Algal supplementation has been shown to significantly raise the levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), according to a systematic review of literature published in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism. In the study, author J.C. Craddock of the University of Wollongong in Australia looked at the relationship between supplementation with algal forms of DHA and its effects on vegetarians and vegans.

• Compared to other omnivorous populations, vegetarians and vegans have a lower DHA intake – and adverse effect from limited intake of fish and animal products.
• The objective of the research was to determine how supplements with algal DHA can increase phospholipid concentrations in vegans and vegetarians.
• The review utilized data from SCOPUS and Web of Science. To be included in the review, the study must have explored the effects of non-animal DHA sources on vegetarians and vegans, in particular, on plasma and serum DHA or omega-3 indices. The author also applied NHMRC levels of evidence in the studies.
• The search yielded three randomized trials and two prospective cohort studies, which all indicated that non-animal DHA forms increased DHA levels in vegetarians and vegans.

Based on the results, supplementing with algal DHA improves DHA levels in vegan and vegetarian populations.

Journal Reference:

Craddock J. DOES SUPPLEMENTATION WITH NON-ANIMAL FORMS OF DHA IMPROVE DHA OMEGA-3 INDICES IN VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS? Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism. June 2016;4:33–34. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2015.12.275