Algal Oil

Algal oil provides vegan DHA and EPA. Strongest signal is preterm birth risk reduction in people with low DHA status.

Overview

What is Algal oil?

Algal oil is an oil made from marine algae, including species like Crypthecodinium, Ulkenia, Nannochloropsis, Schizochytrium and Prototheca. These algae are grown in special conditions to produce oils that naturally contain healthy fats such as oleic acid, DHA, and EPA.

Dosage

A typical dose is 250–500 mg EPA + DHA from algal oil.

Effect graph

Effect heatmap

Possible clinical benefit at 4 stars or greater.


Preterm labor	★★★★★	Medium
Infant development	★★★★★	Low
Hyperlipidemia	★★★★★	Low
Retinitis pigmentosa	★★★★★	Low
Age-related cognitive decline	★★★★★	Low
Cystic fibrosis	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Cognitive performance	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Sepsis	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Retinopathy of prematurity	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Prematurity	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)	★★★★★	Very Low / None
High blood pressure (Hypertension)	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Elderly physical performance	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Bone fractures	★★★★★	Very Low / None

Weakest

Strongest

12345

SupplementDEX Database

15 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

It is uncertain if algal oil helps with age-related memory and thinking problems.

Evidence Review

It is uncertain if algal oil helps with age-related memory and thinking problems.
One large study found algal oil with DHA improved some types of memory and learning, but not other thinking skills.
Another study in older adults over 70 found algal oil did not improve overall cognitive scores, even when taken with vitamin D or exercise.

Browse 2 studies

RCTEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=275

The DO-HEALTH RCT in 2157 adults aged 70+ found 3 years of omega-3 (1 g/day), vitamin D, or exercise did not significantly improve blood pressure, cognition, fractures, or infection rates versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 3 years
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 275
Avg age: ~70

RCTBeneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline2010n=485

An RCT in 485 adults aged 55+ with age-related cognitive decline found DHA 900 mg/day for 24 weeks reduced visuospatial learning errors and improved verbal recognition memory versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 24 weeks
Dose: 900 mg/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 485
Ages: ≥55

Bone fracturesView condition →

Bone fractures

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Taking omega-3 supplements from algae, at a dose of 1 gram daily, does not seem to lower the risk of bone fractures in people over 70.

Evidence Review

Taking omega-3 supplements from algae, at a dose of 1 gram daily, does not seem to lower the risk of bone fractures in people over 70.
Whether taken alone or together with vitamin D or exercise, these supplements have not been shown to prevent bone fractures in older adults.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=275

The DO-HEALTH RCT in 2157 adults aged 70+ found 3 years of omega-3 (1 g/day), vitamin D, or exercise did not significantly improve blood pressure, cognition, fractures, or infection rates versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 3 years
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 275
Ages: 70+

Bronchopulmonary dysplasiaView condition →

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to mothers of very premature babies does not seem to prevent lung problems called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in their babies.

Evidence Review

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to mothers of very premature babies does not seem to prevent lung problems called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in their babies.
One study showed no improvement in survival or lung health, and more babies in the DHA group developed BPD.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=528

An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Dose: 1.2 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 528

Cognitive performanceView condition →

Cognitive performance

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Most studies show that taking DHA algae oil does not help improve thinking or reading skills in children.

Evidence Review

Most studies show that taking DHA algae oil does not help improve thinking or reading skills in children.
One study with kids aged 7-12 found no benefit from taking DHA daily for 6 months.
Some research suggested that higher doses of DHA might help improve reading in some children who find reading difficult, but later studies did not find the same results.
Overall, DHA supplements don't seem to make kids smarter or improve memory.

