Science

Meet Algarithm, Ritual’s Omega-3 Supplier

6 min read
Close up of Omega-3 DHA
Close up of Omega-3 DHA

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Can you tell us a little about Algarithm?

Algarithm has Omega-3s figured out. We provide DHA with minimal taste and odor sourced from unmodified, plant-based origin using a clean, environmentally-friendly extraction process. What it means is a high-quality algal oil delivering delivering 330mg per serving of DHA in Essential for Women and 350mg of DHA per serving in Essential Prenatal.*

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We hear so much about fish when we talk about Omega-3 sources. Why a vegan DHA oil?

With increasing demand placed upon oceanic resources and an ever-growing population, sophisticated customers know better than to rely solely on the ocean to meet Omega-3 needs.

Yet many plant-based Omega-3s only offer high levels of short-chain alpha-linolenic acid, a less active form of Omega-3s that requires conversion by the body into biologically relevant DHA. Fish happen to excel at this conversion, but so do certain strains of algae - the original source of Omega-3s. At Algarithm, our carefully cultivated Omega-3 DHA is grown sustainably from a wild caught strain of algae, grown in optimal conditions to maximize Omega-3 output. We’ve got Omega-3s figured out.*

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Can you explain some of the benefits of Algarithm's form of omega-3?

Fish tend to have higher levels of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium) and pesticides. We take a different approach - our proprietary algal cultivation and processing protects our Omega-3 rich oils from environmental contaminants or pollutants. Using a fermentation process similar to beer or kombucha making, we maintain an impeccably closed environment, specially created to maximize Omega-3 output. Whereas ocean-sourced Omega-3s have to undergo many purification processes to remove the environmental contaminants ubiquitous in seawater, we simplify things by never exposing our algae to contaminants in the first place. Our proprietary water-based extraction process uses food-grade enzymes to harvest Omega-3 DHA, hence avoiding harsh chemicals for processing.*

What is unique about your product?

Without question, the number one impediment to increasing Omega-3 intake is known as the compliance issue - people need and want Omega-3s, but are often put off by the texture, delivery methods, and aftertaste. At Algarithm, we’ve pioneered novel delivery methods to deliver plant-based Omega-3s that are have minimal taste and smell, yet still pack a seriously potent punch of Omega-3s. In addition, our proprietary water-based extraction process uses food-grade enzymes to harvest Omega-3 DHA, hence avoiding harsh chemicals for processing.*

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Where is the microalgae naturally found?

For microalgae growing in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia area, the accumulation of starch and/or lipids reserves as a byproduct of photosynthesis is considered a survival mechanism in response to growth-limiting stresses, such as high tides. Initially discovered and isolated from pristine coastal waters at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, our microalgae strain offers high levels of Omega-3 without compromising nature’s formulation.*

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How sustainable is your microalgae fermentation?

Algarithm provides sustainable, plant-based Omega-3s that bring peace of mind for those seeking Omega-3s exactly as nature intended.*

Fish oil, the primary source of Omega 3, is increasingly seen as unsustainable. In addition fish tend to have higher levels of heavy metals and pesticides. Eliminating fish as a source of Omega-3 is our humble attempt to conserve the delicate ecological balance for future generations.

In addition, whereas ocean-sourced Omega-3s have to undergo many purification processes to remove the environmental contaminants ubiquitous in seawater such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic, we simplify things by never exposing our algae to contaminants in the first place. Our proprietary water-based extraction process uses food-grade enzymes to harvest Omega-3 DHA, hence avoiding harsh chemicals for processing, guaranteeing a sustainable ingredient.

Meet Our Expert

WhoWeAre-Mastaneh

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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WhoWeAre-Mastaneh

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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Meet the Author

This article was written by our content specialist.

vhoff

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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vhoff

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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