Mara Renewables’ precision-fermented DHA boosts breast milk levels 26% in trial

Breastfeeding mothers taking Ritual Essential Postnatal, with Mara Renewables’ omega-3 oil, achieved a 26% increase in breast milk docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels after 10 weeks, compared to a control. The DHA microalgal oil, Algarithm, is produced through precision fermentation. 

In addition to statistically significant improvements in DHA concentrations, the study participants reported a higher satisfaction with several of the supplement’s sensory attributes, including smell, taste, and ease of consumption. 

Nutrition Insight discusses the study results with Dr. Eva Lewis, director of Applications at Mara Renewables, and Cecilia Shiroma-Kian, Americas general manager at the company.

“Mara’s microalgal oil has higher levels of DHA than fish oil,” says Lewis. It also does not have a fishy flavor, enabling consumers to enjoy the experience and increase compliance. 

Shiroma-Kian adds that omega-3 DHA is one of the most extensively researched nutrients, with a substantial body of evidence supporting its role in infant brain and eye development, as well as maternal health. “Despite this, more than 80% of the global population is estimated to consume insufficient amounts of omega-3s.”

“We hope these findings help raise awareness of the importance of DHA during the postnatal period and encourage greater omega-3 intake among breastfeeding mothers to support both infant development and maternal well-being.”

Boosting breast milk DHA

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involved 64 exclusively breastfeeding participants, who consumed Ritual’s multivitamin with Algarithm or a placebo for 10 weeks, beginning five weeks postpartum. The study results are yet to be published.

The researchers collected blood and breast milk samples at baseline and at the end of the study to assess nutrient status. The study was co-funded by Ritual and Mara Renewables and conducted in collaboration with Brooklyn College, City University of New York, US.

Mara Renewables’ microalgal oil outperforms fish oil on DHA levels and taste, says Lewis.In addition to the impact on breast milk DHA levels, Lewis highlights another finding: “One particularly interesting observation was an association between increased breast milk DHA levels and reduced blood cortisol concentrations.”

She says that, as cortisol is considered a biomarker of physiological stress, it was positive to see these levels going down while DHA status and maternal well-being went up.

Precision fermentation process

Mara Renewables’ DHA oil is produced from microalgae through precision fermentation to create a fish-free omega-3 alternative that is non-GMO, vegan, Halal, and Kosher certified.

Algae-based omega-3s are advancing rapidly as potent and sustainable alternatives to fish oil with bioequivalent DHA benefits without environmental trade-offs. Moreover, as a large share of the global population does not obtain sufficient omega-3s from their diet, research has warned of a global shortage due to environmental factors. 

“Mara’s oil is produced using proprietary, non-genetically modified microalgae strains cultivated through precision fermentation,” explains Lewis. “Through years of research and process optimization, Mara has developed an efficient production platform that maximizes omega-3 productivity while maintaining consistent quality.”

“The process takes place in a closed, controlled environment, allowing precise management of production conditions. Following cultivation, the omega-3 oils are separated using a patented solvent-free extraction process. As a result, the DHA is produced without exposure to harsh solvents and is free from marine contaminants commonly associated with ocean-derived ingredients.”

Therefore, Lewis says the oil offers sustainability advantages, as it reduces reliance on marine resources and avoids concerns related to ocean-derived contaminants. For example, research highlights persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals as possible contaminants. 

Shiroma-Kian cautions that more than 80% of consumers worldwide do not get sufficient omega-3s.Moreover, she says this approach enables the company to deliver a high-quality solution without fishy notes. “The product also delivers a clean sensory experience, with no fishy taste or aftertaste, which may help support supplement adherence.”

Shiroma-Kian highlights the importance of these sensory qualities, noting that adherence is a critical challenge across the supplement category, particularly during the postnatal period when mothers are managing significant physical and lifestyle demands.

“Research consistently shows that sensory attributes such as taste, smell, and aftertaste play an important role in consumer acceptance and long-term compliance.”

“Providing a supplement that is pleasant and convenient to consume can help improve adherence,” she adds. “We were delighted to see Moms reported high levels of satisfaction with the sensory experience, highlighting the importance of the quality of Mara’s product.”

What’s next?

Shiroma-Kian underscores that DHA is an essential nutrient with well-established benefits across multiple life stages, from early development through healthy aging. 

“We see significant opportunities for microalgal DHA across a broad range of applications. These include prenatal and postnatal supplements, healthy aging formulations, infant nutrition, functional foods and beverages, and animal nutrition.”

Moreover, she says that Algarithm’s clean taste profile and high DHA concentration make it well-suited for applications where sensory performance and consumer acceptance are critical.

“As demand grows for sustainable solutions, we expect our microalgal omega-3 to play an increasingly important role across the health and nutrition industry,” Shiroma-Kian concludes.