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Algal Oil

Overview​

Algal oil provides direct DHA from microalgae, offering a vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids for brain health.

Recipes​

no recipes found

Substances​

2 substances in this food
Chemical structure

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, 20–30% of neuronal phospholipids (PE, PS), and >90% of brain omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, neurodevelopment

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

(EPA, DHA) Anti-inflammatory, membrane, and neuromodulatory lipids central to BRAIN Diet

Preparation Notes​

  • Available as liquid or capsule supplement
  • Not for culinary use
  • Important for vegan DHA intake
  • Pair with choline sources for optimal brain delivery

Biological Target Matrix​

Biological TargetSubstanceTherapeutic AreasMechanism of Action
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Production of docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA), an N-acyl ethanolamine for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)Omega-3 Fatty AcidsProduction of docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA), N-acyl ethanolamines for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Hormonal ResponseOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSupport hormonal balance through membrane integrity and anti-inflammatory effects
InflammationDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including protectins and maresins; terminates inflammation without immunosuppression
InflammationOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSpecialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) - resolvins, protectins, maresins terminate inflammation without immunosuppression, downregulate COX-2, inhibit neutrophil infiltration, enhance macrophage clearance, limit glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
MethylationOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSupport homocysteine reduction in combination with B12, phospholipid methylation (PLM) dependent on SAMe
Neurochemical BalanceDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, but represents 20–30% of fatty acids in neuronal phospholipids such as PE and PS, and more than 90% of the brain's omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, and neurodevelopment; transported across BBB as LPC-DHA via MFSD2A
Neurochemical BalanceOmega-3 Fatty AcidsMembrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function, ion channel behavior and gamma oscillations, support neurotransmission and phospholipid methylation
Oxidative StressOmega-3 Fatty Acids—
Stress ResponseOmega-3 Fatty AcidsImprove vagal tone and HRV control, improve cortisol rhythms

References​