DHA végan

DHA végan provides, in a single daily capsule, 250 mg of DHA from 336 mg of Schizochytrium sp. microalgae oil. This amount corresponds to the daily intake associated with the maintenance of normal brain function and vision under European regulations.

Unlike flaxseed, chia seed or walnuts, which mainly provide the precursor ALA, this oil provides DHA directly. It is therefore a particularly suitable source for people who eat little or no fish.

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DHA: an essential component of brain membranes

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 that is incorporated into phospholipids, the fats forming cell envelopes. Its highly flexible structure helps membranes retain the mobility needed for the proteins they contain to function properly.

In the brain, DHA is particularly abundant in the membranes of neurons and synapses, the areas where nerve cells exchange information. It therefore contributes to the environment in which receptors, ion channels and nerve-signal transmission systems operate. This structural role explains its contribution to normal brain function.

With 250 mg of DHA per capsule, the formula reaches the daily intake associated with this physiological effect. It can support periods when mental capacities are under heavy demand, for example during sustained intellectual work, study or a demanding professional pace, without acting as a stimulant.

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Structural support for the retina

The retina also contains a high proportion of DHA, notably in the photoreceptor membranes. These cells capture light and convert it into a signal sent to the brain.

DHA helps create a membrane environment favourable to the function of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein. It therefore supports the renewal and normal function of retinal structures. The daily dose of 250 mg also qualifies for the claim that DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

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A microalgae source without fish oil

Schizochytrium is a single-celled marine microorganism capable of naturally accumulating large quantities of DHA. Microalgae are the original source of the omega-3s found in the marine food chain: fish notably accumulate them through their diet.

Using microalgae oil directly therefore provides DHA without the use of fish oil. Our formula is a 100% plant-based alternative, suitable for vegetarian, vegan and seafood-free diets.

Schizochytrium oils have been used in the European Union since their first authorisation as a novel food in 2003. Their commercial production is based on controlled cultivation through fermentation, followed by biomass recovery and oil extraction.

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Vitamin D3: essential complementary support

The formula also provides 20 µg of vitamin D3 (400% of the NRV), a fat-soluble vitamin whose biological activity relies on its interaction with receptors found in many tissues of the body.

Vitamin D3 notably contributes to:

  •  the normal function of the immune system;
  •  the maintenance of normal muscle function;
  •  the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus;
  •  the maintenance of normal bones.

Its inclusion in an oil-based lipid matrix is consistent with its fat-soluble nature, promoting its incorporation into physiological processes related to dietary fats.

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Main characteristics

  •  250 mg of DHA per capsule;
  •  Schizochytrium sp. microalgae oil;
  •  direct source of DHA without fish oil;
  •  vegetable capsules;
  •  60 capsules, or 60 days of use;
  •  a single daily intake;
  •  100% plant-based formula;
  •  20 µg of vitamin D3 (400% of the NRV).

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Who is this product for?

DHA végan may be particularly suitable for:

  •  vegetarians or vegans looking for a direct source of DHA;
  •  people who eat little or no oily fish;
  •  those wishing to support their normal brain function;
  •  people under heavy intellectual demand;
  •  people who spend a lot of time in front of screens and wish to preserve normal vision;
  •  those looking for an alternative to fish oils;
  •  people who favour a simple intake limited to one capsule per day;
  •  people who also wish to support immunity, muscle function and bones through vitamin D3.

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Ingredient synergy

The active ingredient mainly responsible for the brain and visual benefits is DHA. Schizochytrium oil plays a dual role: it is the natural source of DHA, and its lipid matrix facilitates its incorporation into the body.

Vitamin D3 complements DHA with distinct physiological functions. While DHA acts mainly on the structure of neuronal and retinal membranes, vitamin D3 contributes to immunity, muscle function and calcium metabolism. Their combination in a single formula therefore covers complementary physiological areas.

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What does the science say?

A clinical study conducted in Madrid between March and July 2021 assessed the absorption of DHA from Schizochytrium in people following different diets.

The researchers included 116 healthy adults aged 18 to 45: omnivores who ate little fish, lacto-ovo vegetarians and vegans. The trial was randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and organised according to a crossover protocol. A total of 98 participants provided final data for both periods.

Each participant successively received:

  •  one capsule providing 250 mg of DHA from Schizochytrium sp. in 625 mg of lipids;
  •  one placebo capsule containing 625 mg of olive oil.

Each period lasted 5 weeks, with an intermediate 5-week period without supplementation. The capsules were taken once daily with one of the main meals.

After the supplementation period, the proportion of DHA among serum fatty acids was significantly higher than with placebo in all three groups:

Omnivores eating little fish: 1.94% (placebo) → 2.40% (microalgae DHA)
Lacto-ovo vegetarians: 1.26% (placebo) → 1.87% (microalgae DHA)
Vegans: 0.75% (placebo) → 1.74% (microalgae DHA)

The increase was statistically significant in all groups (p < 0.001) and particularly marked in vegan participants, whose serum DHA proportion more than doubled. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 also improved during supplementation.

These results show that a daily intake of DHA from Schizochytrium is well absorbed and effectively increases the presence of DHA in circulating lipids, including in vegetarians and vegans.

Full reference: 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. 2023;62(4):1691-1705. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03050-3. Full text on PubMed Central.