Browse 3 studies

RCTNo effect of 6-month supplementation with 300 mg/d docosahexaenoic acid on executive functions among healthy school-aged children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2021n=94

An RCT in 94 Chinese schoolchildren aged 7–12 found DHA 300 mg/day for 6 months did not improve working memory or cognitive flexibility versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 300 mg/day
Population: Children/adolescents
Participants: 94
Ages: 7–12

RCTDocosahexaenoic acid for reading, working memory and behavior in UK children aged 7-9: A randomized controlled trial for replication (the DOLAB II study)2018n=84

An RCT in 376 UK children aged 7–9 with reading difficulties found DHA 600 mg/day for 16 weeks did not improve reading, working memory, or behavior versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 16 weeks
Dose: 600 mg/day
Population: Children/adolescents
Participants: 84
Ages: 7–9

RCTDocosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7-9 years: a randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB Study)2012n=74

A study of 362 children aged 7-9 who were underperforming in reading (<33rd centile) found that 600 mg/day DHA (from algal oil) significantly improved reading and behaviour in 224 children whose initial reading performance was at or below the 20th centile. However this result could not be replicated in a later study.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 600 mg/day
Population: Children/adolescents
Participants: 74
Ages: 7–9

Cystic fibrosisView condition →

Cystic fibrosis

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Most studies show that taking algal oil rich in DHA does not help improve symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Evidence Review

Most studies show that taking algal oil rich in DHA does not help improve symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
Research in children and young adults found that daily DHA supplements for several months did not improve lung function, lower infections, or reduce lung flare-ups compared to not taking the supplements.

Browse 3 studies

RCTLong-term docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients: a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2020n=96

A 48-week RCT in cystic fibrosis patients found long-term DHA supplementation did not significantly reduce pulmonary or systemic inflammation versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 48 weeks
Dose: 50 mg/kg
Population: Patients with cystic fibrosis
Participants: 96
Avg age: ~15

RCTA randomized placebo-controlled study on high-dose oral algal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis2013

A study of 41 CF patients aged 6-12 years found that high-dose DHA (100 mg/kg/day) for the first month and 1g/day for another 11 months (12-month supplementation) decreased plasma AA:DHA ratio, indicating reduced inflammation, but this change did not lead to any significant clinical benefits.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 12 months
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Children/adolescents
Ages: 6–12

Clinical trialFatty acids in blood and intestine following docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in adults with cystic fibrosis2006

A small study in 5 adult cystic fibrosis patients found DHA supplementation raised plasma and intestinal DHA levels; effects on lung function were examined but sample size was very small.

Effect: No Benefit
Dose: 70 mg/kg
Population: Adults
Ages: 18–43

Elderly physical performanceView condition →

Elderly physical performance

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Taking omega-3 supplements from algae, about 1 gram daily, does not seem to help improve muscle strength in people over 70.

Evidence Review

Taking omega-3 supplements from algae, about 1 gram daily, does not seem to help improve muscle strength in people over 70.
Whether taken alone, with vitamin D, or combined with regular strength training, these supplements haven't shown clear benefits for muscle strength in older people over 70.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=275

The DO-HEALTH RCT in 2157 adults aged 70+ found 3 years of omega-3 (1 g/day), vitamin D, or exercise did not significantly improve blood pressure, cognition, fractures, or infection rates versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 3 years
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 275
Ages: 70+

High blood pressure (Hypertension)View condition →

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Taking algal oil omega-3s does not seem to lower blood pressure in older adults, including those with high blood pressure.

Evidence Review

Taking algal oil omega-3s does not seem to lower blood pressure in older adults, including those with high blood pressure.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=275

The DO-HEALTH RCT in 2157 adults aged 70+ found 3 years of omega-3 (1 g/day), vitamin D, or exercise did not significantly improve blood pressure, cognition, fractures, or infection rates versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 3 years
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 275
Avg age: ~70

HyperlipidemiaView condition →

Hyperlipidemia

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

It is unclear if algal oil helps lower blood fats in people with high cholesterol.

Evidence Review

It is unclear if algal oil helps lower blood fats in people with high cholesterol.
Studies in healthy adults show that taking algal oil rich in DHA can lower triglycerides and raise good cholesterol but may also increase bad cholesterol.

