Algae Vegan DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that most people do not consume enough of. Omega-3s are needed during brain and eye development. After development they are needed to support brain, eye, and cardiovascular health. Omega-3s help to protect the body from oxidative stress, which in turn may help to reduce chances of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
There are three main types of omega-3: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). ALA is the most common, found in nuts, seeds, and nut/seed oil.
Because ALA is common in nuts and seeds, it is the easiest omega-3 for vegans/vegetarians to get in their diet. Some ALA can be converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by the body; however, the human body is very inefficient, and we only convert around 0.5 percent into DHA. The only vegan/vegetarian dietary source for DHA is algae.
Fish are high in EPA and DHA because they eat algae or smaller fish that eat algae. Vegan DHA sourced from algae is grown in a controlled environment to ensure it is free of contaminants and toxins that can be present in the wild.
Why We Use It
Without some form of supplementation, it is impossible for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they are getting enough DHA. We wanted to provide a source of DHA for children who may be picky eaters or on a vegetarian or vegan diet since it is essential for optimal health and so important for brain and eye development.