DHA & EPA Algenöl

DHA & EPA algae oil

Origin and history :  

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are among the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids that are directly available to the body. Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food because our body cannot produce them itself , but they are urgently needed for metabolism and cell development . EPA is for our body a precursor to DHA. Contrary to the original formulation, EPA is not only a direct precursor to DHA; rather, both fatty acids perform independent functions in the body. These fatty acids are normally found in larger quantities in fatty fish products such as salmon. One vegan alternative we use is the extraction of fatty acids from algae.  

Characteristics :  

These vital building blocks for our body are necessary for a healthy metabolism and brain development . They are specifically required for a number of different functions, such as the regulation of blood lipid levels and inflammatory reactions , hormone production, and the formation of cell membranes. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the central nervous system due to its essential functions in this area. It is required not only for vision, but also for signal transmission within the nervous system . Since it is particularly important for brain development, pregnant women are advised to ensure adequate DHA intake.  

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated and approved the following DHA/EPA -related health claims based on scientific studies for a daily intake of 250 mg DHA /EPA :   

  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function  

  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision  

  • EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function  

The combination of DHA/EPA has been discussed for some time as a potential way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease . Studies have associated higher intake of these fatty acids with lower mortality from cardiovascular disease , and they are thought to play a role in prevention . DHA/EPA properties include a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, cardiac function, and inflammatory responses. These combined effects may potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease .  

A positive relationship to psychological disorders such as depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's In one study, DHA+ EPA supplementation , as well as EPA alone , led to a reduction in depressive symptoms in affected subjects . Therefore, omega-3 supplementation is also recommended by international health authorities for at-risk groups such as sick children, pregnant women, and the elderly.  

 

Recommended intake  

According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), pregnant and breastfeeding women need a daily intake of 200 milligrams of DHA for the healthy development of their children. There is no general intake recommendation, except for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  

Possible side effects  

Taking DHA/EPA can cause side effects in diabetics, as it impairs blood sugar control and adversely affects the immune system. LDL cholesterol levels are also affected and may increase. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Consult a doctor. The immune system may be impaired in older people.  

Possible interactions​  

Interactions with anticoagulant medications such as aspirin may occur, as higher DHA/EPA doses may alter the flow properties of the blood and thus increase the risk of bleeding.  

Bioavailability of algal oil  

The bioavailability of algal oil is in no way inferior to that of fish oil. In comparative studies, fatty acid absorption of algal and fish oil was equally good and within a similar range. Some studies even suggest a potentially superior efficacy of algal oil compared to tuna oil , as algal oil demonstrated a more sustained, longer-term release and greater intestinal digestibility.  

Algae cultivation  

Algae can be cultivated in three different ways. There are open tanks in which the algae can be cultivated, and closed bioreactors. There are two different types of bioreactors: photobioreactors , which use constant light as energy for cultivation and thus consume electricity for lighting, and heterotrophic bioreactors, which use carbon sources as energy and thus consume energy for constant gas exchange, but allow for higher biomass.  

Algal oil and the environment  

The constant demand for fish for their unique nutritional value, such as omega-3 fatty acids, causes fish stocks to increase to a maximum each year to supply fish for human consumption, which significantly impacts fish populations and leads to the possibility of extinction. Supplying the required aquaculture is accompanied by marine pollution from chemicals, antibiotics, and broken net cages. While algal oil consumes energy such as electricity to grow the algae in bioreactors , it is generally a more environmentally friendly alternative to most fish sources. The algae's ability to sequester CO2 contributes to its sustainability by helping to reduce the carbon footprint of its production. Furthermore, algae can be produced on non-arable land using non-potable water (including brackish or seawater). Because algae can grow densely, one study has shown that algae can produce 167 times more useful biomass annually than corn when using the same area.  

 

Which AgilNature ® products contain DHA and EPA algae oil ? 

product 

Crowd 

NRV * 

Omega3Agil  

962.7 mg per daily ration ( 3 capsules each )  

**  

 

* Nutrient Reference Value = percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

 

Literature :  

  1. Is algal oil a plant-based alternative for omega-3 fatty acids? | Verbraucherzentrale.de. Verbraucherzentrale.de. https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/lebensmittel/gesund-ernaehren/ist-algenoel-eine-pflanzliche-alternative-fuer-omega3fettsaeuren-51990 (a bg called on February 12, 2024) 

  1. Fat, essential fatty acids. DGE. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/fett-essenzielle-fettsaeuren/ (accessed on February 12, 2024) 

  1. BfR: For the fortification of foods with omega-3 fatty acids, the BfR recommends setting maximum levels. BfR Opinion No. 030/2009 of May 26, 2009. (accessed on February 15, 2024) 

  1. Rehberg, C. (2023, August 4). Omega 3 - The Effects of Fatty Acids. Center for Health. https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/nahrungsergaenzung/omega-3-uebersicht/omega-3 (accessed on February 15, 2024) 

  1. Djuricic I, Calder PC. Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021. Nutrients . 2021 Jul 15;13(7):2421. 

  1. Kelsey MD, Pagidipati NJ. Should We "RESPECT EPA" More Now ? EPA and DHA for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction . Curr Cardiol Rep. 2023 Nov;25(11):1601-1609. 

  1. Elagizi A, Lavie CJ, O'Keefe E, Marshall K, O'Keefe JH, Milani RV. An Update on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health. Nutrients . 2021 Jan 12;13(1):204. 

  1. Wang X, Xiao A, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Wang CC, Wang Y, Han J, Wang Z, Wen M. DHA and EPA Prevent Seizure and Depression-Like Behavior by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation via Different Mode- of -Actions in a Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Model in Mice . Mol Nutr Food Res. 2022 Nov;66(22 ):e 2200275. 

  1. Peng Z, Zhang C, Yan L, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Wang J, Song C. EPA is More Effective than DHA to Improve Depression-Like Behavior , Glia Cell Dysfunction and Hipcampal Apoptosis Signaling in a Chronic Stress -Induced Rat Model of Depression. Int J Mol Sci . 2020 Mar 5;21(5):1769. 

  1. Kousparou C, Fyrilla M, Stephanou A, Patrikios I. DHA/EPA (Omega-3) and LA/GLA (Omega-6) as Bioactive Molecules in Neurodegenerative Diseases . Int J Mol Sci . 2023 Jun 27;24(13):10717. 

  1. Stiefvatter , L., Lehnert, K., Frick, K., Montoya-Arroyo, A., Frank, J., Vetter, W., Schmid-Staiger, U., & Bischoff, S.C. (2021). Oral Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids from the Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum in Healthy Young Adults . Marine drugs , 19(12), 700. 

  1. Hu Z, Wu P, Wang L, Wu Z, Chen XD. Exploring in vitro release and digestion of commercial DHA microcapsules from algae oil and tuna oil with whey protein and casein as wall materials . Food Function . 2022 Jan 24;13(2):978-989. 

  1. Lenihan-Geels G, Bishop KS, Ferguson LR. Alternative Sources of Omega-3 Fats : Can We Find a Sustainable Substitute for Fish? Nutrients . 2013; 5(4):1301-1315. 

  1. Diaz, CJ, Douglas, KJ, Kang, K., Kolarik, AL, Malinovski , R., Torres- Tiji , Y., Molino, JV, Badary , A. & Mayfield, S.P. (2023). Developing algae as a sustainable food source. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 1029841. 

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