Browse 2 studies1 meta-analysis

RCTOmega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Rich Extract from the Microalga Nannochloropsis Decreases Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Three-Month Supplementation Study2020n=120

An RCT in 120 healthy adults found algal EPA (Nannochloropsis) 1 g/day for 12 weeks improved omega-3 index and cardio-metabolic biomarkers versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 12 weeks
Dose: 1 g/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 120
Ages: 25+

MetaA meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease2012n=485

A meta-analysis of algal oil DHA trials found supplementation reduced triglycerides by 0.23 mmol/L and increased HDL cholesterol by 0.08 mmol/L versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 1.68 g/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 485

Infant developmentView condition →

Infant development

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Giving breastfeeding mothers DHA-enriched algal oil for 4 months after delivery does not appear to improve their babies' vision or early development at up to 1 year of age.

Evidence Review

Giving breastfeeding mothers DHA-enriched algal oil for 4 months after delivery does not appear to improve their babies' vision or early development at up to 1 year of age.
It may slightly help children's motor skills at 2.5 years and attention at 5 years.

Browse 3 studies

RCTPrenatal supplementation with DHA improves attention at 5 y of age: a randomized controlled trial2016n=1,094

An RCT in 1094 pregnant Mexican women found prenatal DHA 400 mg/day from 18–22 weeks did not improve child attention at age 5 years versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 18–22 weeks
Dose: 400 mg/day
Population: Women
Participants: 1,094

Effects of early maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake on neuropsychological status and visual acuity at five years of age of breast-fed term infants2010

A follow-up of breastfed infants whose mothers received DHA ~200 mg/day for 4 months found no lasting neuropsychological or visual benefit at age 5 years versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 4 months
Dose: 200 mg/day
Population: Women

RCTEffects of maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake on visual function and neurodevelopment in breastfed term infants2005

An RCT in breastfeeding women receiving high-DHA algal oil found increased infant plasma DHA but no significant neurodevelopmental benefit in breastfed term infants at follow-up.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 4 months
Dose: 200 mg/day
Population: Women

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)View condition →

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Giving breastfeeding mothers DHA-enriched algal oil after very premature birth does not appear to lower the risk of a serious intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in their babies.

Evidence Review

Giving breastfeeding mothers DHA-enriched algal oil after very premature birth does not appear to lower the risk of a serious intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in their babies.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=528

An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Dose: 1.2 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 528

PrematurityView condition →

Prematurity

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers of very premature babies may help baby girls grow better, but not baby boys.

Evidence Review

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers of very premature babies may help baby girls grow better, but not baby boys.
There was no effect on brain development by 18 to 22 months.

Browse 2 studies

RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Very Preterm Infant Growth: Secondary Outcome of a Randomized Clinical Trial2022n=273

A secondary analysis in 273 very preterm breastfed infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not significantly alter neonatal growth velocity or weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: until 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Dose: 1.2 g/day
Population: Infants
Participants: 273

RCTMaternal High-Dose DHA Supplementation and Neurodevelopment at 18–22 Months of Preterm Children2022n=234

An RCT in preterm infants found maternal high-dose DHA supplementation during lactation did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–22 months corrected age versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 18–22 months
Population: Children/adolescents
Participants: 234

Preterm laborView condition →

Preterm labor

Consider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeMediumEvidenceMediumTrustHigh

Taking DHA algae oil supplements during pregnancy may help prevent early preterm labor in women who have low DHA levels before pregnancy.

Evidence Review

Taking DHA algae oil supplements during pregnancy may help prevent early preterm labor in women who have low DHA levels before pregnancy.
Studies show that taking about 1000 mg of DHA daily from algae, starting in early pregnancy, lowers the chance of giving birth too early compared to lower doses.
The benefits are strongest for those with low DHA levels at the start and less clear for those with higher DHA levels.

