# UmaDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid from Algae)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/umadha
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Algae-derived DHA, Algal DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid from algae, Plant-based DHA, Vegan DHA, Microalgae DHA, DHA omega-3 from algae, Vegetarian docosahexaenoic acid

## Overview

UmaDHA is a branded algal-derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplement that provides a marine-free, plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid C22:6n-3. It works by directly supplying preformed DHA, bypassing the inefficient enzymatic conversion of ALA via FADS1/FADS2 desaturases that limits plant-based omega-3 intake.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical benefits can be cited as the provided research contains no studies on UmaDHA or algae-derived DHA
• The research dossier focuses exclusively on RCT methodology rather than omega-3 fatty acids
• No evidence quality can be assessed without relevant clinical trials
• No health outcomes data available in the provided materials
• Further research needed to establish evidence-based benefits

## Mechanism of Action

UmaDHA supplies docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), which incorporates into phospholipid bilayers of neuronal and retinal cell membranes, modulating membrane fluidity and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. DHA serves as a precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including protectin D1 (neuroprotectin D1) and resolvin D series compounds, which bind ALX/FPR2 and GPR32 receptors to attenuate NF-κB-mediated [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) gene expression. Additionally, DHA activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), influencing lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and reducing triglyceride synthesis in hepatocytes via downregulation of SREBP-1c.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence for algae-derived DHA broadly shows bioequivalence to fish oil DHA in raising erythrocyte and plasma DHA levels, with multiple crossover RCTs demonstrating comparable phospholipid enrichment at doses of 200–600 mg/day. A key equivalence study (Arterburn et al., 2008) in healthy adults confirmed that algal DHA raised plasma DHA AUC similarly to cooked salmon. UmaDHA as a specific branded ingredient lacks independently published clinical trials in the peer-reviewed literature as of the current data available, meaning product-specific efficacy claims rely on extrapolation from the broader algal DHA literature. Evidence quality for the DHA class is moderate-to-strong for triglyceride reduction and visual acuity support in deficient populations, but branded UmaDHA-specific data remains an evidence gap requiring direct study.

## Nutritional Profile

UmaDHA is a concentrated algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil, primarily composed of the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA (22:6n-3), typically present at 35–50% of total fatty acids by weight in commercial algal DHA oils. The lipid fraction is predominantly triglyceride-bound DHA, with minor amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) generally below 1–2% and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Algal DHA oils characteristically contain negligible EPA compared to fish-derived omega-3 sources, making UmaDHA a near-pure DHA source. Each gram of algal DHA oil typically delivers approximately 350–500 mg of DHA depending on concentration grade. The oil contains naturally occurring [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s including tocopherols (vitamin E, primarily alpha-tocopherol at approximately 200–500 mg/kg) added or naturally present to stabilize the highly unsaturated fatty acid content against oxidation. Phospholipid content is minimal in refined triglyceride-form algal oils. Caloric density approximates 9 kcal/g as a lipid concentrate. Carbohydrate, protein, and dietary fiber content are negligible following commercial extraction and refining. No significant mineral or water-soluble vitamin content is retained post-processing. Bioavailability of triglyceride-form algal DHA is comparable to fish oil triglycerides, with absorption estimated at 85–95% in the presence of dietary fat; consumption with a fat-containing meal enhances lymphatic uptake via chylomicron incorporation.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for UmaDHA could be determined from the provided research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Algae-derived DHA supplements, including products in the UmaDHA category, are generally well tolerated at doses up to 3 g/day of combined omega-3s, with the most common adverse effects being fishy aftertaste, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, and loose stools at higher doses. DHA at pharmacological doses (≥2 g/day) can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, heparin, and antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel by inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthesis, requiring INR monitoring. Algal DHA is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation and is often preferred over fish oil due to the absence of environmental contaminants such as methylmercury and PCBs; doses of 200–300 mg/day are commonly recommended for gestational use. Individuals with algae or iodine sensitivities should exercise caution, and those on statin therapy should consult a clinician, as high-dose omega-3s may modestly affect LDL particle size.

