Chances are, you've come across vegan DHA supplements, and are wondering what they are, where they come from, what their main functions are, and if you should perhaps give them a try. If that's the case, keep reading for everything you need to know about algae oil DHA!

What is Vegan Algae Oil DHA?

DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, and it's one of the most bioavailable omega-3 fats. This type of omega-3 is not to be confused with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

DHA is currently used to relieve symptoms of ADHD, depression, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other health conditions. That said, you should certainly consult your healthcare provider if you believe you could be suffering from any of these conditions, and ask them if DHA supplementation is a good choice for you.

In supplemental form, DHA is typically obtained from fish oil. However, fish actually get their omegas from algae! So naturally, we can get our DHAs from this plant food as well.

You'll often find vegan DHA supplements labeled as 'algae oil DHA'. As long as the capsule is made of a plant-based material, and there were no animal products used in its formulation or development, these supplements can be considered vegan algae oil DHA.

Vegan Algae Oil DHA vs. Fish Oil

Eco-conscious consumers, health-conscious dieters, and those on a plant-based diet may prefer to go for an algae DHA supplement. After all, fish stocks are currently at risk due to overfishing, and just in North America, around 300,000 metric tons of fish oil are produced in one year. Not to mention, fish oil is often contaminated with ocean toxins like mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and others. In fact, the negative effects of these toxins may even outweigh the health-boosting benefits of the omegas.

So, while algae DHA supplements certainly look like the kinder, healthier, and more sustainable choice on various levels, do you even need them in your diet? Keep reading to find out!

Health Benefits of Vegan DHA Supplements

While omega-3s have been linked to many health benefits, DHA carries out a specific set of functions that differ from those of other omega-3 fatty acids. While EPA is typically considered anti-inflammatory and protective against heart disease, DHA is more responsible for brain and eye health.

Heart Health and Vegan DHA Algae Oil

Omega-3 consumption in general has long been associated with improved heart health. However, as mentioned earlier, when consumed from oily fish sources, it's possible that your omega-3 fatty acids may contain traces of heavy metals like mercury, or other contaminants like PCBs and dioxins.

The amount of contaminants may vary depending on the types of fatty fish used. However, there is concern that these toxins could outweigh the benefits of the omegas. So, to be safe and reap the most heart healthy benefits from your dietary supplements as is possible, simply make sure to go for an algae DHA omega-3 supplement, instead of fish oil supplements.

Eye Health and Vegan DHA Algae Oil

DHA may also provide benefits and relief to those suffering from eye conditions, like dry eye disease (DED). This condition is often linked to ocular surface inflammation, which would mean that DHA's anti-inflammatory properties may aid in relieving this symptom.

DHA is also involved in maintaining the structure and functions of the retina. Because it's an essential fatty acid, meaning the body does not synthesize enough of it on its own, increasing your consumption of this type of omega-3 may also lower your risk, or the progression, of AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

Brain Health and Vegan DHA Algae Oil

When consumed from a plant source and not contaminated with neurotoxins, DHA has shown to produce incredible benefits for our brain! In fact, this fatty acid is essential for infants' neurological growth and development. It's also essential for maintaining normal brain functions in adults. So, in this regard, algae DHA supplements are especially important for pregnant/lactating women, and for aging adults.

What Should I Look For In My Algae Oil DHA?

What Is the Optimal Daily Dose of DHA?

Most experts agree that healthy adults need approximately 250 mg of daily DHA to maintain healthy brain function and vision. Meanwhile, new and pregnant mothers should aim for 200 mg of DHA per day, to ensure proper eye and brain development in the fetus, and in breastfeeding infants.

Red Flags To Watch Out For and When To Avoid DHA

Is there anyone who should avoid DHA supplementation? Is there anything we should avoid in our DHA supplements? Yes, and yes! Discover some of the things to watch out for below.

Because DHA has been shown to lower blood pressure, those suffering from hypotension, or low blood pressure, may want to avoid this supplement.

DHA may cause an unexpected spike in blood sugar, which can be risky for those suffering from type 2 diabetes.

If you're vegan, you'll want to look for DHA capsules that are plant-based, as opposed to gelatin capsules.

Although this isn't a problem for everyone, those who suffer from IBS/IBD may want to avoid any capsules made with carrageenan. This is a common substitute for gelatin in plant-based capsules, so just a heads up!

Bonus Factors To Look For in Your Vegan DHA Supplements

Are there any green flags or additional factors to look for in a vegan DHA supplement? There absolutely are! Check them out below.

Make sure your DHA supplement contains at least 200-250mg of docosahexaenoic acid, so you can rest assured that it will truly provide the beneficial effect you're after.

Evidence suggests that the presence of phospholipids in your omega-3 capsules can help to boost their bioavailability! In fact, the presence of phospholipids in krill oil is one of the major reasons this type of fish oil is considered more effective than others. Luckily, some plant-based brands also include phospholipids in their algae-derived omega-3 supplements!

Try to go for third-party tested algae DHA supplements to ensure they aren't contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins. Although fish inevitably absorb plenty of industrial toxins throughout their lifespan, marine algae can also be contaminated to a certain extent. However, some algae oil supplements can be totally contaminant-free due to their sourcing and production process. Look for certifications or additional info to make sure yours is free from heavy metals and other harmful substances.

We always consider it a plus when brands go the extra mile to stay transparent about how they keep their products sustainable. This is often communicated through certifications, info displayed on their website, or via eco-friendly/plastic-free packaging!

If you are looking for a more complete omega-3 supplement, check out our article about vegan omega-3 supplements with DHA and EPA.