Browse 3 studies

RCTDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake estimated from a 7-question survey identifies pregnancies most likely to benefit from high-dose DHA supplementation2023n=810

A secondary analysis found women with low dietary DHA intake had fewer early preterm births when assigned to high-dose DHA supplementation in two prior RCTs.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: remainder of pregnancy
Dose: 200 mg/day
Population: Women
Participants: 810

RCTEarly and late preterm birth rates in participants adherent to randomly assigned high dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in pregnancy2023

Per-protocol analysis of an RCT in pregnant women adherent to 1000 mg/day DHA found lower early preterm birth rates than in the intention-to-treat population, though intention-to-treat results were null.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 1000 mg/day
Population: Women

RCTHigher dose docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy and early preterm birth: A randomised, double-blind, adaptive-design superiority trial2021n=1,100

A clinical trial including 1,100 participants found that taking 1000 mg DHA (from 2g algal oil) during pregnancy (starting at 12-20 weeks' gestation until delivery) was superior to 200 mg DHA daily. The higher dose led to a reduced rate of early preterm birth (EPB, < 34 weeks) of 1.7% compared to 2.4% in those taking 200 mg DHA daily. The higher dose was associated with fewer serious adverse effects, but supplementation was only effective in women with low DHA status.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 12–20 weeks
Dose: 1000 mg/day
Population: Women
Participants: 1,100

Retinitis pigmentosaView condition →

Retinitis pigmentosa

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Taking DHA-enriched algal oil by mouth does not seem to slow major vision loss in men with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

Evidence Review

Taking DHA-enriched algal oil by mouth does not seem to slow major vision loss in men with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.
Some data suggest it might slightly slow changes in night vision and visual field sensitivity.

Browse 2 studies

RCTDocosahexaenoic Acid Slows Visual Field Progression in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa: Ancillary Outcomes of the DHAX Trial2015n=29

In 29 males with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa adherent to protocol, DHA 30 mg/kg/day for 4 years did not significantly slow visual field loss versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 4 years
Dose: 30 mg/kg/day
Population: Men
Participants: 29
Ages: 7–31

RCTFour-year placebo-controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (DHAX trial): a randomized clinical trial2014n=33

A 4-year RCT in 33 males with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa found high-dose DHA did not significantly slow cone ERG decline, the primary endpoint, versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 4 years
Dose: 30 mg/kg
Population: Patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Participants: 33

Retinopathy of prematurityView condition →

Retinopathy of prematurity

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers after very premature birth does not seem to lower the risk of eye problems called retinopathy of prematurity in their babies.

Evidence Review

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers after very premature birth does not seem to lower the risk of eye problems called retinopathy of prematurity in their babies.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=528

An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Dose: 1.2 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 528

SepsisView condition →

Sepsis

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers of very premature babies does not appear to lower the risk of sepsis (serious infection) in their babies.

Evidence Review

Giving DHA-enriched algal oil to breastfeeding mothers of very premature babies does not appear to lower the risk of sepsis (serious infection) in their babies.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=528

An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Dose: 1.2 g/day
Population: Women
Participants: 528

Database Snapshot

Studies per condition

Algal Oil evidence base by condition

Most algal oil research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.

Cognitive performance accounts for 3 of 27 studies (11%).
Cystic fibrosis accounts for 3 of 27 studies (11%).
Infant development accounts for 3 of 27 studies (11%).
Sparse coverage remains for Age-related cognitive decline, Hyperlipidemia, Prematurity.

Studies per year

Algal Oil publications over time

Safety

The FDA suggests an upper limit of 3 grams combined DHA & EPA per day with no more than 2 grams per day from dietary supplements.[22]

Special populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Likely safe

A dose of 200–300 mg DHA per day during pregnancy and lactation is likely safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Takeaway

Algal oil is an oil from marine algae that provides DHA and EPA. It is possibly effective for reducing the risk of preterm labor in pregnant people with low DHA status. It does not appear to help with bone fractures, cognitive performance in children, cystic fibrosis, or muscle strength in older adults. Evidence is insufficient for several other conditions.

References

Sources22 references

SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.

