Algal-derived DHA oil

DHA ORIGINS-Series

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Healthcare

The Fermentalg DHA ORIGINS series is a DHA ingredient derived from microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) cultivated in a clean environment.It is listed as GRAS by the U.S. FDA and registered as a Novel Food with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

About Products
DIC's Advantages
Major Applications
Product Lineup

About Algal-derived DHA oil

Photo of algae-derived DHA oil and soft gel capsules

The DHA ORIGINS Series is an omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) derived from the microalga Schizochytrium sp., cultivated under clean conditions.
Listed as GRAS by the U.S. FDA and registered as a Novel Food with EFSA in Europe, it is widely used as a sustainable alternative to fish oil, from dietary supplements to infant and young child foods.
By cultivating and refining the algae in-house, a stable supply of DHA is ensured while reducing dependence on fisheries resources and exposure to marine pollution risks.

Key Features of Algae-Derived DHA Oil from the Microalga Schizochytrium sp.
Differences from fish oil-derived DHA and safety evaluations such as GRAS and Novel Food status
Diverse applications, including dietary supplements, general foods, and foods for infants and young children
Sustainable sourcing and stable supply without reliance on marine resources

Keywords:

Algae-derived DHA oil DHA ORIGINS Series Schizochytrium sp. Omega-3 fatty acid DHA Sustainable alternative to fish oil DHA GRAS / Novel Food Dietary supplements / fortified foods Infant and young child foods

DIC's Advantages

The Fermentalg DHA ORIGINS® Series is an algae-derived DHA produced from microalgae cultivated in a controlled, clean environment. We provide a product lineup that supports a wide range of applications—from supplements to infant formula and general foods and confectionery—along with integrated quality, safety, and technical support.

Clean & Sustainable Algae-Derived DHA

DHA derived from microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.), enabling a stable supply while reducing exposure to risks such as marine pollution and depletion of fishery resources.
As it does not rely on fish as a source, this DHA oil helps minimize concerns related to heavy metal accumulation and fish-derived odors. It can also be proposed for vegetarian-friendly finished products.
It can be used in a variety of healthcare products as an ingredient that helps support omega-3 intake, which is often insufficient due to changes in modern dietary habits.

A DHA ORIGINS Lineup Tailored to Each Application

A broad lineup ranging from the high-concentration oil “DHA ORIGINS 580” to the infant-formula grade “DHA ORIGINS 400HP INFANT,” as well as the powder type “DHA ORIGINS 170-P.”
Grades can be selected according to the application, including supplements, general foods and confectionery, baby foods, and infant formula.

Quality, Safety & International Regulatory Support

Offered using ingredients that are listed as GRAS by the U.S. FDA and registered as Novel Food with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
We support stable quality management through appropriate storage guidelines that consider light, oxygen, and temperature control, as well as by clearly defining quality assurance periods for each product.
Documentation is prepared for healthcare products, including specifications, SDS, and stability data, supporting audits and evaluations.

Technical, Development & Marketing Support

We provide proposals for grade selection and formulation design aligned with dosage levels and the intended product concept.
We support technical topics such as replacement studies for existing ingredients, as well as evaluation needs including stability and flavor.
We also provide information support for marketing use, such as claims-related information and ingredient story development, in coordination with the DIC Healthcare Business website.

Reliability Information (E-E-A-T)

Supervision: Color Materials Products Division, Healthcare Foods Group
Regulatory & safety: Based primarily on ingredients evaluated internationally, including U.S. GRAS and EU Novel Food, with growing adoption across food applications in various countries.
Technical documents, SDS, specifications, and application-specific documents are available in the latest revised versions upon request.
Related information: Main Applications／ Product Lineup／ FAQ／ DIC Healthcare Business (DHA ORIGINS Series: Business Page)

DIC Healthcare

Explore a wide range of useful information on the DIC Healthcare Business website.

We offer healthcare food–focused insights, ranging from functional ingredients such as spirulina, phycocyanin, and algal DHA to scientific evidence and the latest market trends.

Visit the DIC Healthcare website for more information.

Major Applications

Supplement Applications

For differentiated softgel and tablet formulations with high-concentration DHA

DHA derived from microalgae is widely used in supplement applications as a sustainable ingredient that does not depend on marine resources. The high-concentration “DHA ORIGINS 580” and the versatile “DHA ORIGINS 400” series are well suited for soft capsule formulations and can be selected according to the intended product application.

Representative grades: DHA ORIGINS 580, DHA ORIGINS 400 series
Main dosage forms: softgels, hard capsules, tablets
Key features: High DHA content, stable supply, and sustainability through microalgae-derived sourcing

Supplements Omega-3 (DHA) Softgels Potential ingredient for functional claim food design*

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General Foods & Confectionery Applications

Image of DHA ORIGINS powder type suitable for fortification in general foods and confectionery

For nutritional fortification in baked goods, snacks, and beverages

When fortifying general foods and confectionery with DHA, flavor and processing considerations are essential. The powder-type “DHA ORIGINS 170-P” and the oil grade “DHA ORIGINS 400HP” are well suited for products that require baking or kneading. They can be applied across a wide range of categories such as cookies, biscuits, and cereals.

