it has oxidised however our quality controls mean we have the best oxidation data in the sector. The oil is kept in cold storage before being twice filtered. We control exposure, temperature, and humidity during the encapsulation process. We add antioxidants to reduce in-capsule-oxidation and finally, our technical packaging contains permanent UV light & moisture barriers.

10. Are there any side effects?

There are no reported side effects for Algal Omega 3 containing 500mg DHA

algal oil (schizochytrium sp), antioxidant (mixed tocopherols) capsule [ starch, humectant (glycerol) & purified water]

[1] European Food Safety Authority - DHA and improvement of memory function: 2016 Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 EFSA Journal, 14(5)

[2] EFSA Scientific Opinion on DHA and support of the cognitive development of the unborn child and breastfed infant EFSA Journal, 1007, 1–14.

[3] Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to DHA, EPA and brain, eye, nerve development and the maintenance of normal brain function ESFA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies EFSA Journal Volume 9 Issue 4 April 2011
[4] Stonehouse et al - DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial - American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

[5] Leckie et al - The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on neuropsychological functioning and brain morphology in mid-life adults: a randomized clinical trial - Psychological Medicine volume 50 issue 14 October 2019

[6] Yurko-Mauro et al - DHA and adult memory: a systematic review and meta-analysis PLoS ONE March 2015

[7] Mallick et al DHA - Its roles in the structure and function of the brain - International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience Volume 79, December 2019

[8] Hashimoto et al - Neuroprotective and Ameliorative Actions of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Against Neuronal Diseases: Beneficial Effect of DHA on Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease - Journal of Pharmacological Sciences 2011 116, 150-162

[9] Murphy et al (2021). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid serum concentrations across life stages in the USA: An analysis of NHANES 2011–2012. BMJ Open, 11(5), e043301.

[10] Derbyshire et al - Oily Fish and Omega-3s Across the Life Stages: A Focus on Intakes and Future Directions. 2019 Frontiers in Nutrition, 6, 165

[11] Cao et al - DHA promotes hippocampal neuronal development and synaptic function. 2009 Journal of Neurochemistry, 111(2), 510–521

[12] Calderon et al - DHA promotes neurite growth in hippocampal neurons 2004 Journal of Neurochemistry, 90(4), 979–988.

[13] Dagai et al DHA Significantly Stimulates Immediate Early Response Genes and Neurite Outgrowth 2009 Neurochemical Research 34(5), 867–875.

[14] Blinkouskaya et al - Brain aging mechanisms with mechanical manifestations. 2021 Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 200, 111575.

[15] Pickersgill et al - The Combined Influences of Exercise, Diet and Sleep on Neuroplasticity. 2022 Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 831819.

[16] von Schacky et al - Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function. 2021 Nutrients, 13(4), Article 4.

[17] EFSA substantiation of health claims related to DHA & EPA and brain, eye and nerve development 2011

[18] EFSA substantiation of health claims related to EPA, DHA, DPA and maintenance of normal cardiac function 2010

[19] EFSA substantiation of a health claim related to DHA and maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides. Article 13(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 8(10):1734.

ᶧ beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg ᶧᶧ beneficial effect obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids of 250mg combined DHA & EPA ᶧᶧᶧ the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 grams of omega 3 fatty acids combined of DHA and EPA ᶧᶧᶧᶧthe beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
ᶧᶧᶧᶧᶧbeneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2 g of DHA