SupplementDEX Database · Preterm labor

3 references

1.SupplementDEX Database: Preterm labor — Early and late preterm birth rates in participants adherent to randomly assigned high dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in pregnancy. 20232023
Per-protocol analysis of an RCT in pregnant women adherent to 1000 mg/day DHA found lower early preterm birth rates than in the intention-to-treat population, though intention-to-treat results were null.
View on PubMed2023
2.SupplementDEX Database: Preterm labor — Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake estimated from a 7-question survey identifies pregnancies most likely to benefit from high-dose DHA supplementation. 20232023
A secondary analysis found women with low dietary DHA intake had fewer early preterm births when assigned to high-dose DHA supplementation in two prior RCTs.
View on PubMed2023
3.SupplementDEX Database: Preterm labor — Higher dose docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy and early preterm birth: A randomised, double-blind, adaptive-design superiority trial. 20212021
A clinical trial including 1,100 participants found that taking 1000 mg DHA (from 2g algal oil) during pregnancy (starting at 12-20 weeks' gestation until delivery) was superior to 200 mg DHA daily. The higher dose led to a reduced rate of early preterm birth (EPB, < 34 weeks) of 1.7% compared to 2.4% in those taking 200 mg DHA daily. The higher dose was associated with fewer serious adverse effects, but supplementation was only effective in women with low DHA status.
View on PubMed2021

SupplementDEX Database · Bone fractures; Elderly physical performance; Age-related cognitive decline; High blood pressure

1 reference

4.SupplementDEX Database: Bone fractures; Elderly physical performance; Age-related cognitive decline; High blood pressure — Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial. 20202020
The DO-HEALTH RCT in 2157 adults aged 70+ found 3 years of omega-3 (1 g/day), vitamin D, or exercise did not significantly improve blood pressure, cognition, fractures, or infection rates versus placebo.
View on PubMed2020

SupplementDEX Database · Cognitive performance

3 references

5.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — No effect of 6-month supplementation with 300 mg/d docosahexaenoic acid on executive functions among healthy school-aged children. 20212021
An RCT in 94 Chinese schoolchildren aged 7–12 found DHA 300 mg/day for 6 months did not improve working memory or cognitive flexibility versus placebo.
View on PubMed2021
6.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, working memory and behavior in UK children aged 7-9: The DOLAB II study. 20182018
An RCT in 376 UK children aged 7–9 with reading difficulties found DHA 600 mg/day for 16 weeks did not improve reading, working memory, or behavior versus placebo.
View on PubMed2018
7.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7-9 years: the DOLAB Study. 20122012
A study of 362 children aged 7-9 who were underperforming in reading (<33rd centile) found that 600 mg/day DHA (from algal oil) significantly improved reading and behaviour in 224 children whose initial reading performance was at or below the 20th centile. However this result could not be replicated in a later study.
View on PubMed2012

SupplementDEX Database · Cystic fibrosis

3 references

8.SupplementDEX Database: Cystic fibrosis — Long-term docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients. 20202020
A 48-week RCT in cystic fibrosis patients found long-term DHA supplementation did not significantly reduce pulmonary or systemic inflammation versus placebo.
View on PubMed2020
9.SupplementDEX Database: Cystic fibrosis — A randomized placebo-controlled study on high-dose oral algal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis. 20132013
A study of 41 CF patients aged 6-12 years found that high-dose DHA (100 mg/kg/day) for the first month and 1g/day for another 11 months (12-month supplementation) decreased plasma AA:DHA ratio, indicating reduced inflammation, but this change did not lead to any significant clinical benefits.
View on PubMed2013
10.SupplementDEX Database: Cystic fibrosis — Fatty acids in blood and intestine following docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in adults with cystic fibrosis. 20062006
A small study in 5 adult cystic fibrosis patients found DHA supplementation raised plasma and intestinal DHA levels; effects on lung function were examined but sample size was very small.
View on PubMed2006

