Omega 3 is essential for remaining healthy as a lack of it can manifest as skin irritation, low mood, dry eyes, hair loss, and more. Typically, Omega 3 is found in fatty or oily fish, but for vegans usually it’s found in chia seeds, hemp seeds, or walnuts. That being said, to ensure you get a good dose of Omega 3, vegan Omega 3 supplements are your best bet.
Best vegan Omega 3 supplement picks
Nowadays, it’s so much easier to get vegan Omega 3 supplements. These are made from algae. Additionally, they come in different forms including oil and capsules. No matter how you choose to take your Omega 3, there’s an option below. We’ve listed the top 8 vegan Omega 3 supplements that can deliver pure Omegas from plants only. Take a look!
Taking a more detailed look into these Vegan Omega 3 Supplements.
This algal oil capsule doesn’t just have Omega 3, but also has Omega 6. As such, you can also get 225 mg DHA and EPA each day when you take one capsule. All ingredients in the capsule are sustainably sourced and pollutant-free. So there are no microplastics or mercury here. For better palatability, these have an orange scent. If you’re wanting to make even more of an impact on the world, then this brand also donates a portion of each sale to rescue mistreated farm animals.
Arguably, this brand has one of the most pure, bioavailable DHA Omega 3 supplements out there. It uses cultivated algae in a sustainable closed system to source their supplement. This reduces the impact on the marine environment too. It’s got no carrageenan or artificial ingredients either. Each batch is tested by a third party to ensure there are no contaminants too. You need to take two capsules though, but, you don’t need to take it with food.
This brand is made from completely sustainably-sourced microalgae. Impressively, it actually has one of the higher doses (715 mg ) when it comes to Omega 3 which is great as it’s good value for money. There are 60 soft gels in each bottle and these are easy to swallow and ingest. Better still, this brand is third-party tested and certified vegetarian by the American Vegetarian Association. It also has 390 mg DHA and 195 mg of EPA. But, there is modified corn starch and carrageenan in here. And, you need two soft gel tablets for a complete serving.
This is a small Canadian brand that has a range of different vegan supplements. For the omega 3 line, some capsules offer you a fast absorption rate. These capsules are gluten-free, nut-free and have no GMO. It contains DPA which helps you to store higher amounts of Omega 3 in your body. The company is also completely plastic-negative and carbon-neutral.
SR offers a strong dose of Omega 3 with 77 mg across two soft gel tablet servings. This also contains 420 mg of DHA and 210 mg of EPLA. These algal oil tablets are covered in a plant-based gel cap so that it’s fully vegan. It’s also certified vegan with the Vegan Society and undergoes third-party testing to ensure there are no added toxins or nasties in the supplement. Additionally, there is no carrageenan used. You will find your bottle runs out quite quickly though as there is only a month of servings.
With Complement, you get a 60-day supply of this Omega complex. It has more than 900 mg of Omega 3 making it one of the most concentrated options out there. This complex is broken down into 300 mg DHA, 150 mg EPA, 226 mg ALA, and 136 mg SDA for a well-rounded supplement to give you the boost you need. The liquid supplement is made of chia flower seed and algae, all to promote healthy brain functions and living. It’s also made in the US, so your carbon footprint will be minimized. And, the fact that it’s in liquid form means it’s easy for anyone to take.
This brand contains 500 mg of Omega 3 per capsule. There are 90 capsules available and you only need one per day which means that this is a good option if you want it to last three months. However, this isn’t the purest option out there as there are some impurities. The capsules also contain corn starch and carrageenan which some people have reactions to.
This brand uses slow manufacturing processes to create its food-based supplements. To get Omega 3, Minami algae omega 3 is used, giving you 400 mg ALA, 265 mg DHA, and 100 mg EPA. It’s perfect for kids as these are in the form of sugar-free drops. There are 23 servings only though, which does mean you will need to purchase regularly which can get expensive. However, the strawberry flavor makes this a supplement your kids will enjoy.
What is Omega 3?
Omega 3 is a fatty acid or healthy fat. It’s very important for improved heart health as it helps to reduce triglyceride levels. There are different types of Omega 3 including DHA (found in fish), EPA (found in fish), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid – found in plants).
These fatty acids are important as they help your body perform important functions. Our bodies can’t produce the levels of Omega 3 needed to survive, so we do need to get it from foods.
Omega 3’s are actually part of our cell membranes, which means they provide structure and ensure interactions are supported between cells. They’re in the highest concentration in your eyes and brain.
What are the symptoms of a lack of Omega-3?
If you have an Omega 3 deficiency, then some of the symptoms include having problems with your skin, hair (falling out), and nails (breakage). You may also find that you are fatigued or have trouble sleeping. It can be hard to concentrate, and you may also have joint pain, allergies, cardiovascular issues, and excessive ear wax.
How much Omega 3 should a vegan take daily?
The amount you need depends on each person. It will depend on your medical history as well as your diet. Generally, it is recommended that you take 250 to 500 mg per day of EPA and DHA omega 3.
How do I know I have an Omega 3 deficiency?
You’ll know if you have an Omega 3 deficiency because you will find that you have a build-up of dry skin. Interestingly, you may also find that you have a build-up of earwax. You may also notice that you have more depression or anxiety as well as dry eyes, joint pain, and insomnia. Changes to your hair such as increased dandruff or brittle nails are also signs that you may be Omega 3 deficient.
Is taking vegan Omega 3 supplements effective?
Absolutely, yes. Typically, vegans struggle to get enough Omega 3 in their diet. This means that it is essential to get Omega 3 from a different source which is where supplements are very important
How long can it take to see benefits from taking Omega 3 supplements?
It can take up to three months for regular Omega 3 fatty acids to build up and improve the levels needed for a healthy brain and heart.
How did we choose these products?
We took care in choosing each of these supplements to make sure we’re only recommending the very best products. First, we looked at the different forms that Omega 3 was offered in. With this in mind, we have only included capsules and gummies on this list as these soft gel tablets are easier to consume and contain a high concentration of Omega 3.
We also made sure that we checked the ingredients in each supplement. Vegans should avoid anything that contains fish oil or gelatine. It’s also a good idea to avoid carrageenan as although this is made from red seaweed, it has been linked to digestive problems. We have listed a product containing this, but have highlighted this ingredient.
Finally, we also took a look at the packaging and overall ethics of each company. We picked North American-based companies where possible for a lower carbon footprint, and highlight brands that use plastic-free or recyclable packaging.
What time is it best to take Omega 3?
It can be taken throughout the day. However, it’s best to take it with a fatty meal as this will increase absorption.
What foods have the highest amount of Omega 3?
Other than certain types of oily fish, the foods that have the highest amount of Omega 3 include ground flaxseed, walnuts, soya, and edamame. There are other foods such as hemp and chia seeds that also have high quantities of Omega 3.
Summary
If you think you are Omega 3 deficient, or you’re on a strict vegan diet, then boosting your levels with a vegan Omega 3 supplement is a must. We’ve listed some of the top brands for vegan Omega 3 supplements right here.