Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. That means humans must consume them through their diet from sources like fish, seafood, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and are crucial for brain development and cardiovascular health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids is most often used for
Last Updated: September 29 2022
While there are omega 3s found in flax seed, it cannot be used by your body. Supplementing with algae can help provide DHA.
Omega 3 fatty acids in flax seed (as well as in Hemp Protein) are found in the form of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Not only is ALA not sufficient to supplement on its own[1], but ALA has to be converted by the body into a usable form, and the ratio of conversion from unusable form to usable is rather poor, somewhere in the range of 5-15%[2]. Omega 3 supplements in the form of EPA and DHA are what the body tends to use for many of the benefits associated with fish oil.
For vegetarians and vegans, supplementing with DHA from algae can "markedly enhance the DHA status (of serum and platelets)" and "provide for the formation of substantial EPA"[3]. Supplementation of ALA and/or GLA is not enough[4].