Schizochytrium sp. DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acid

What is Schizochytrium?

Schizochytrium is a genus of microalgae. It is known as a raw material source for algae oil. Schizochytrium is found in marine habitats, but can also grow on non-agricultural soils, even in brackish and salty waters.

What is the difference between Aurantiochytrium and Schizochytrium?

Schizochytrium and Aurantiochytrium are two different genera of microalgae. What they have in common is that both are known as sources of algal oil. Specifically, both are industrially farmed primarily for the production of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). However, the difference lies in the quantity of DHA contained in the two microalgae.

How does the cultivation of Schizochytrium work?

Schizochytrium is cultivated in closed systems. This allows continuous production throughout the year, while granting full control over the water quality used for cultivation.

Schizochytrium reacts strongly to changes in the culture medium (i.e. water) and to environmental factors. In the wild, the adaptability serves the survival of the microalga. This reactivity results in different environmental parameters causing different amounts of fatty acid production in the alga.

This allows Schizochytrium to be literally controlled in the closed photobioreactors to efficiently produce the highest possible quantity of unsaturated fatty acids.

What is the role of fermentation in producing algal oil from Schizochytrium?

By cultivating algae based on sugars instead of sunlight and normal water, it is possible to achieve productivity and concentrations that are more efficient than cultivation in photobioreactors. This means that water and energy can be saved and the environmental impact minimized, regardless of seasonal variations.

What is the composition of Schizochytrium?

The composition of the nutrient profile of Schizochytrium can vary depending on the production technique and species. However, species that show a high quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids are usually used. Apart from these, carbohydrates and proteins make up the other two largest proportions of Schizochytrium crude mass.

What is the iodine content of Schizochytrium algae oil?

Because Schizochytrium microalgae is grown in a closed system, the iodine content is minimal. Unlike macroalgae, Schizochytrium does not accumulate iodine, so the iodine content in Schizochytrium algae oil is so extremely minimal that it is difficult to detect any trace at all.

How much DHA and EPA are in Schizochytrium?

Schizochytrium is generally richer in DHA than in EPA. Different species and production techniques allow the content of EPA to increase, but not to the extent that it exceeds the content of DHA.

Since the content of unsaturated fatty acids can be controlled based on environmental parameters, different products can be found on the market. For example, there are Schizochytrium algae oil with 40% DHA, but also with 55%. This gives manufacturers of algae oil-based products the flexibility to use the appropriate profile for the application.

What is the effect of Schizochytrium?

Schizochytrium algae oil is primarily a vegan source of the polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA. Thus, taking preparations or food, which is made with Schizochytrium algae oil, can help the body fill its need for DHA.

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and vision, cholesterol levels, and the maintenance of healthy heart function.

What side effects may Schizochytrium algae oil have?

In rare cases, Schizochytrium algae oil may cause stomach upset or nausea. However, these side effects are very rare, and in most cases they are mild.

What form can Schizochytrium algae oil take?

Algae oil from Schizochytrium is often offered in the form of capsules as a dietary supplement. There are different forms and compositions. For example, Schizochytrium DHA algae oil is most often offered in combination with EPA to meet other polyunsaturated fatty acid needs of the body.

Schizochytrium algae oil is also used in commercial foods to enhance their nutritional profile.

Can Schizochytrium be used for horse feed and pet food in general?

Yes, Schizochytrium can also be used for horse feed and/or animal feed in general. Schizochytrium in powder form is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it is easy to incorporate into solid animal feed. The use of Schizochytrium in the form of algae oil is also possible in animal feed production.

Babies can only produce a certain amount of DHA themselves, which is why the European Food Safety Authority and the German Nutrition Society have recommended that an additional 200 mg of DHA should be ingested during pregnancy and breastfeeding, mainly from fish oil, but this is gradually leading to overfishing.

A vegan alternative is DHA, which is obtained from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. For all people who do not want to or cannot eat fish as often, a supplementation of DHA from microalgae is recommended.

Typical applications

• DHA oleoresin is used in food and dietary supplements
• the oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. offers a unique alternative to the usual fish oil

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Typical applications in the cosmetics industry:

The microalgae Schizochytrium sp. is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and is often used industrially in the form of oil. The DHA of the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. is a key component in cosmetic products, and on the other hand is valued for its anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, Schizochytrium sp. is becoming increasingly important in personal care and cosmetics, as it shows potential benefits when applied directly to the skin. Among them, for example, deep hydration, anti-aging properties, unclogging of pores and improvement of discoloration.

ALGANEX certificate system

• ALGANEX guarantees a high quality product without impurities
• The DHA comes 100 % from Schizochytrium sp.
• The DHA content is at least 550 mg.