Effects of the Consumption of a Supplement Rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) From Algae

Vegetarian diets are increasing worldwide. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, supplementation with nutrients that are only present in animal food can be needed. In relation to fatty acids, vegetarian diets involve low intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and low blood levels of the long-chain n-3 derivatives, whose main dietary sources are fish and shellfish, particularly the levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has important health benefits, are low. In this regard, validation of supplements rich in the n-3 fatty acid DHA that are not obtained from fish is needed, thus the study will test the bioavailability and metabolic effects of a DHA supplement form algae. The study will be conducted on the effects of the DHA supplement versus placebo in vegetarian and non-vegetarian healthy adults.