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

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 Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Production of docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA), N-acyl ethanolamines for endocannabinoid-like signaling
Hormonal Response	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD	Support hormonal balance through membrane integrity and anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) - resolvins, protectins, maresins terminate inflammation without immunosuppression, downregulate COX-2, inhibit neutrophil infiltration, enhance macrophage clearance, limit glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
Methylation	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease	Support homocysteine reduction in combination with B12, phospholipid methylation (PLM) dependent on SAMe
Neurochemical Balance	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function, ion channel behavior and gamma oscillations, support neurotransmission and phospholipid methylation
Oxidative Stress	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	—
Stress Response	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Improve vagal tone and HRV control, improve cortisol rhythms

References

• LPC-DHA transport across the blood-brain barrier Patrick 2019
• Phospholipid-bound omega-3s and brain DHA accretion Liu et al. 2014