Top 10 Vegan Omega 3 Supplements for Optimal Health

From boosting cognitive functions to reducing inflammation, vegan omega-3 supplements offer a sea (pardon the pun) of benefits. As the plant-based world grows, choosing the right supplement ensures you get all the perks without any fishy business (last one). 

I switch up my supplement rotation a lot based on how I feel and to try different brands to see if there's really much difference. I'm surprised by how much difference there can be between brands so I've rounded up the best of the bunch... 

The Top 10 Vegan Omega-3 Supplements 

Freshfield Vegan Omega-3 Supplement

Freshfield's Vegan Omega-3 Supplement is known for its high absorption rates—15% better than traditional fish oil. Their unique inclusion of DPA means the body can store more Omega-3s, enhancing long-term heart and brain health. With a 100% certified plastic-negative certification, Freshfield stands out for its commitment to environmental responsibility. Priced at approximately $23 per month, with a 10% discount on subscriptions, we can confirm it does not come with any fishy aftertastes.

Deva Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA

Deva's Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA is a great choice for its purity and effectiveness. Their supplements promise a robust source of essential fatty acids, crucial for maintaining cardiovascular and cognitive functions. 

Sports Research Vegan Omega-3

For those engaged in an active lifestyle, Sports Research presents a Vegan Omega-3 that caters specifically to physical wellness and recovery. Their supplements are precision-formulated to support joint health, optimal heart function, and cognitive capabilities. This brand is favored for its commitment to clean, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, offering a product that's both kind to the earth and the body.

Complement Essential Vegan Omega-3

Complement is dedicated to filling the nutritional gaps in plant-based diets with their Essential Vegan Omega-3 supplements. Recognized for their balanced blend of DHA and EPA, Complement's formulation supports various health conditions, all while maintaining a fresh and palatable taste profile free from any fishy odor or flavor.

Future Kind Vegan Omega-3

Future Kind's Vegan Omega-3 supplement is not just about personal health but planetary well-being too. Their commitment extends beyond the product itself, reflected in their use of recyclable glass bottles and compostable mailers, minimizing environmental impact.

Nordic Naturals Algae Omega

Nordic Naturals is a household name, and their Algae Omega stands as a testament to their high standards. This supplement delivers pure, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, designed to support heart, brain, and eye health without contributing to overfishing or environmental toxins. It's an excellent choice for those who want a brand they know.

Ovega-3 Plant-Based Omega-3

Supplying a substantial amount of both DHA and EPA without the fish-derived components, it's an optimal health choice favored for its ease of digestion. 

Ora Organic Vegan Omega-3

Ora Organic's Vegan Omega-3 supplements boast an entirely plant-based formula, promoting overall health with a specific emphasis on cognitive and cardiovascular functions. They’re committed to using clean, organic ingredients, ensuring a premium quality product free from common allergens and harmful additives.

Nested Naturals Vegan Omega-3

Nested Naturals takes pride in offering a Vegan Omega-3 that supports a variety of mental and physical health needs. Their ingredients are fully traceable, non-GMO, and third-party tested for quality assurance. 

Testa Omega-3 Algae Oil

Their non-fish formula is rich in DHA and EPA, making them an excellent choice for vegans looking to enhance their heart and joint health.

Algae Oil as an Alternative to Fish Oil

Algae oil is an incredible, plant-based source of omega-3s, providing an alternative to fish oil without compromising support for heart, brain, and eye health. Algae oil taps into the primary source of omega-3s consumed by fish in nature, making it a pure and vegetarian-friendly option.

How Much Do I Need? Optimal Daily Dose for Omega-3 Intake

To target specific health goals or prevent deficiencies, omega-3 intake must meet certain levels - we made sure all of the options we have shared meet these! The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends a daily dose of 2,000-4,000mg for reducing blood pressure and triglyceride levels. For general health, a daily intake of 250-500mg DHA+EPA is suggested. 

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Essential for Optimal Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for a range of bodily functions, playing a key role in maintaining optimal health. This vital nutrient supports heart health, aids proper cardiovascular function, and helps prevent conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. 

For brain health, omega-3s are indispensable, crucial for maintaining cognitive functions, memory, and concentration, while potentially reducing the risk of dementia and depression. 

