Blackmores Institute

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential nutrients with well-established roles in human health.1 From supporting cardiovascular function to promoting brain and eye health, their benefits extend across the lifespan.2-3 Structurally, omega-3s are integral components of cell membranes and are highly concentrated in the nervous system, heart, retina, testes, and immune system.3 DHA itself accounts for up to 30% of brain lipids and up to 60% of retinal lipids, underscoring its critical role in maintaining neuronal and retinal structure, function, and protection.4Currently, fish oils are the primary source of EPA and DHA.5 However, challenges with global supply chain,6 environmental contaminants, and dietary preferences, have driven growing interest in alternative sources.3 Algae oil, derived directly from microalgae, has emerged as a sustainable, plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that delivers EPA and DHA without the reliance on fish.7 It is naturally free from contaminants, does not cause a fishy aftertaste,3 and demonstrates bioavailability comparable to fish oil.5<h3>
 What is algae oil?</h3>EPA and DHA are originally synthesised by microalgae at the base of the marine food chain.6 As microalgae are consumed by smaller organisms and fish, these fatty acids accumulate in fish tissues.6 Algae oil bypasses this intermediary step by providing a direct source of EPA and DHA, making it particularly suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking a more sustainable omega-3 option (see Figure 1).6 <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/blt58f1f681361192f6/69f2971424a5c5a7ff0de1ab/bi-algae-oil-the-original-omega-3-source-figure1.jpg" alt="bi-algae-oil-the-original-omega-3-source-figure1.jpg" class="embedded-asset" />
Figure 1. Algae is the original source of omega-3 fatty acids.6<h3>
 Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids</h3>A substantial and growing body of research highlights the health benefits of EPA and DHA.8 Cardiovascular and metabolic health is particularly well supported, with long-chain omega-3s shown to have a beneficial effect on regulating triglycerides, blood pressure, total cholesterol, insulin resistance, liver enzymes, inflammatory pathways and mitochondria function.8 DHA and EPA are also critical for neurodevelopment in infants and children, supporting optimal brain structure and visual function.9DHA acts as a precursor to specialised pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins, protectins, and maresins, which play a role in the resolution of inflammation in the body.8 Adequate intake may therefore also support the management of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis,10 while emerging evidence suggests benefits for cognitive health including learning and memory.11 Collectively, these effects highlight the importance of maintaining adequate omega-3 status throughout life.<h3>
 Global intake is low</h3>Despite their critical role, global omega-3 status remains suboptimal. Data from the omega-3 Index (O3I), which reflects EPA and DHA content in red blood cell membranes, indicate that many populations fall within the low or very low range (≤4%), whereas an optimal O3I is considered ≥8%.12 This widespread insufficiency reinforces the need to improve EPA and DHA intake through dietary strategies and supplementation (see Figure 2).12 <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/bltd3303e9d9e61fd38/69f2970998472bfd5e8d0e7e/bi-algae-oil-the-original-omega-3-source-figure2.jpg" alt="bi-algae-oil-the-original-omega-3-source-figure2.jpg" class="embedded-asset" />Figure 2. Omega-3 levels around the globe.12<h3>
 Sourcing and sustainability</h3>Global demand for EPA and DHA now exceeds what can be supplied sustainably by fish alone, with an estimated shortfall of nearly 1.1 million tonnes per year.6 Diminishing fish supply due to poor fishing seasons, climate change, and increasing nutritional demands are key contributors to this growing supply gap.1In contrast, algae oil, offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to fish-derived omega-3s.7 Algae can be cultivated in controlled production systems, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks while minimising exposure to environmental contaminants and the need for extensive post-harvest purification.6,7 Large-scale algae cultivation can also deliver higher yields of EPA and DHA per unit of biomass compared with fish, supporting a more reliable omega-3 supply.7<h3>
 Bioavailability</h3>While plant foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the short-chain omega-3 precursor, endogenous conversion of ALA to EPA is complex and may be limited to 15%,13 with conversion of EPA onto DHA less than 1%.14 Consequently, these foods alone are unlikely to meaningfully raise blood levels of long-chain omega-3s.13 Direct intake of EPA and DHA, from foods and dietary supplements remains the most effective strategy for improving omega-3 status and supporting associated health outcomes.13 Similar to fish oil, algae oil delivers EPA and DHA in triglyceride form, which is associated with favourable absorption.13 Clinical research indicates that increases in blood and tissue DHA following algae oil supplementation are comparable to those achieved with fish oil.5<h3>
 Clinical effectiveness</h3>An emerging clinical evidence base supports the therapeutic use of algae oil. Systematic reviews and intervention trials report improvements in triglycerides, lipid profiles,5 and omega-3 index scores following supplementation with DHA-rich algae oil.15 In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, supplementation with 250 mg/day of microalgae-derived DHA significantly increased serum DHA levels compared with placebo across omnivorous, lacto-ovo vegetarian, and vegan adults. The study found the greatest relative increases to be in participants with lower baseline DHA status, supporting its use in individuals with low marine omega-3 intake.16Importantly, the biological effects of EPA and DHA are independent of their source.5 This supports the use of algae oil alongside fish oil in clinical practice where long-chain omega-3 supplementation is indicated.5<h3>