Representative grades: DHA ORIGINS 400HP, DHA ORIGINS 170-P
Main applications: baked goods, cereals, milk-based beverages, yogurt, etc.
Key features: Compatibility with food processing steps and formulation flexibility enabled by powder formats

General foods Confectionery Bake-stable Powder type

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Follow-up Formula & Baby Food (Approx. 9 Months to 3 Years) Applications

Image of algae-derived DHA oil intended for follow-up formula and baby food applications

FFormulation design and flavor balance tailored to the needs of growing children

For follow-up formula and baby food applications, it is necessary to minimize impacts on flavor and appearance in addition to ensuring ingredient safety. By combining “DHA ORIGINS 400HP” with the powder-type “DHA ORIGINS 170-P,” DHA inclusion levels can be adjusted according to age-specific nutritional needs.

Representative grades: DHA ORIGINS 400HP, DHA ORIGINS 170-P
Main applications: follow-up formula, toddler foods, baby foods
Key features: Designed to reduce odor impact; supports replacement studies for existing formulations

Follow-up formula Baby foods Toddler nutrition concepts Algae-derived DHA

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Infant Formula (Approx. 0 to 1 Year) Applications

Image of DHA ORIGINS intended for infant formula applications

For replacement options in infant formula and ready-to-feed liquid milk

In infant formula and ready-to-feed liquid milk applications, traceability and quality consistency are critical. The “DHA ORIGINS 400” series—especially “DHA ORIGINS 400HP INFANT”—is designed with infant applications in mind and can be used to replace existing fish oil-derived DHA.

Representative grades: DHA ORIGINS 400, DHA ORIGINS 400HP INFANT
Main applications: infant formula
Key features: Stable supply, differentiation through ingredient origin, and suitability for infant applications

Infant formula INFANT grade Fish oil replacement

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Application examples	DHA ORIGINS 580	DHA ORIGINS 400	DHA ORIGINS 400HP	DHA ORIGINS 400HP INFANT	DHA ORIGINS 170-P
Supplements
General Foods & Confectionery
Follow-up Formula (Approx. 9 Months to 3 Years) & Baby Food
Infant Formula (Approx. 0 to 1 Year)

Legend: ◎ = Recommended / Optimal　○ = Suitable

DIC Healthcare

Explore a wide range of useful information on the DIC Healthcare Business website.

We offer healthcare food–focused insights, ranging from functional ingredients such as spirulina, phycocyanin, and algal DHA to scientific evidence and the latest market trends.

Visit the DIC Healthcare website for more information.

Product Lineup

A Full Lineup Tailored to Your Application

A table listing key features, DHA content, packaging, storage conditions, and shelf life for each product.
Item	DHA ORIGINS 580	DHA ORIGINS 400 / 400HP / 400HP INFANT	DHA ORIGINS 170-P
Key features	Achieves one of the highest natural DHA concentrations in its class.	Designed for infant formula and baby food applications.	Powder form that is easy to incorporate into solid foods.
DHA content (fatty acid basis^*, FA)	≥ 580 mg/g	≥ 400 mg/g	≥ 170 mg/g
DHA content (triglyceride basis^*, TG)	≥ 600 mg/g	≥ 415 mg/g	≥ 176 mg/g
Packaging	Steel drums 190 kg, 23 kg	Steel drums 190 kg, 23 kg	Aluminum bags 10 kg (5 kg × 2)
Storage	Store below 25°C, protected from light and oxygen	Store below 25°C, protected from light and oxygen	Store at 0–25°C, protected from light and oxygen
Shelf life	24 months after production (unopened; stored below 25°C)	24 months after production (unopened) * 400HP INFANT: 12 months after production (unopened)	24 months after production (unopened)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled frequently asked questions for those considering algae-derived DHA oil (from Schizochytrium sp.).

Abbreviations and Terminology Guide

A quick reference for abbreviations and terms frequently used on this site.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): An omega-3 fatty acid. Algae-derived DHA can serve as an alternative to fish oil.
Microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.): Source Microalga of Our Algae-Derived DHA. Cultured, extracted, and refined in a controlled, clean environment.
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe): A U.S. FDA regulatory concept indicating that a substance is generally recognized as safe under its intended conditions of use.
Novel Food: An EU regulatory framework for foods/ingredients without a significant history of consumption in the EU, relating to safety assessment and authorization.
FA Basis / TG Basis (Fatty acid basis / Triglyceride basis): Ways of expressing DHA content. Example: FA basis ≥ 580 mg/g; TG basis ≥ 600 mg/g.
INFANT (Infant-grade): A group of grades designed for infant-oriented applications (e.g., 400HP INFANT).
Powder Type: A DHA format suitable for incorporation into general foods and confectionery (e.g., 170-P).
Follow-on Formula / Baby Food: Application Category for Infant Nutrition. Formulation design that minimizes impact on flavor and appearance is essential.
Infant Formula: Applications Intended for Infants from 0 to Approximately 1 Year of Age. Stable raw material quality and full traceability are critical considerations.
DHA ORIGINS (580 / 400 / 400HP / 400HP INFANT / 170-P): The product series name for algae-derived DHA oils available in multiple grades tailored to different applications.