How Can Vegan's Increase Their Omega-3 Intake?

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Omega-3 Traditionally

Traditionally, the main source of the omega 3s (EPA and DHA) has been from a fish source, either as food or as a supplement. However, concerns about overfishing of the seas, as well as potential contamination of fish with microplastics and chemicals, has seen increased focus on plant and vegan alternatives. There was also concerns around fish oil supplements and their refining procedures, which are designed to remove impurities in fish oil, but can actually result in oxidation and therefore a poorer quality final product. Only recently, the discovery of a plant-based alternative came to life, however the process to create it, is something a health-conscious and sustainably-minded consumer would wish to avoid.

Lucky for us, Phytality Nutrition offers a solution to the problem of finding a cleaner, unrefined and unprocessed form of omega-3s. They offer a source in its original whole plant form, known as marine phytoplankton or marine micro-algae. This marine phytoplankton is grown in a closed system, controlled production environment, using food-grade quality nutrients and inputs, and results in the cleanest and purest form of omega-3s. By choosing this original whole plant form, it is possible to cut out the “middle fish” and obtain omega-3’s from its original source.

When choosing marine phytoplankton as your omega-3 source instead of algal oils, you cut out the chemical extraction and refining processes used in producing most algal oil supplements. How great is that?

Omega-3 Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their cardioprotective effects, along with many other benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting immunity
• Heart & brain health
• Preventing and treating a range of health conditions, including: joint problems, psoriasis, asthma, eczema, crohn’s disease and menstrual cramps
• Reduced incidences of mental health problems. As it currently stands, there is a correlation between the incidence of mental health problems and an inadequate intake of omega-3s.

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The Benefits Of Using A Plant-Based Omega-3 Product

Omega-3s from marine phytoplankton in a whole plant form provide the following advantages: 

• A controlled production source (not wild-harvested) offers a more ethical and sustainable choice. 
• Purest form of omega-3s, from Nature’s original source. 
• No mercury, PCBs or insecticides, which may be found in fish oils. 
• No chemical extraction process of lipids, as occurs with production of some algal oils. 
• No processing, refining, or use of chemical stabiliser or solvents. 
• No chance of oxidation, because lipids are enclosed inside the plant cell walls. 
• Delivered with micronutrients and choline to aid absorption. 
• Omega-3s are present in the ‘polar lipid’ form, which is more bioavailable. 
• It's both water and oil soluble, and as our bodies are mainly water-based, this allows for an increased uptake of omega-3s, unlike extracted fish and algal oils, which are generally not water-soluble.