Your brain is built from fat, specifically DHA and here's what that actually means for why Omega-3 matters more than most people realise.
Here's a sentence that tends to stop people mid-scroll: your brain is approximately 60% fat.
Not in a pejorative sense. In a literal, structural, this-is-how-brains-are-built sense. The human brain is one of the fattiest organs in the body. And a significant portion of that fat is a specific type of fatty acid called DHA.
So when we talk about Omega-3 being good for brain health, we're not talking about a vague wellness claim. We're talking about a nutrient that is physically built into the structure of your brain and has to come from somewhere.
Here's where it gets interesting.
What DHA is actually doing in there
DHA makes up a large proportion of the fatty acids in brain cell membranes. If you picture a brain cell, it's surrounded by a kind of outer layer, a membrane, that controls what gets in and what gets out, and that allows the cell to communicate with its neighbours.
DHA plays a central role in keeping that membrane fluid and flexible. Think of it like the difference between cold butter and room-temperature butter. A membrane with plenty of DHA is the room-temperature version: pliable, responsive, able to do its job. One that's depleted of DHA becomes more rigid and less efficient at transmitting the signals that allow your brain to function properly.
This matters because your entire experience of thinking, remembering, and concentrating depends on those signals moving quickly and accurately. Every time you learn something, recall a piece of information, or shift your attention from one thing to another, brain cells are communicating with each other at remarkable speed. DHA is part of the infrastructure that makes that possible.
The DHA problem for plant-based eaters
Here's the part that most people don't know.
DHA doesn't actually originate in fish. It originates in algae. Fish accumulate DHA because they eat algae, or eat smaller fish that have eaten algae. The fish is essentially a middleman.
Which means that for people on a plant-based diet, the traditional source of DHA (oily fish) isn't on the table. And the DHA found in plant foods like flaxseed and walnuts is a different type, called ALA, that the body has to convert. The problem is that this conversion process is slow and variable. Research suggests that most people convert only a small fraction of dietary ALA into usable DHA, meaning plant-based eaters often end up with lower DHA levels than those who eat fish regularly.
This is the gap that a good algae-based Omega-3 supplement closes directly.
EPA: the other half of the story
DHA tends to get most of the brain health attention, but EPA, the other key fatty acid in Omega-3, deserves its moment too.
Where DHA is primarily structural, EPA is more functional. It plays a significant role in managing inflammation in the brain. Chronic low-grade neuroinflammation is something researchers now believe underlies a number of mood and cognitive issues, and EPA is one of the nutrients most directly involved in keeping that inflammation in check.
There is also a well-established association between EPA intake and mood. A 2019 meta-analysis in Translational Psychiatry, which pooled data from 26 clinical trials, found that Omega-3 supplementation was associated with significantly reduced symptoms of depression, with EPA-rich formulas showing stronger effects than DHA-rich ones. The researchers concluded that EPA appears to be the more active component when it comes to mood regulation specifically.
This doesn't mean Omega-3 is a treatment for depression. It isn't, and it shouldn't be positioned as one. But for the general population dealing with low mood, low energy, and the general sense that something is slightly off, the EPA angle is worth knowing about.
The two fatty acids work best together. Which is why a good Omega-3 supplement provides both.
Beyond the brain: eyes, heart, and joints
It's worth knowing that DHA and EPA don't stop at brain health. The macula of the eye contains one of the highest concentrations of DHA in the body, which is why Omega-3 is frequently discussed in the context of eye health too. EPA's anti-inflammatory role extends to joints and cardiovascular health. And the Vitamin D3 included in our capsule and Concentrate formulas adds immune and bone health support on top.
If you're choosing to take Omega-3, you're getting considerably more than brain support. The brain health story is just one of the most compelling reasons to start.
Choosing your Omega‑3
All four products in our Omega-3 range come from the same source: microalgae grown in controlled conditions. No fish, no ocean contaminants, no compromise. The difference is format and strength.
Omega-3 EPA & DHA capsules — 300mg EPA and 500mg DHA per serving, plus Vitamin D3. Two capsules a day. The straightforward option for anyone who prefers not to think about it.
Omega-3 Liquid, no added flavour — the same EPA and DHA in liquid form, unflavoured for mixing into food or drink.
Omega-3 Liquid, mild orange flavour — liquid format with a light orange flavour. A good option if you find the unflavoured version too strong.
Omega-3 Liquid Concentrate — 150mg EPA and 300mg DHA per 1ml via a simple dropper. Also contains Vitamin D3, useful given that D3 receptors are found throughout the brain too. The most concentrated option, and because of the dropper format, suitable for the whole family including children and babies.
Not sure which is right for you? Capsules for convenience. Liquid if you prefer not to swallow tablets. Concentrate if you want higher strength or need one product that works for everyone in the household.
Either way, your brain will have what it needs.