 Conclusion</h3>Algae oil represents a scientifically validated, sustainable, and bioavailable source of EPA and DHA. By delivering omega-3 fatty acids directly from their original source, it addresses environmental challenges and dietary preferences without compromising clinical efficacy. As evidence continues to demonstrate comparable bioavailability and clinical relevance to traditional marine sources, algae oil has become an important consideration in evidence-informed therapeutic practice.<a href="/resources/tools/omega-3-technical-explainer" target="_self" style="">Refer to our Omega-3 Technical Explainer for a deep dive into omega-3 fatty acids</a>, including a full prescribing guide, dosage recommendations, and safety considerations.<h3>
 References</h3><ol><li>Shepon A, Makov T, Hamilton HA, Müller DB, Gephart JA, Henriksson PJG, et al. Sustainable optimization of global aquatic omega-3 supply chain could substantially narrow the nutrient gap. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2022 Jun;181:106260. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106260</li><li>Rodrigues M, Rosa A, Almeida A, Martins R, Ribeiro T, Pintado M, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish by-products: Innovative extraction and application in food and feed. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 2024 Feb 1. DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2024.02.007</li><li>Qin J, Kurt E, LBassi T, Ribeiro L, Sa L, Xie D. Biotechnological production of omega-3 fatty acids: current status and future perspectives. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2023 Nov 7;14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10662050/</li><li>Li M, Li Z, Fan Y. Omega-3 fatty acids: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic applications in neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025 May 30;12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1598588</li><li>Bailey E, Wojcik J, Rahn M, Roos F, Spooren A, Koshibu K. Comparative Bioavailability of DHA and EPA from Microalgal and Fish Oil in Adults. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025 Sep 24;26(19):9343. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/19/9343</li><li>Liu Y, Ren X, Fan C, Wu W, Zhang W, Wang Y. Health Benefits, Food Applications, and Sustainability of Microalgae-Derived N-3 PUFA. Foods. 2022 Jun 25;11(13):1883. DOI: 10.3390/foods11131883</li><li>Kunj P, Sahu S, Singh G, Arya SK. A review on algal oils as a sustainable source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Bioresource Technology Reports. 2025 May 20;30:102154. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2589014X25001367</li><li>Banaszak M, Małgorzata Dobrzyńska, Kawka A, Górna I, Dagmara Woźniak, Juliusz Przysławski, et al. Role of Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) as modulatory and anti-inflammatory agents in noncommunicable diet-related diseases – Reports from the last 10 years. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2024 Oct 1;63:240–58. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.06.053</li><li>Sherzai D, Moness R, Sherzai S, Sherzai A. A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Cognitive Outcomes in Neurodevelopment. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2022 Nov 16;155982762211160.</li><li>Kostoglou-Athanassiou I, Athanassiou L, Athanassiou P. The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology. 2020 Jun 30;31(2):190–4. DOI: 10.31138/mjr.31.2.190</li><li>Dighriri IM, Alsubaie AM, Hakami FM, Hamithi DM, Alshekh MM, Khobrani FA, et al. Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Oct 9;14(10). DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30091</li><li>Schuchardt JP, Beinhorn P, Hu XF, Chan HM, Roke K, Bernasconi A, et al. Omega-3 world map: 2024 update. Progress in Lipid Research. 2024 Jul 1;95:101286–6</li><li>Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids. 2025. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional
 Venkatesh T, Muthu A. A perspective of microalga-derived omega-3 fatty acids: scale up and engineering challenges. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2025 Apr 26;1–15.</li><li>Bodur M, Yilmaz B, Ağagündüz D, Ozogul Y. Immunomodulatory Effects of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids: Mechanistic Insights and Health Implications. Molecular Nutrition &amp; Food Research. 2025 May;69(10):e202400752. DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202400752</li><li>Blannin A, Boulton G, Thielecke F. Six weeks of either EPA-rich or DHA-rich Omega-3 supplementation alters submaximal exercise physiology in endurance trained male amateurs. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025 Aug 26;12. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1588421</li><li>García-Maldonado E, Alcorta A, Zapatera B, Vaquero MP. Changes in fatty acid levels after consumption of a novel docosahexaenoic supplement from algae: a crossover randomized controlled trial in omnivorous, lacto-ovo vegetarians and vegans. European Journal of Nutrition. 2022 Nov 23. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03050-3.</li></ol>

<h3>Key highlights</h3><ul><li>Global population omega-3 status remains low, reinforcing the need for reliable, scalable sources of EPA and DHA.</li><li>Algae oil provides EPA and DHA directly from their original biological source, bypassing the marine food chain.</li><li>Clinical evidence demonstrates algae-derived DHA is bioequivalent to fish oil in raising blood omega-3 levels.</li><li>Algae oil offers a sustainable, plant-based omega-3 option. </li></ul>

Key highlights

Recommended for you

Quercetin safe and effective for hay fever

Spore-forming probiotics | Probiotics that go the distance

From Traditional Medicine to Modern Therapeutics | Natural approaches to blood glucose control

Rethinking eye health in the digital age