Algal Oil DHA
Nutritional Enhancers
C₂₂H₃₂O₂
$22.41 ~ $33.62
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:20kg/carton
One unit of:20kg/carton
20kg/carton
Product Info
What is Algal Oil DHA?
Algal Oil DHA is a vegetarian and sustainable source of the essential omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, extracted directly from microalgae and widely utilized in dietary supplements and infant formulas to support brain and eye development.
How is Algal Oil DHA made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inoculum & Cultivation | Select and grow a pure, high-DHA-producing microalgae strain (e.g., Schizochytrium sp.) in a sterile starter culture. | Note: The purity and viability of the master cell bank is critical. The strain must be free from any bacterial or fungal contamination. |
| 2 | Fermentation | Transfer the starter culture to a large, sterile bioreactor (fermenter) and feed it a nutrient-rich medium (e.g., glucose, yeast extract) to promote rapid growth and DHA synthesis. | Control Point: Strict aseptic conditions are paramount. Key parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient feed rate are continuously monitored and controlled for optimal yield. |
| 3 | Harvesting | Separate the algal biomass (the cells containing the oil) from the fermentation broth. | Control Point: Typically achieved using high-speed centrifugation. Efficiency of cell recovery is key to maximizing overall process yield. The resulting algal paste is processed quickly to prevent degradation. |
| 4 | Cell Lysis & Drying | Break open the harvested algal cell walls to release the oil, then dry the resulting biomass. | Control Point: Cell lysis is often done by high-pressure homogenization. The biomass is then typically spray-dried to a specific low moisture content, which is critical for efficient extraction and oil stability. |
| 5 | Crude Oil Extraction | Extract the oil from the dried algal biomass. | Control Point: Supercritical CO2 extraction is a common solvent-free method. If a solvent like hexane is used, residual solvent levels in the crude oil must be tested and confirmed to be below strict regulatory limits. |
| 6 | Refining & Purification | Remove impurities from the crude oil, such as phospholipids (degumming), free fatty acids (neutralization), pigments (bleaching), and waxes (winterization). | Note: This is a multi-step process. Each step has specific temperature and pressure controls to remove targeted impurities without damaging the heat-sensitive DHA. |
| 7 | Deodorization | Remove volatile compounds that can cause off-flavors and odors from the refined oil. | Control Point: Performed using steam injection under high vacuum and controlled temperature. The duration is carefully managed to ensure purity while minimizing thermal stress and potential oxidation of the oil. |
| 8 | Stabilization | Add antioxidants to the purified oil to protect it from oxidation and ensure shelf-life stability. | Control Point: The type and amount of antioxidants (e.g., mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate) are precisely dosed. The entire process is conducted under a nitrogen blanket to prevent oxygen exposure. |
| 9 | Final QC & Packaging | Conduct final quality control testing and package the finished oil into airtight, light-proof containers. | Control Point: The final product is tested for DHA concentration, purity, heavy metals, and oxidation markers (Peroxide Value, p-Anisidine Value). Packaging is performed in an oxygen-free environment to maintain product integrity. |
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Formula | C₂₂H₃₂O₂ |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water (oil); powder form dispersible in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store ≤25 °C, protected from light, sealed |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Infant formula
dietary supplements
functional foods
beverages
pet foods
dietary & medical nutrition
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Algal Oil DHA |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutritional Fortifier; Fatty Acid Supplement |
| Key Ingredients | Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) triglyceride oil derived from microalgae (e.g., Schizochytrium sp.); Carrier oil; Antioxidants (e.g., mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate). |
| Mechanism of Action | Primarily serves as a delivery system for the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. As a lipid, it integrates into the fat phase of a food matrix. Upon consumption, DHA is incorporated into cellular membrane phospholipids, influencing membrane fluidity, signal transduction, and gene expression. It does not chemically modify the food matrix but enriches its nutritional value. |
| Application Effect in Product | Enriches the nutritional profile of foods like infant formula, dairy products, beverages, and supplements, enabling nutrient content claims. Can slightly alter mouthfeel and lubricity. Requires an effective antioxidant system within the product to prevent lipid oxidation, which would otherwise lead to rancidity and off-flavor development during shelf life. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algal Oil DHA | Plant-Based Omega-3 (DHA) | Directly provides DHA from microalgae; vegan; sustainable source. | Vegan/vegetarian; free of ocean contaminants (heavy metals); no fishy aftertaste; highly sustainable. | Often more expensive per mg; may be lower in or lack EPA. | Vegans, vegetarians, individuals with fish allergies, or those concerned about marine pollution. | For a direct, plant-based source of DHA without marine contaminants or animal products. |
| Fish Oil | Marine Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) | Provides both EPA and DHA from fatty fish; widely available and studied. | Cost-effective; high concentration of both EPA and DHA; extensive research backing. | Not vegan/vegetarian; potential for heavy metal contamination (requires purification); can cause "fish burps". | General health, cardiovascular support, and cognitive function for non-vegetarians. | For a potent and affordable source of both EPA and DHA. |
| Krill Oil | Marine Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) | EPA & DHA in phospholipid form; contains natural astaxanthin antioxidant. | Potentially higher bioavailability than fish oil; contains antioxidant astaxanthin; smaller capsules; less fishy aftertaste. | Significantly more expensive; lower total omega-3 content per capsule; not vegan/vegetarian. | Individuals seeking better absorption, antioxidant benefits, and who are sensitive to fishy aftertaste. | For enhanced absorption and the added benefit of astaxanthin. |
| Cod Liver Oil | Specific Fish Oil | Source of EPA & DHA; naturally high in vitamins A and D. | Provides three key nutrients (Omega-3s, Vit A, Vit D) in one supplement. | Not vegan/vegetarian; risk of vitamin A toxicity with high doses; distinct flavor. | Supporting bone health and immune function alongside omega-3 intake, especially in winter. | For a combined source of omega-3s with natural vitamins A and D. |
| Flaxseed Oil | Plant-Based Omega-3 (ALA) | High in Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA); vegan; widely available plant source. | Vegan and cost-effective source of a precursor omega-3. | Does not provide DHA/EPA directly; body's conversion of ALA to useful DHA is very inefficient. | Vegans seeking a general plant-based omega-3 source, but not for targeted DHA intake. | For a foundational, plant-based omega-3 (ALA), not as a direct substitute for DHA. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, spec sheet, regulatory docs, contaminant analysis
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications