Omega-3 Algal Oil: The Best Vegan DHA & EPA Supplement for Heart & Brain Health

Omega-3 Algal Oil: A Sustainable Solution for Better Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. While they are most commonly associated with fish oil, a growing number of people are turning to algal oil, a plant-based and sustainable source of omega-3s. Derived from marine algae, algal oil is rich in Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid acid (EPA), two key omega-3 fatty acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. This blog explores what makes algal oil an exceptional supplement, its numerous health benefits, and why it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fish oil.

What is Omega-3 Algal Oil & How Does It Compare to Fish Oil?

Algal oil is a natural oil extracted from specific strains of marine algae. Unlike fish oil, which is derived from fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, algal oil directly taps into the source of omega-3s in the marine food chain—algae. These microorganisms produce DHA and EPA, making algal oil a potent and direct source of omega-3s without the need for fish.

Algal oil offers numerous advantages:

• Sustainability: Cultivated in controlled environments, algal oil production doesn’t harm marine ecosystems or contribute to overfishing (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) (Lane et al., 2013). Algae are the original producers of DHA and EPA in the aquatic food chain (where fish get their omega-3s from).
  
  Algal oil can also be cultivated and harvested within just 25 days, compared to the 24 months required to grow fish for oil extraction. This significantly shortens the supply chain while maintaining quality and efficiency​

• Purity: Free from ocean pollutants like mercury and microplastics, algal oil provides a clean and safe supplement option​ (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) (Lane et al., 2013)

• Vegan-Friendly: Algal oil is a plant-based product that is suitable for vegetarians and vegans who want to meet their omega-3 needs​ (Lane et al., 2013). 

Why Omega-3s Matter: Brain, Heart & Joint Health Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are vital for numerous physiological processes, including:

• Brain Health: DHA is a structural component of the brain, supporting cognitive function and neural signalling​ (Zhang et al., 2016) (Yurko‐Mauro et al., 2010)

• Heart Health: Omega-3s reduce triglycerides, improve arterial function, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease​ (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) ​(Lane et al., 2013)

• Inflammation Control: EPA and DHA regulate inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting overall (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) (Tsuchiya et al., 2019)

Key Benefits of Omega-3 Algal Oil

1. Supports Brain Health and Cognitive Function

DHA is crucial for brain development and function, making algal oil an excellent choice for maintaining cognitive health. Research shows that regular supplementation can improve memory, learning, and overall brain performance, particularly in older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment​ (Zhang et al., 2016)​ (Yurko‐Mauro et al., 2010)

2. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Omega-3s are widely recognised for their heart-protective properties. Algal oil supplementation has been shown to lower triglycerides and improve vascular health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke (Bernstein et al., 2012)

3. Reduces Inflammation

EPA and DHA are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They reduce markers of chronic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and support the management of inflammatory conditions like arthritis ​(Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015)

4. Enhances Muscle Recovery and Athletic Performance

Omega-3s aid in muscle recovery by reducing stiffness, soreness, and inflammation after exercise. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA supplementation improved muscle function and reduced post-workout discomfort, making algal oil a great choice for athletes​ (Tsuchiya et al., 2019)

5. Improves Mental Health

Omega-3s support mood regulation and emotional well-being. They enhance neurotransmitter function and reduce brain inflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety ​(Lin et al., 2012). 

Why use our Vegan Omega-3 ? 

1. Sustainability

Unlike fish oil, algal oil is produced in controlled environments without harming marine ecosystems. This sustainable approach reduces overfishing and protects biodiversity (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) ​(Lane et al., 2013). 

2. Purity and Safety

Fish oil can be contaminated with heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants. Algal oil, on the other hand, is cultivated in clean conditions, ensuring a pure and safe product​ (Lopez-Hernandez et al., 2015) (Lane et al., 2013). 

3. Vegan and Allergen-Free

As a plant-based product, algal oil is an ethical and inclusive option for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with fish allergies​ (Lane et al., 2013). 

4. Superior Bioavailability

Advanced formulations, such as nanoemulsions, enhance the bioavailability of omega-3s in algal oil. This means your body can absorb and utilize DHA and EPA more effectively, ensuring maximum health benefits​ (Lane et al., 2013). 

Incorporating Algal Oil into Your Routine

1. Daily Dosage: There are no official dosages and it ranges from country to country, however, a general consumption of 250 - 500 MG combination is recommended per day. The FDA recommends that daily intake not exceed 3 g/d of EPA and DHA combined, with no more than 2 g/d deriving from supplements.

2. Pair with Meals: For better absorption, consume algal oil supplements with a meal that includes healthy fats​ (Lane et al., 2013). 

3. Who can consumer Algal Oil : Algal oil is ideal for everyone, from pregnant women and athletes to older adults and anyone looking to support their overall health.

References 

Bernstein, A.M., Ding, E.L., Willett, W.C. and Rimm, E.B. (2012). A meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease. The Journal of Nutrition, [online] 142(1), pp.99–104. doi:https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.111.148973.

Bischoff-Ferrari, H.A., Willett, W.C., Manson, J.E., Dawson-Hughes, B., Manz, M.G., Theiler, R., Braendle, K., Vellas, B., Rizzoli, R., Kressig, R.W., Staehelin, H.B., Da Silva, J.A.P., Armbrecht, G., Egli, A., Kanis, J.A., Orav, E.J. and Gaengler, S. (2022). Combined Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a Simple Home Exercise Program May Reduce Cancer Risk Among Active Adults Aged 70 and Older: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Aging, 3. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2022.852643.

Lane, K., Derbyshire, E., Li, W. and Brennan, C. (2013). Bioavailability and Potential Uses of Vegetarian Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Review of the Literature. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 54(5), pp.572–579. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.596292.

Lin, P.-Y., Mischoulon, D., Freeman, M., Matsuoka, Y., Hibbeln, J., Belmaker, R. and Su, K.-P. (2012). Are omega-3 fatty acids anti-depressants or just mood- improving agents? NIH Public Access $watermark-text $watermark-text $watermark-text. Mol Psychiatry, 17(12), pp.1161–1163.

Lopez-Hernandez, A., Goecke, F., Ji, X.-J., Ren, L.-J. and Huang, H. (2015). Omega-3 biotechnology: a green and sustainable process for omega-3 fatty acids production.

Tsuchiya, Y., Yanagimoto, K., Ueda, H. and Ochi, E. (2019). Supplementation of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich fish oil attenuates muscle stiffness after eccentric contractions of human elbow flexors. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0283-x.

Yurko‐Mauro, K., McCarthy, D., Rom, D., Nelson, E.B., Ryan, A.S., Blackwell, A., Salem, N. and Stedman, M. (2010). Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age‐related cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 6(6), pp.456–464. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2010.01.013.

Zhang, Y.-P., Miao, R., Li, Q., Wu, T. and Ma, F. (2016). Effects of DHA Supplementation on Hippocampal Volume and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 55(2), pp.497–507. doi:https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-160439.