What is omega-3 algae oil and what are its benefits?
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Leesduur: 5 min
Omega-3 algae oil is becoming increasingly popular—and for good reason. It's the plant-based solution for anyone who wants the benefits of omega-3 without fish oil.
Sustainable, pure, and just as effective. Instead of using fish, we extract the healthy fatty acids directly from algae, the original source. This way, you get all the health benefits without impacting the ocean.
Are you considering switching to algal oil? This article explains everything you need to know about this vegan form of omega-3.
Omega-3 algal oil is a plant-based source of DHA/EPA, as effective as fish oil.
It is more sustainable and free of heavy metals, with less impact on the oceans than fish oil.
Possible side effects are mild; sometimes stomach upset or a slight fishy taste, but generally well tolerated for daily use.
What exactly is omega-3 algae oil?
Omega-3 algal oil is a plant-based oil packed with essential fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). For this reason, it's also called vegan omega-3 or vegan DHA.
As the name suggests, the oil comes from algae, the source from which fish naturally obtain their omega-3. If you don't want to eat fish, you can also get these important fatty acids directly from the source.
The result? A pure oil, packed with omega-3, that's just as effective as fish oil. (1) (2)
Benefits of Omega-3 Algal Oil
Algal oil not only has the same health benefits as fish oil, but offers even more advantages.
These are the main benefits:
- Better for the environment – Algal oil production has no negative impact on the oceans. Overfishing threatens many fish species and decreases biodiversity. Because algal oil doesn't require fish, you contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems.
- Sustainable production chain – Algae farming uses fewer natural resources than fishing. It requires less water, feed, and energy, and produces less waste. This makes algae oil a more efficient and environmentally friendly option.
- Higher in the food chain, lower emissions – Algae are lower in the food chain, meaning their production is more efficient and produces less CO2 emissions than the fishing and fish oil industries.
- No Contaminants – Algae grows in controlled conditions, making the oil free of heavy metals and other harmful substances that can be found in fish oil. (3)
- No fishy aftertaste – Many people do not experience burping or an unpleasant odor as they do with fish oil capsules.
Algal oil (vegetable omega-3) or fish oil?
So, what's the best choice: algae oil or fish oil? Both contain the essential omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, but algae oil offers several clear advantages:
Algal oil
It's more sustainable, cleaner, and better for the environment . Moreover, with algae oil, vegetarians and vegans get a complete alternative without animal products.
Want omega-3 without the aftertaste and without polluting the oceans? Then this plant-based omega-3 is the smart choice!
Fish oil
However, fish oil can be an attractive option in some situations. It's often easier to obtain and generally cheaper .
Additionally, some fish oil supplements naturally contain higher concentrations of DHA and EPA per capsule or serving, potentially giving you more omega-3 for a lower price.
Production of omega-3 algal oil
Our vegan omega-3 algae oil is extracted from the Schizochytrium algae species, which is grown in a controlled environment.
This means that factors such as temperature, nutrition and CO2 are carefully monitored, ensuring clean, high-quality oil.
After the algae grow, they are fermented, a process similar to making beer or kombucha. This allows the omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, to be extracted from the algae.
The algae oil and DHA are then filtered out through fragmentation and centrifugation. The final oil contains 40% DHA, 500 mg of which is used per capsule in our products.
Side effects of algal oil
Algal oil is generally well tolerated, but as with any supplement, side effects may occur in some people.
The possible side effects of algal oil are usually mild:
- Stomach discomfort – Some people may experience bloating, gas, or mild stomach pain. This is more common when starting omega-3 supplements, but usually disappears over time.
- Fishy aftertaste – Although algal oil often has less of a fishy aftertaste than fish oil, some people may still experience a slight aftertaste after consuming it. The "fishy taste" in fish is caused by omega-3 fats.
- Blood thinning – Because omega-3 fatty acids have blood-thinning properties, using algae oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people already taking blood thinners. It's important to consult a doctor if you're taking blood-thinning medication.
- Allergies – In rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to algae oil, especially if they are sensitive to algae or seafood.
Is omega-3 algae oil completely vegan?
Yes, omega-3 algae oil is completely plant-based (vegan), because it is extracted directly from algae and contains no animal products.
Buy Omega-3 Algal Oil capsules
When choosing an omega-3 algae oil supplement, it's important to consider a number of factors to get the most out of your supplement.
- The concentration of DHA and EPA - A good dosage of DHA is usually between 250-500 mg per day, depending on your personal needs and health.
- Capsules or oil - Omega-3 algae oil is available in capsules or as an oil. Algae oil capsules ensure you always get the same dose, while the oil can easily be added to a smoothie, salad dressing, or granola. Choose what works best for you.
- Purity and Origin - Also pay attention to the purity and origin of the algae oil. Good algae oil should be free of contaminants such as heavy metals. You can often see this from certificates on the website and quality labels.
Looking for high-quality, plant-based algae oil capsules? Our vegan DHA algae oil offers exactly what you need: a pure and effective source of omega-3, with 400 mg DHA per serving (2 capsules).
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Lane, K.E., Wilson, M., Hellon, T.G., & Davies, I.G. (2021b). Bioavailability and conversion of plant based sources of omega-3 fatty acids – a scoping review to update supplementation options for vegetarians and vegans. Critical Reviews in Food Science And Nutrition, 62(18), 4982–4997. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1880364
- Ryan, L., & Symington, A. M. (2014). Algal-oil supplements are a viable alternative to fish-oil supplements in terms of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA). Journal Of Functional Foods, 19, 852–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2014.06.023
- Ji, X., Ren, L., & Huang, H. (2015). Omega-3 Biotechnology: A Green and Sustainable Process for Omega-3 Fatty Acids Production. Frontiers in Bioengineering And Biotechnology, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2015.00158