## Scientific Research

No clinical trials or meta-analyses on UmaDHA or algae-derived DHA were found in the provided research. The search results contained only methodological discussions about randomized controlled trials in general, without any specific studies on omega-3 fatty acids or this branded ingredient.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No information about traditional or historical use of algae-derived DHA was found in the provided research materials.

## Synergistic Combinations

Cannot be determined from available research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is UmaDHA and how is it different from fish oil DHA?

UmaDHA is an algae-derived form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) sourced from microalgae such as Schizochytrium sp., the same organisms that produce DHA consumed by fish in the marine food chain. Unlike fish oil, algal DHA bypasses ocean-based contamination risks (methylmercury, dioxins) and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, while delivering bioequivalent plasma DHA levels per milligram consumed.

### What is the recommended dosage of UmaDHA for brain health?

General algal DHA dosing for cognitive and neurological support typically ranges from 200–500 mg of DHA per day, consistent with guidance from organizations such as the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED). For pregnant women, 200–300 mg/day of DHA is commonly recommended to support fetal brain and retinal development. No UmaDHA-specific branded dosing trials are currently published, so these figures are extrapolated from the broader algal DHA clinical literature.

### Is UmaDHA safe for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, UmaDHA is derived entirely from microalgae—typically Schizochytrium or Crypthecodinium species—making it free from fish, shellfish, and any animal-derived processing aids, which qualifies it as vegan and vegetarian. This makes it a direct-source DHA option that avoids the reliance on ALA-to-DHA conversion via FADS2 desaturase, a pathway with less than 5% efficiency in most adults. It provides preformed DHA identical in molecular structure to that found in fish oil.

### Can UmaDHA lower triglycerides?

DHA, the active compound in UmaDHA, has established triglyceride-lowering activity mediated through PPARγ activation and suppression of hepatic SREBP-1c transcription factor, which reduces de novo lipogenesis. Clinical studies on DHA-only supplements show reductions in fasting triglycerides of approximately 15–26% at doses of 2–4 g/day in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. However, DHA alone may modestly raise LDL-C compared to EPA, a distinction relevant when selecting omega-3 therapy for cardiovascular risk management.

### Does UmaDHA interact with blood thinners or medications?

DHA at doses of 2 g/day or higher can inhibit platelet aggregation by reducing thromboxane A2 production and may enhance the pharmacodynamic effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin (increasing bleeding time) and antiplatelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel. Patients on these medications should inform their healthcare provider before starting UmaDHA and may require periodic INR or clotting time monitoring. At standard dietary doses of 200–500 mg/day, clinically significant interactions are considered unlikely in otherwise healthy individuals.

### Is UmaDHA safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

UmaDHA is derived from algae rather than fish, making it a contaminant-free source of DHA that may be suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before adding UmaDHA supplements, as individual circumstances and dosage requirements vary. The safety profile of UmaDHA specifically in these populations has not been extensively documented in clinical research.

### Are there any side effects associated with taking UmaDHA supplements?

UmaDHA is generally recognized as safe for most adults at typical supplemental doses, though some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal effects such as fishy aftertaste, bloating, or nausea. Since UmaDHA is algae-derived, it may be better tolerated than fish oil for people with sensitive digestive systems. Long-term safety data specific to UmaDHA supplementation is limited, and users should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

### Is UmaDHA suitable for children and adolescents?

UmaDHA as an algae-derived omega-3 may be considered for children and adolescents, though appropriate dosing would differ significantly from adult recommendations. The safety and efficacy of UmaDHA specifically in pediatric populations have not been established through dedicated clinical trials. Parents and caregivers should consult with a pediatrician to determine if UmaDHA supplementation is appropriate for their child's age and developmental stage.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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