Algal DHA (docosa hexaenoic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid) has been touted as an alternative for various reasons including ecological.
My concern is that along with DHA many other micronutrients - indentified and so far not identified - may or may not harm embryo/fetus if consumed by mother during her pregnancy.
Is there any study or report regarding the above?
Thanks.
-Parimal
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a highly specialized fatty acid that is tenaciously retained by cell membranes due to a myriad of biochemical and biophysical reasons. Because DHA is isolated by extracting the lipid soluble components of the cells, it also allows other lipid soluble materials to be extracted as contaminants. When DHA and EPA are extracted from fish oil, the amount of these contaminants increases because fish are an apex predator compared to algae. The algae are essentially the basis for life in the parts of the sun-lit areas of the ocean, and thus algae have not absorbed as much contaminants. Thus, in theory, algae SHOULD have less contaminants from a natural point of view. However, algae can also become contaminated and this can be seen in huge algae blooms near sewer outfalls.
Your best bet is to examine closely the methods to remove the contaminants, and know the source of the fish/algae. Always keep in mind that decontaminating a substance is much easier when there is less of it to remove.
Thanks William. Do these facts apply to pharmaceutical/medical grade Algal/Fish oil derived DHA as well? These grades are supposed to have cut off levels for contaminants.
Dear Parimal Shah,
Actually, the DHA present in fish is not produced by the fish itself. It is accumulated in fish through it"s food, i.e., Algae which is the rich source of DHA.
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