Vegan omega-3 – algae oil capsules with 1,000 mg DHA and 500 mg EPA

For the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, the EU has authorised the following health claims, among others:

• DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The claim applies to a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA.
• DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function.
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. Both claims apply to a daily intake of 250 mg DHA.

A daily portion of this product (4 capsules) contains 1,000 mg DHA and 500 mg EPA. Statements about cholesterol, joints or concentration in children, for example, are not authorised for this product.

Fish do not make DHA and EPA themselves; they take them up from microalgae through the food chain. Algae oil comes directly from such microalgae, here Schizochytrium sp., and contains no fish ingredients.

In one study, DHA levels in blood plasma and red blood cells rose just as much with algae-oil capsules as with cooked salmon (PubMed 18589030). The proportion of EPA and DHA differs from product to product; the label is what counts.

All three are omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in linseed oil, rapeseed oil and walnuts. The body converts only a small part of it into EPA and even less into DHA. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, found mainly in oily sea fish and in microalgae.

People who do not eat fish therefore usually take in little EPA and DHA through their diet. Algae oil is the plant-based source of them.

According to the label, you take 4 capsules daily with fluid at a meal. Fats are absorbed better together with a meal, and many people tolerate the capsules better that way. You can also split the capsules across two meals.

At the recommended amount, a tub of 60 capsules lasts 15 days. Store cool, dry and protected from light.

EFSA was unable to derive a tolerable upper intake level for EPA and DHA. It considered additional intakes of up to 5 g EPA and DHA per day in adults to be of no safety concern. A daily portion of this product contains 1.5 g.

A meta-analysis of large cardiovascular trials found a somewhat higher risk of atrial fibrillation with omega-3 fatty acids, more pronounced above 1 g per day (PubMed 34612056). The trials mostly involved older people with increased cardiovascular risk. If you have heart rhythm problems or heart disease, talk with the ORY expert team or with your doctor or naturopath before use.

In larger amounts, omega-3 fatty acids can affect blood clotting. If you take anticoagulant medicines, such as phenprocoumon or warfarin, newer anticoagulants or aspirin, or have surgery coming up, discuss taking them with your doctor or pharmacist first.

The same applies during pregnancy and breastfeeding and with other medical conditions.

The only authorised claim is that DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart. Statements about protecting against heart disease are not permitted for foods. A Cochrane review of 86 trials found little or no effect of more EPA and DHA on all-cause mortality and on cardiovascular events overall, but a slight reduction in triglycerides (PubMed 32114706).

Raised blood lipids or heart symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.

The omega-3 index shows what proportion of the fatty acids in red blood cell membranes is EPA and DHA. Because red blood cells live for a few months, the value reflects your status over a longer period.

At ORY, the omega-3 test measures the omega-3 index, EPA, DHA and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio from capillary blood; Prevent 360 also includes the fatty acid status. What a value means for you is something you discuss with the ORY expert team or with your doctor or naturopath.

A daily portion of 4 capsules contains 1,000 mg DHA and 500 mg EPA, a total of 1,500 mg omega-3 fatty acids. Ingredients: algae oil from Schizochytrium sp., modified starch (capsule shell), glycerol, purified water, antioxidant rosemary extract and sunflower oil.

The capsules contain no gelatine and no fish ingredients. They are filled and packed in Germany. One tub contains 60 capsules.