Understanding Genetically Engineered Algae Oil

Over the past decade, genetic engineering (GE) has become increasingly common in agriculture and food production, including certain algae oils. One method gaining attention is synthetic biology, often called synbio or precision fermentation. This technology uses genetic engineering to alter the DNA of cells so they can produce specific oils, proteins, or other ingredients.

Although the term precision fermentation sounds natural and reassuring, it is not simply an improved natural process. It is a form of genetic engineering that turns microorganisms into tiny factories designed to produce targeted substances. These organisms are genetically modified, even though the final products are frequently marketed as non-GMO.

Why “Non-GMO” Claims Can Be Misleading

The biotechnology industry often claims that synbio ingredients are non-GMO. However, many independent organisations strongly disagree and believe this claim exists primarily to avoid GMO labelling.

This argument hinges on a narrow definition of genetic modification. Some companies claim that only DNA changes involving specific double-strand breaks qualify as GMO, while other methods—such as nuclear mutagenesis—do not. Under this interpretation, many genetically engineered products are legally labelled as non-GMO, even though their DNA has been intentionally altered.

In practical terms, these products are genetically engineered in reality, but non-GMO on the label—a distinction that is confusing and misleading for consumers.

Genetically Engineered Products Disguised as Natural

Regardless of the terminology—synbio, precision fermentation, or “non-GMO”—genetically engineered products are increasingly presented as natural. In truth, they are created through deliberate genetic modification to achieve specific commercial goals, often marketed as “improvements.”

Many of these products are lightly regulated, rarely labelled clearly and easily overlooked within the natural products industry.

Nature’s Algae Oil: Balanced by Design

Nature already provides an unmodified, superior form of algae oil omega-3. Natural algae strains produce omega-3 fats in a balanced ratio, exactly as nature intended.

By contrast, biotechnology companies have engineered algae oil with artificially high levels of EPA. This was not done to improve health outcomes, but to make algae oil more closely resemble fish oil—allowing it to be marketed alongside it.

What the Science Actually Shows

Research consistently shows that these genetically engineered “improvements” do not deliver greater health benefits or superior effectiveness for consumers. The primary advantage is marketing appeal, not nutrition.

The science is clear: nature provides the optimal omega-3 ratios.

How to Identify Natural vs. Genetically Engineered Algae Oil

We believe consumers deserve transparency. One clear indicator of synbio GE/GMO algae oil is an unnaturally high EPA level, often approaching half the DHA content.

For example, per 1 ml of algae oil:

• NATURAL Algae Oil
  (megaOmega® from wild-strain Chromista)
  Approx. 500 mg DHA / 5 mg EPA
• UNNATURAL Algae Oil (GE)
  Approx. 300 mg DHA / 150 mg EPA

Making an Informed Choice

Consumers now face a clear choice:

• NATURAL Algae Oil — water-extracted from a naturally occurring algae strain, delivering omega-3s in nature’s intended balance
• UNNATURAL Algae Oil — produced from mutagenized biotechnology strains developed by fish oil manufacturers

Understanding the difference empowers consumers to choose products that are truly natural—not genetically engineered alternatives marketed as such.