The Most Effective Vegan Algae Oil DHA Supplements

Our Pick: Testa DHA Omega-3 Algae Oil

Price | ±$16.19

Amount | 60 Servings.

Dosage | 250 mg

Made of algae cultivated under sterile, controlled conditions, you can be sure that Testa's vegan DHA supplement is contaminant-free! Even so, they're the most affordable option in our list. That's why they had to be our pick for the top vegan algae oil DHA!

Each capsule contains 250 mg of DHA, the perfect amount to support brain health at every life stage. It's also ideal for pregnant women and children, boosting brain development and vision during the earliest life stages. You can even go for their Omega-3 Junior Liquid DHA with Vitamin D3, which is formulated especially for kiddos!

As for the brand's sustainability, you should know that their products come in FSC certified cardboard boxes, and the softgels are protected by recyclable blister packs to best guarantee the 2-year shelf life. Testa is also a proud supporter of Sea Shepherd, as they both share the mission to save marine life from overfishing!

Testa's omegas are produced in small batches and suspended in sunflower oil. Each softgel capsule is made of glycerol, carrageenan, corn starch, and sodium carbonate. You'll be happy to learn that they test each batch for purity, and you can even have a look at your product's batch number report on their analysis reports page. Experience the brain-boosting benefits of this science-backed supplement today!

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Flora Health DHA Vegetarian Algae Greencaps

Price | ±$23.36

Amount | 30 Servings.

Dosage | 500 mg

A massive 500 mg serving of pure algae based DHA, Flora Health's algae greencaps are an ideal sustainable, vegan alternative! They're totally free from additives and preservatives, and made entirely gelatin-free. Each dose is instead encapsulated in a plant-based softgel made of corn starch and carrageenan. Try this eco-friendly DHA alternative and feel the difference!

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Daily Supplements Vegan DHA

Price | $24.95

Amount | 60 Servings.

Dosage | 250 mg

With the perfect dosage derived from 100% sustainably farmed algae, these vegan DHA capsules are designed specifically for brain and eye health! They're totally free from gelatin and other animal products, instead made of hydroxypropyl starch, glycerol, and carrageenan).

This brand's goal is to keep fish in the ocean and out of our supplements. That's why they're also major supporters of Sea Shepherd, an organization that takes direct action against illegal fishing. In fact, 5% of each purchase supports their heroic missions.

Daily Supplements' boxes are made of sugarcane waste, or bagasse, which is tree-free and totally biodegradable. In addition, to compensate for using plastic blister packs to maintain maximum product freshness, they collaborate with rePurpose to remove 2x more plastic from the environment than they produce! Go for this vegan, environmentally-friendly swap now!

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Nothing Fishy Algae DHA Supplements

Price | ±$27.13 (Starter Kit), ±$19.82 (Monthly/Bi-Monthly Refill Pouch)

Amount | 30-60 Servings (1-2 Capsules a Day).

Dosage | 200 mg (Per Capsule).

For a truly plastic-free option, we recommend going for Nothing Fishy's refillable DHA! The starter kit comes with a glass jar and 60 softgels in a compostable pouch. Each algae oil DHA capsule is vegan and gelatin-free, made with a softgel coating of potato starch, glycerol, carrageenan, mono & diglycerides, and carnauba wax.

When you subscribe, you'll save cash and receive a plastic-free refill of 60 additional softgels every 30 or 60 days, depending on your preference. Take one or two capsules with a meal every day and experience a major brain boost!

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Nothing Fishy Website

Naturelo Vegan DHA Plant Based Omega 3

Price | $59.95

Amount | 60 Servings.

Dosage | 800 mg

Two Naturelo vegan DHA softgels contain an incredible 800 mg serving! So, you should totally be able to get away with taking just one 400 mg capsule a day. At 120 capsules per bottle, this would mean each purchase gives you about a four-month supply of high-quality, high-concentration DHA! Each plant-based softgel capsule is made of hydroxypropyl starch, carrageenan, and glycerin.

Whether you're a future vegan mom or simply concerned about your brain health and vision, this clean, sustainable supplement is for you. Try it today!

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Orlo Nutrition DHA

Price | $78.00 (Starter Kit), $68.00 (Refill)

Amount | 60 Servings.

Dosage | 335 mg

For a high-concentration, 100% pure algae DHA supplement with 3x the absorption, your absolute best bet is Orlo Nutrition! They cultivate their own algae from a vertical farm in Iceland to ensure a totally clean, non-contaminated final product. They even use machine learning technology for their year-round production, to ensure the tightest possible control over their algal growth conditions.

This DHA comes in polar lipid form, with a touch of EPA, to ensure the easiest possible absorption and rapid performance at a cellular level. Each capsule is made of non-GMO cornstarch, glycerin, sorbitol, and seaweed extract. Possibly the cleanest, most effective DHA supplement on the market, you'll be happy to know it's also sustainably packaged!

These capsules come in a fully recyclable Miron violet glass bottle with an air-tight seal, protecting against UV rays and maintaining maximum freshness. Simply subscribe to save 15% and reduce waste through their refill program (each refill pouch is made of PCR plastic). Your order will arrive in either a recycled cardboard box or a padded envelope. These are also sustainable down to the ink, which is carbon-negative and algae-based!

For more info on Orlo's fabulous sustainable supplements, check out our exclusive interview with the Founder and CTO of Orlo's product development partner Vaxa Technologies, Professor Isaac Berzin! Read the full article about Orlo Nutrition here.

Find the right vegan DHA supplement to suit your dietary needs? We're so glad you've decided to go for an ethical, sustainable supplement to complete your plant-based diet! For more vegan nutrition tips, advice, and recommendations, make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Thanks for reading!