There’s growing evidence of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. When done right, a vegan diet can lead to a lower risk of heart disease, reduced risk of certain cancers, and better management of diabetes. However, part of doing a vegan lifestyle right is making sure you get all the essential vitamins and nutrients you need. Chief among these is Omega 3
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The Best Vegan Omega 3 Supplements Reviewed is an original (New7Health) article.
What is Omega 3?
Before we discuss vegan Omega 3 supplements, let’s establish what exactly Omega 3 is. Omega 3 is a fatty acid. This means it is a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked together. To be even more specific, Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), meaning it is an unsaturated fat with more than one double bond linkage. Finally, the ‘3’ means that the double bond is three carbons away from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain.
Next, let’s go over why you should take Omega 3, including vegan Omega 3 supplements, in the first place. This essential vitamin offers a variety of benefits. Omega 3 is an integral part of cell membranes. Cell membranes help regulate blood clotting and the movement of artery walls. Because of this, Omega 3 can reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
In fact, one study found that heart attack survivors who took a 1-gram capsule of Omega 3 every day for three years were less likely to have a repeat heart attack, stroke, or die a sudden death compared to those on a placebo treatment. In addition, research has linked Omega 3 fatty acids to a reduction in inflammation, as well as a lower risk of chronic conditions like cancer and arthritis.
Despite how important Omega 3 is, our body cannot produce it. Instead, we need to get it through the foods we eat, or through supplements. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout, etc.), shellfish, nut oil, and some vegetable oils (such as canola) are all considered to be great sources of Omega 3. However, the fact that traditional Omega 3 supplements are derived from fish is a problem for vegans. That’s why vegan Omega 3 supplements are derived from non-fish sources, such as algae, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and seaweed. In fact, there’s evidence that women on vegan diets have more long-chain Omega 3 in their bodies compared to those who get their Omega 3 from non-vegan sources.
Best brands of vegan Omega 3 supplements
Now that you know all about Omega 3, let’s go over the best brands of vegan Omega 3 supplements. We’ll introduce three brands, then rank them afterward.
First up is Sustainable Vegan Omega-3 from Calgee. This algae-based supplement is a great source of the DHA and EPA types of Omega 3. In addition, Calgee has set itself apart by its environment-centered mission and its exclusion of the ingredient carrageenan (which is linked to stomach inflammation). Finally, Calgee supplements can reduce inflammation and help boost immunity, among other benefits. A 30-day/60 soft gels bottle of Calgee’s vegan Omega 3 supplements sells for $28, or $24 with a subscription.
Next, we have the Adult Vegan Omega-3 Gummies from Mary Ruth’s. Unlike the previous product we looked at, this is a gummy product rather than soft gels, thus making it easier to digest. In addition, Mary Ruth’s products are free of gluten, gelatin, nuts, and GMOs. However, Mary Ruth’s does contain fewer Omega 3s than other brands, and only the ALA type of Omega 3. A 60-gummy bottle of Mary Ruth’s gummy supplements sells for $24.95, or $22.46 with a subscription.
Finally, let’s discuss Future Kind’s Vegan Omega 3 Supplements. This carrageenan-free, algae-based supplement supports memory, mood, and joint health. Also, Future Kind comes in tapioca soft gels instead of gelatin, and the soft gels are held in sustainable glass bottles. Lastly, Future Kind is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets high standards for corporate governance, transparency, and social and environmental performance. As CEO and co-founder Shaun Cunningham puts it, the company aims “to continue innovating and improving on our environmental impact in terms of packaging, carbon offsetting, and charitable contributions.”
A 500mg/60 soft gels bottle sells for $29.99, or $23.99 with a subscription.
Top 3 brands of vegan Omega 3 supplements
Now, it’s time to rank the vegan Omega 3 supplements:
3. Mary Ruth’s
In third place is Mary Ruth’s adult gummy supplements. This is still a great brand with great ingredients. However, its lower nutritional value, the inclusion of carrageenan, and lack of focus on environmental and sustainability causes do bring it down compared to the other brands. Mary Ruth’s supplements may be cheaper, but the following two brands offer a significantly better value.
2. Calgary
In second place is Calgee’s Sustainable Vegan Omega-3 product. This is a great supplement with proven benefits, ingredients that support good health, and high levels of DHA and EPA Omega 3. Its commitment to promoting sustainability is also something to be admired.
However, as excellent as Calgee’s product is, it is outmatched in almost every way by our first-place winner.
1. Future Kind
Finally, the absolute best choice in vegan Omega 3 supplements is Future Kind. Future Kind offers expansive benefits in a sustainable way, with a unique dedication to innovative products with clean ingredients. This brand is also committed to the well-being of the planet in a way that few other companies are. While Future Kind is pricier than the other products we’ve looked at, its natural ingredients, commitment to social and environmental causes, and high nutritional value make it well worth it.
Conclusion
When looking at vegan Omega 3 supplements, consumers have a lot of choices. With so many products of varying effectiveness and quality on the market, it can be tough to find a supplement that works for you. Hopefully, this article has proved helpful in picking out the best choice for vegan supplements.
References
Psychology Today – Omega-3
The Vegan Society – Omega-3 and omega-6 fats
Harvard – Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
