The journey Vegetology undertook to discover a plant-based source of Omega‑3

Fish oil supplements are traditionally a source of Omega-3. They contain two forms of Omega-3, DHA and EPA, which are essential for health and well-being. But what are Omega-3s and why does your body need them? What is the difference between the three forms; EPA, DHA and ALA? And why did a team of scientists at Vegetology, do to find an effective alternative to fish oil supplements, suitable for everyone?

Omega-3 is essential fatty acids - as the name suggests they are fats but unlike saturated fats, we need them in our diet. Essential by name, essential by nature - they are the building blocks for everything from brain health to heart health and for eyes, blood, bones and joints. The important thing to know is that there is more than one type of Omega-3, in fact there are three main types that we are interested in, DHA, EPA and ALA.

The most common source of Omega-3 DHA and EPA is from fish oil, whether through supplements or eating fish. The most common sources of Omega-3 ALA are flax and chia. This is where we start to find a problem - those who do not eat fish or take fish oil, whether because of a plant-based diet or because they object to the unethical and environmentally damaging practices of fishing, struggle to get the most effective forms of Omega-3.

Omega-3 DHA and EPA are the more effective forms of this nutrient. This is because the body can use these forms immediately. Whereas Omega-3 ALA is a lesser form of Omega-3, needing to be converted by the body before use. This is a problem because the conversion rate is very low and so it is not possible to get enough ALA to be effective once converted.

This was the starting point for Vegetology - we wanted to create a plant-based Omega-3 DHA and EPA supplement, to offer effective nutrition for everyone.

The team started their journey by exploring why fish oil is so high in Omega-3 DHA and EPA. Fish don’t create Omega-3, it is a result of their diet. That led then to the source: algae! They were then able to cut out the middle man, or in this case fish(!), and use plant-based source of Omega-3 DHA and EPA. After much research and development, they created Opti3® - the world’s first vegan Omega-3 supplement. Far from just being an option for vegans, this supplement has similar levels and strengths of DHA and EPA to fish oil, making it an effective alternative for all those who object to the way fishing practices are conducted.

There are many of reasons why people have chosen to switch to Opti3® for their Omega-3 source. These include:

• Vegans and vegetarians - opting for a more effective form of Omega-3 than in traditional flax and chia derived supplements. Opti3® contains DHA and EPA, rather than ALA.

• Unethical fishing practices - overfishing and the practices used by those fishing in our oceans can cause concern for those with an interest in planet friendly products.

• Reducing fish stocks - the number of fish in our oceans is reducing all the time. This has a huge effect on the ecosystem and even the amount of oxygen produced by phytoplankton. Every bottle of Opti3 saves 35 fish!

• Sustainability - as with all of our products, Opti3® is produced in a sustainable and responsible way, with every effort to reduce our carbon footprint.

The team behind Vegetology believes in being transparent. You should know exactly what is in every supplement that you take and why. So what is in an Opti3® supplement?

You will find:

• A total of 912mg Omega-3, with Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 300mg and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 500mg

• Vegan Vit D3 (Cholecalciferol) 5µg (200iu) - your daily RDA according to EU guidance

• A soft capsule - Opti3® uses a gelatin free capsule, made from kelp, a gum like substance.

• A very small amount of a high oleic sunflower oil, - this is used as a carrier to get the Omega-3 oil from the production site into the capsule.

Opti3® is a gluten-free, plant-based supplement suitable for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians. It is also suitable for babies and children of all ages. In fact, Opti3® is a great choice for children who are growing and developing. However, as it is in a fairly large capsule it is not recommended giving the capsules to under 12 years. For younger children and babies we recommend that you buy our Opti3® Omega-3 liquid in either mild orange flavour or unflavoured and give it to them directly from a spoon or add it to food or baby formula or food.

Vegetology is proud of its discovery of a plant-based alternative to fish oils. The difference being made to fish stocks and also the health of those following a plant-based lifestyle has been significant. It was the first supplement they created, and didn’t stop there! To discover the full range of Vegetology products and how they have developed plant-based solutions that are sustainable and responsible, visit the website and shop for supplements for you and your family now:

www.vegetology.com