UmaDHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid from Algae)

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.

Origin & History

UmaDHA is a branded form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived from algae. No information about UmaDHA's specific production methods, source algae species, or manufacturing standards was found in the provided research.

Historical & Cultural Context

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

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

How It Works

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 gene expression. Additionally, DHA activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), influencing lipid metabolism and reducing triglyceride synthesis in hepatocytes via downregulation of SREBP-1c.

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.

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 antioxidants 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.

Preparation & Dosage

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

Synergy & Pairings

Cannot be determined from available research

Safety & 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.