Vegan DHA/EPA 450 mg, 60 vegan softgel capsules

Algae oil containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

DHA is more important than EPA for specific groups of people (such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people over 50). For people who wish to avoid fish oil (such as vegetarians and vegans, or those with a fish allergy), algae oil is an excellent option for supplementing their diet with additional DHA and EPA. What makes the algae oil in Vegan DHA/EPA 450 mg special is its EPA content in addition to DHA. The DHA and EPA doses in the softgel capsules of this vegan omega-3 supplement are also exceptionally high. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in this product are easily absorbed, as they are present in their natural, unprocessed triglyceride form. Naturally, only very fresh and pure algae oil is used in Vegan DHA/EPA 450 mg.

Plant-based DHA and EPA for the heart, brain and eyes

Together, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have a beneficial effect on the heart. Furthermore, DHA helps maintain normal vision and healthy brain function. It is not without reason that the consumption of particularly oily fish species, which are naturally rich in EPA and DHA, has always featured in official dietary recommendations for a healthy diet. In 2010, the EFSA issued an additional recommendation for pregnant and breastfeeding women to increase their daily intake of DHA and EPA to 450 mg (of which at least 200 mg should be DHA). DHA also contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyes in breastfed infants and foetuses.

In practice, however, a significant proportion of people (including pregnant women, vegetarians and vegans) do not consume enough, or indeed any, (oily) fish to meet the recommended daily intake of DHA and EPA. There are various reasons why these people do not meet the recommended daily intake. This can be problematic, as fish remains our main source of EPA and DHA. The same official recommendations also point out that it is better not to eat fish too often. The reason for this is the contaminants that fish may contain as a result of environmental pollution (in particular dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals such as methylmercury).

However, this is not a problem with high-quality, purified fish oil supplements, which contain only small amounts or none at all of these contaminants. The algae used in algae oil supplements are cultivated under isolated and carefully controlled conditions, thereby ruling out any environmental contamination. In order to make the most of the health benefits of these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids, more and more people are choosing to supplement their diet daily with fish oil or algae oil supplements.

For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, DHA and EPA intake is particularly essential. After all, this group does not consume any fish at all, which, as already mentioned, remains the most significant dietary source of DHA and EPA. Some vegetarians or vegans use a vegetable oil as a dietary supplement. One example is linseed oil, which contains a high concentration of the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). To maintain the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, an ALA supplement is definitely advisable. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acid intake is too high in Western countries, particularly amongst vegetarians and vegans. However, it is a misconception to believe that ALA can completely replace the intake of DHA and EPA. The body can, in theory, synthesise these omega-3 fatty acids from ALA, but the conversion process is, in practice, very complex. An algae oil supplement containing DHA and EPA is therefore a recommended option for vegetarians and vegans. It is also suitable for people who are allergic to fish, or for those who do not wish to take fish oil for other reasons. Although algae oil is a sustainable source of DHA and EPA, its relatively high price makes it difficult to take higher doses of DHA (and also EPA).

Required EPA/DHA dose for an optimal omega-3 fatty acid balance

Omega-3 fatty acid status refers to the levels of EPA and DHA present in the body. It is now entirely possible to determine one’s omega-3 fatty acid status. One method is a blood test using a finger prick, which measures what is known as the omega-3 index. The Omega-3 Index, a reliable indicator of omega-3 fatty acid status, indicates the proportion of EPA and DHA in the overall fatty acid composition of the cell membranes of red blood cells. The content of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in tissues and organs, including the heart, also correlates well with this omega-3 index.

There is growing evidence that an omega-3 index of at least 8% is optimal. Studies have shown that many people, particularly those on a typical European diet (usually associated with excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids), require high doses of EPA/DHA to achieve an optimal index. With a low omega-3 index (around 4.5 per cent, which is the average in Western countries), supplementation with 2 grams of EPA/DHA usually results in the omega-3 index rising to around 8 per cent after about three months. To maintain this index, a daily intake of around 700–1000 mg of EPA/DHA is likely to be sufficient, although this depends on dietary habits. For anyone who does not wish to take fish oil supplements, Vegan DHA/EPA 450 mg is a suitable option for increasing the omega-3 index.

Permitted health claims:

• A daily intake of 250 mg of DHA helps maintain healthy brain function and good eyesight.
• DHA, when taken at a daily intake of 250 mg, is an important building block for the brain.
• DHA, when taken at a daily intake of 250 mg, plays a role in the function of the retina.
• DHA contributes to the normal development of the eyes and brain in foetuses and breastfed infants – with a daily intake of 200 mg by the mother, in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
• EPA and DHA, when taken at a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA, contribute to normal heart function.

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)

Ingredients

Algal oil (DHA- and EPA-rich oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp.), humectant (glycerol), modified pea starch (softgel capsule), stabiliser (carrageenan), antioxidants (extracts rich in tocopherols, rosemary extract).

Recommended intake

Take 1 softgel capsule per day with water, with a meal containing fat.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.