Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be essential fatty acids for human health. The health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are well-documented and it is essential to prevent many degenerative disorders, and life-style oriented disease including joint pain, epilepsy, prostrate cancer, breathing disorders such as asthma and COPD, heart diseases including myocardial ischemia and infarction, stroke, psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorders1. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids also help to protect against cancer, notably of the breast and improves weight/muscle mass in wasting diseases2. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for normal growth and physiological process and also play a crucial role in helping brain development and functions.
Omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae – A beneficial source and substitute for fish oil
If you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, your body may start showing certain symptoms which may include fatigue, poor memory, depression, dry skin problems3and importantly some heart problems. Therefore proper supplementation of these essential fatty acids is necessary. The most important forms of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α - linolenicacids (ALA).
Nutritional supplements with α - linolenic acids helps in preventing and treating many diseases and disorders like epilepsy, coronary heart disorders, depression and stress. According to researchers, vegetarian source of EPA and DHA is an appropriate choice and such supplements can offer preventive as well as therapeutic benefits. EPA, ALA and DHA extracted from microalgae are the vegetarian sources of omega 3 fatty acids and these are nutritionally and therapeutically equivalent to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish sources such as cod liver oil. Microalgae are microscopic algae found in fresh water and marine systems. Certain microalgae produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and/or DHA) from where oil can be extracted organically. While fish oil is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, fish actually don’t produce these bioactive substances in their body. Instead, fish feeds that on microalgae gets its reserve of omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore dietary supplements of DHA and EPA can be obtained directly from microalgae.
Several studies have shown that extracts of microalgae consumed for as less as 2 weeks have enhanced the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and thus helped in maintaining proper body functions.4 Hence microalgae is a best source of omega-3 fatty acid from and it is suitable for vegans and also for non-vegans.
Nutritional Omega-3 fatty acid supplements from microalgal sources are available from many commercial vendors. You can buy it from here:
References:
1. Mischoulon D et al (2009). A double-blind, randomized controlled trial of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (Omega-3 fatty acids) for major depressive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry.
2. Ryan AM et al (2009). Enteral nutrition enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) preserves lean body mass following esophageal cancer surgery: results of a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Ann. Surg.249(3): 355–63.
3. Sukenik A et al (1994). Dietary lipids from marine unicellular algae enhance the amount of liver and blood omega-3 fatty acids in rats. Ann Nutr Metabol. 38:pp. 85-96.
4. Geppert J et al (2005). Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in vegetarians effectively increases omega-3 index: a randomized trial. Lipids. 40: pp. 807-14.
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