SupplementDEX Database · Age-related cognitive decline

1 reference

11.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline. 20102010
An RCT in 485 adults aged 55+ with age-related cognitive decline found DHA 900 mg/day for 24 weeks reduced visuospatial learning errors and improved verbal recognition memory versus placebo.
View on PubMed2010

SupplementDEX Database · Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; NEC; Retinopathy of prematurity; Sepsis

1 reference

12.SupplementDEX Database: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; NEC; Retinopathy of prematurity; Sepsis — Effect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Free Survival in Breastfed Preterm Infants. 20202020
An RCT in 528 breastfed preterm infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not improve bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival at 36 weeks; BPD was actually more common in the DHA group (41.7% vs 31.4%).
View on PubMed2020

SupplementDEX Database · Hyperlipidemia

2 references

13.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Omega-3 EPA Rich Extract from the Microalga Nannochloropsis Decreases Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals. 20202020
An RCT in 120 healthy adults found algal EPA (Nannochloropsis) 1 g/day for 12 weeks improved omega-3 index and cardio-metabolic biomarkers versus placebo.
View on PubMed2020
14.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — A meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. 20122012
A meta-analysis of algal oil DHA trials found supplementation reduced triglycerides by 0.23 mmol/L and increased HDL cholesterol by 0.08 mmol/L versus control.
View on PubMed2012

SupplementDEX Database · Infant development

3 references

15.SupplementDEX Database: Infant development — Prenatal supplementation with DHA improves attention at 5 y of age. 20162016
An RCT in 1094 pregnant Mexican women found prenatal DHA 400 mg/day from 18–22 weeks did not improve child attention at age 5 years versus placebo.
View on PubMed2016
16.SupplementDEX Database: Infant development — Effects of early maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake on neuropsychological status and visual acuity at five years of age of breast-fed term infants. 20102010
A follow-up of breastfed infants whose mothers received DHA ~200 mg/day for 4 months found no lasting neuropsychological or visual benefit at age 5 years versus placebo.
View on PubMed2010
17.SupplementDEX Database: Infant development — Effects of maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake on visual function and neurodevelopment in breastfed term infants. 20052005
An RCT in breastfeeding women receiving high-DHA algal oil found increased infant plasma DHA but no significant neurodevelopmental benefit in breastfed term infants at follow-up.
View on PubMed2005

SupplementDEX Database · Prematurity

2 references

18.SupplementDEX Database: Prematurity — Maternal High-Dose DHA Supplementation and Neurodevelopment at 18–22 Months of Preterm Children. 20222022
An RCT in preterm infants found maternal high-dose DHA supplementation during lactation did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–22 months corrected age versus placebo.
View on PubMed2022
19.SupplementDEX Database: Prematurity — Effect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Very Preterm Infant Growth. 20222022
A secondary analysis in 273 very preterm breastfed infants found maternal DHA 1.2 g/day did not significantly alter neonatal growth velocity or weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age versus placebo.
View on PubMed2022

SupplementDEX Database · Retinitis pigmentosa

2 references

20.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Docosahexaenoic Acid Slows Visual Field Progression in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa: DHAX Trial. 20152015
In 29 males with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa adherent to protocol, DHA 30 mg/kg/day for 4 years did not significantly slow visual field loss versus placebo.
View on PubMed2015
21.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Four-year placebo-controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (DHAX trial). 20142014
A 4-year RCT in 33 males with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa found high-dose DHA did not significantly slow cone ERG decline, the primary endpoint, versus placebo.
View on PubMed2014

Safety (FDA/ODS upper limit for DHA & EPA)

1 reference

22.Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ODSExternal source
View source

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) supports mitochondrial fatty-acid metabolism. Possible benefits for depression and neuropathy are strongest in older adults.

Aloe

Aloe is used for skin and digestive support. Clinical benefits vary widely by preparation and condition.

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Overview Dosage Effect graph Effect heatmap SupplementDEX Database Database Snapshot Safety Frequently Asked Questions Takeaway References