For visual and skin health, omega-3s ensure the maintenance of sensitive eyes, healthy vision, and radiant skin. Muscle weakness and impaired circulation also signal the need for adequate omega-3 intake. Failing to maintain sufficient levels of these fatty acids can elevate the risk of various health conditions, including high blood pressure and suicidal thoughts in individuals with depression. A balanced diet supplemented with vegan omega-3 sources like algae oil can prevent these deficiencies and promote a robust, active lifestyle.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits:

• Heart health: ↓ heart attacks, strokes
• Brain function: ↑ memory, ↓ dementia risk
• Pregnancy: ↓ premature birth risk
• Vision: ↑ eye health
• Skin: ↑ radiance, ↓ sensitivity
• Muscle & circulation: ↑ muscle strength, optimal blood flow

Ensure you're getting your daily dose to stay vibrant and healthy.

Why Take Them? The Benefits of Vegan Omega-3 Supplements

Let’s be honest, we don’t always hit our nutrition goals in our weekly meals. Sometimes supplements play an important role if we believe we’re not getting enough of a particular vitamin. Of course its best to get your vitamins directly from your food but supplements are a great boost along the way.

Environmental Benefits

Derived from sources like algae, these supplements offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fish oil. Algae farming for omega-3 production helps reduce stress on marine life, aiding in the fight against overfishing and the preservation of our oceans. Additionally, vegan omega-3s are generally free from pollutants commonly found in fish, such as mercury and PCBs, making them a cleaner option for your essential fatty acid intake.

No Fishy Aftertaste

In addition to the environmental benefits, these supplements come without the fishy aftertaste and unpleasant "fish burps" that can occur with fish oil-based omega-3s. Advances in supplement technology have also made it possible to create vegan omega-3 softgels in smaller sizes that are easier to swallow, increasing their convenience and accessibility.

Quality

Vegan omega-3 supplements often exceed their fish-derived counterparts in quality. Many contain generous amounts of EPA and DHA, the critical omega-3 fatty acids that support a wide range of health functions, from cognitive and heart health to the wellness of our skin, eyes, and joints. A notable bonus is the impact on nail health, reporting significantly stronger and healthier nails after incorporating vegan omega-3 supplements into their daily routine.

These sustainable and contaminant-free supplements provide more than just a daily dose of fats—they offer peace of mind.

Brain Health and Cognitive Functions

Research has shown that omega-3 deficiencies are linked to diminished brain performance and memory, longer reaction times, and increased risks of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia. From cognition and memory to mood regulation. Incorporating a vegan omega-3 supplement into your routine can be a proactive measure to maintain cognitive resilience as you age, keeping neuronal connections strong and mental acuity sharp.

Heart Health and Cardiovascular Function

The heart is the engine of the human body, and omega-3 fatty acids act as vital fuel, keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. Deficiencies in omega-3 are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including sudden cardiac death, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Vegan omega-3 supplements sourced from algae provide a practical and plant-based method of bolstering heart health, offering the EPA and DHA required to prevent these serious medical conditions without relying on fish.

These algal-based fatty acids perform numerous heart-friendly actions, such as reducing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, enhancing endothelial function, and inhibiting the inflammatory processes that can lead to atherosclerosis. For anyone intent on maintaining cardiovascular vigor and resilience, vegan omega-3 supplements could be a vital component of their health regimen.

Eye Health and Vision Support

Our vision is perhaps our most treasured sense, and safeguarding it becomes imperative as we age. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for retinal health and maintaining the integrity of vision. Regular intake of vegan omega-3 rich in DHA has been shown to support not just the physical structure of the eye but also its function, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and contributing to sharper vision. 

Joint Health and Inflammation Reduction

Joint health is fundamental to maintaining an active and pain-free lifestyle, and inflammation is often at the heart of joint issues. Vegan omega-3 supplements may play a transformative role in managing and alleviating joint-related concerns. For those suffering from joint discomfort, vegan omega-3 supplements present a natural and effective option for support and relief, providing a plant-based pathway to increased comfort and mobility.

Getting your omega-3s on a vegan diet is easier than you might think. With algae-based supplements and a few smart dietary choices. Remember, it’s all about making informed choices that align with your lifestyle.