OMEGA-3
Fish Oil vs Algae
Source, EPA/DHA labels, dietary preferences and value.
Compare →Omega-3 source
Algae Omega-3
In short
Omega-3 oil from cultivated microalgae — a plant-based source of DHA and, in some products, EPA. Suitable for many vegetarians and vegans.
At a glance
- Provides
General reference - DHA, with EPA in some strains
- Dietary
From product label - Often vegan (check capsule material)
- Research
Published research - Algal DHA raised blood DHA comparably to salmon in a controlled study
- Typical price
General reference - Usually higher cost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA than fish oil
About algae omega-3
What it is
Fish accumulate DHA and EPA by eating algae. Algae oil skips the fish and is grown in controlled fermentation tanks.
What the research says
A controlled study found that algal-oil DHA capsules and cooked salmon produced equivalent increases in blood DHA levels. Many algae products are DHA-dominant, so compare the EPA line specifically if that matters to you.
Label tips
Check whether softgels are made from gelatin (not vegan) or plant-based materials such as starch or carrageenan.
Compare Algae oil
Algae Omega-3 products
Verdana Botanicals Algae Omega-3
Verdana Botanicals · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Algae Omega-3
- Per serving
- 600 mg EPA + DHA
- Servings
- 30
- Format
- Softgels
- Price
- $29.99*
- Per serving cost
- $1.00
Not verified
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Other omega-3 forms
Sources & references
- Arterburn LM, Oken HA, Bailey Hall E, et al. (2008). Algal-oil capsules and cooked salmon: nutritionally equivalent sources of docosahexaenoic acid. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 108(7). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govRandomized trial
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment
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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.