December 02, 2021

Algae oil: the original source of Omega-3

You have probably heard many positive things related to omega-3 for your health. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are one of the most important parts of our cells. Basically, they largely determine how well these cells – and ultimately our organs – function.

Essential means that we cannot synthesize these fatty acids ourselves.

So, our body cannot produce enough omega-3, which raises the question: how do we get sufficient omega-3?

We depend on our diet to get (enough) omega-3. It is found in algae, seaweed, linseed, chia seed, walnuts, meat, eggs, fish, and shellfish. Even though omega-3 is present in more food than you might have thought, our usual diet contains less omega-3 than you should intake daily. The Health Council advises adults to get at least 200mg of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA per day. However, research clearly shows that our traditional Western diet does not provide us with enough omega-3.

This means that we must actively add it to our diet.

Omega-3 DHA, EPA & ALA

First of all, there are three different types of omega-3 fatty acids, namely: DHA, EPA and ALA fatty acids. ALA is mainly found in nuts, seeds, avocado and leafy greens. Omega-3 EPA and DHA are mainly found in algae, seaweed and in small shellfish. Fish also contain a high concentration of DHA and EPA. However, this is because they ingest these omega-3 fatty acids by eating algae. In other words, fish do not produce omega-3. Instead, algae are the original source of these essential fatty acids.

Health benefits Omega-3 

The following health claims have been approved by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority): 

  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg;
  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 250 mg DHA and EPA together;
  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal triglyceride levels in the blood. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 2 grams of DHA and EPA together. 
  • DHA and EPA contribute to the normal functioning of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 250 mg DHA and EPA together;
  • DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 3 grams of DHA and EPA together. 
  • DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal triglyceride levels in the blood. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 2 grams of DHA and EPA together. 

* Please note that someone should never exceed the maximum daily intake of 5 grams Omega-3 (EPA and DHA)  

Algae Oil | Plant-based Omega-3

In recent years you can see that algae oil is on the rise. Not surprising, knowing that algae are the original source of these essential omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, it is becoming clear that fish oil is an outdated method of consuming omega-3. Besides the fact that fish oil is harmful to the environment because it causes enormous unnecessary fish catch, certain fish oils are often (over)processed and can contain toxic substances (dioxins, PCBS).

Did you know that almost a third of the fish catch is for fish oil?

In addition, the quality of fish is deteriorating. According to research, fish still contain half of their original omega-3. This would mean that in the future you would have to fish twice as hard to provide the consumer with sufficient omega-3.

plnktn. algae oil meets your daily requirement of omega-3

By now, we know that we often do not get enough omega-3. As mentioned before, the Health Council advises adults to get a minimum of 200mg EPA and DHA daily.

Our algae oil contains 250mg DHA + 50mg EPA per capsule and thus provides us with the desired daily dose. They are grown in Northern France using a patented technique, which allows us to guarantee a fresh and stable oil with the right nutritional value.

Algae oil: all the benefits without the drawbacks of fish oil

Basically, algae oil offers you all the benefits of EPA and DHA, without the disadvantages of fish oil.

In short, plnktn. offers a simple solution to prevent a huge number of fish catch by simply replacing your fish oil with algae oil from plnktn. In addition, algae oil is the source of these fatty acids and with just 1 capsule a day, you get enough omega-3.

Thank you for reading! 

Alexander Rakic
Medical Docter plnktn. 

 

References used: 

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