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Best Vegan Omega 3 Supplements
Review and Buyers Guide
Edited by: Isabel Stewart , Last updated: November 25, 2020
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Naturelo
Vegan DHA Omega 3
BEST VEGAN OMEGA 3 FOR JOINTS
Flora
Udo’s Omega 3,6,9 oil
BEST VALUE VEGAN OMEGA 3
Ovega 3
Vegan supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids are an extremely beneficial nutrient essential to every diet no matter whether you are vegan or not, since we can not produce it ourselves, so it is critical, we get it through our food.
They have many health benefits essential to optimal human growth and stability from playing a significant role in brain development throughout childhood to helping to lower the risk of heart disease and maintaining eyesight into old age.
For vegans, it’s especially essential to our diets due to the low conversion rate of the main Omega 3 found in plants ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) into the essential Omega 3’s known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Low levels of EPA & DHA can have adverse effects on energy, neurological function and heart health which is not the outcome we want when focussing on long term health gains
One of the simplest and most effective solutions to addressing the vegan Omega 3 inefficiency is balancing your diet with a healthy plant-based Omega 3 supplement.
The bad news is that there are many products on the market that are of low quality filled with unnecessary junk ingredients that use random buzzwords to catch customers off guard.
The good news is we have sifted through all the junk to find the few needles in that huge dusty haystack that shine above the rest.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to look for when picking a high-quality plant-based vegan Omega 3 supplement that’s just right for your nutritional needs.
Best vegan omega 3 supplements at a glance
- Editors Choice: Naturelo Vegan DHA Omega 3
- Best vegan omega 3 for joints: Flora Udo’s Omega 3,6,9 Oil
- Best value vegan omega 3 supplement: Ovega 3 Vegan Algae Omega 3 supplement
- Best socially conscious omega 3 supplement: Nested Naturals Vegan Omega 3
- Best liquid vegan omega 3 supplement: Barleans Organic Oils
Top 5 vegan Omega-3 supplements – (In-Depth Reviews)
1. Naturelo Vegan DHA Omega 3 – Editor’s Choice
FEATURES:
Number of servings: 60
Serving size: 800mg DHA and 2000mg ALA
Free from: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Non-GMO, Contains NO Coloring, Flavoring, or Preservatives of any kind
REVIEW SCORE:
95/100
Naturelo’s omega 3 supplement is one of the best vegan omega 3 premium options available thanks to their selective choice of ingredients and high level of DHA per serving.
Each serving provides 800mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), the most essential fatty acid that is sometimes hard to get on a vegan diet. This DHA amount is also the highest amount per serving out of all our top picks making the Naturelo product perfect for those trying to achieve optimal nutritional balance on a vegan diet.
The main source of vegan omega 3 in the Naturelo supplement comes from sustainably sourced marine algae. An algae-based omega-3 is excellent for vegan men and women since it provides a healthy balance of essential Omega-3’s (EPA and DHA). Plus, it’s always great to know that your chosen supplement was created with minimal harm to the environment.
The DHA is critical to join function, heart, and eye health while also being pivotal in healthy pregnancies. Naturelo has taken this into account with their DHA serving sizes helping to support future moms.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
2. Flora Udo’s Omega 3,6,9 Oil – Best Vegan Omega 3 for joints
FEATURES:
Number of servings: 33
Serving size: 1660mg ALA 130mg DHA
Free from: Dairy-free, Non-GMO, chemicals, or artificial preservatives
Extra nutrients:Additional Omega 6 and 9
REVIEW SCORE:
94/100
The Flora vegan omega supplement is a great liquid option for users to gain the omega-3 fatty acids they need. What makes flora’s supplement unique is that their omega-3 fatty acids sources come from 7 different land and sea plants. The include flax, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, algae, coconut oil, and evening primrose.
This unique blend allows flora to provide the most comprehensive range of nutrients our of all our top picks. The downside to this wide variety is that you get lower amounts of the critical DHA and EPA. So if covering a wide range of omegas is your primary aim, then this is a great supplement for your needs. However, if you are trying to focus on specifically DHA and EPA, the two most crucial omega 3’s, then the Nested Naturals or Naturelo supplements, are better options.
Due to the wide range of ingredients in this formula you get the highest number of omega 3’s per serving at around 5500mg but bear in mind a majority of this is ALA which is good for health overall, but only 10-15% of ALA is converted into the two most important omegas DHA and EPA so bear this in mind before purchasing. Also, take into account that due to having such a densely packed formula with great ingredients, it has the highest caloric amount per serving. So for any athlete or individual on a weight loss regime, remember to take this into account when calculating your macros for the day.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
3. Ovega 3 Vegan Algae Omega 3 – Best Value vegan omega 3
FEATURES:
Number of servings: 60
Serving size: 500mg from algal oil – DHA 270mg EPA 135mg
Free from: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, Soy-free, Lactose-Free, Sugar-Free
REVIEW SCORE:
93/100
The Ovega 3 omega-3 supplement sits comfortably in our top vegan omega 3 choices thanks to its allergy-friendly ingredient list, sustainably-sourced algae, and the avoidance of a fishy aftertaste.
Ovega’s omega 3 has the highest amount of omega 3’s per serving out of all the capsule options but lower than the liquid options at 500mg per serving. Even though Ovega has the highest amount of omega-3’s per serving, they still have a lower DHA count in comparison to Naturelo’s Omega 3. The lower DHA count means Ovega’s supplement contains a higher amount of ALA’s.
If you have just begun your journey into plant-based eating and healthy living, then the high concentration of balanced omega 3’s in the Ovega supplement may be just what you need to help you on your way.
Ovega also has one of the highest numbers of positive user reviews, which shows customers are overall happy with their purchase and instills confidence in the brand.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
4. Tribest GSE 5050- Best Eco-friendly Omega-3 supplement
FEATURES:
Number of servings: 30
Serving size: 308 mg of DHA & EPA
Free from: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Non-GMO
Extra nutrients: Green tea extract
REVIEW SCORE:
91/100
Nested Naturals are a socially conscious company with a strong focus on sustainability and ethically produced ingredients.
The main source of vegan omega 3 in the nested naturals supplement comes from sustainably sourced marine algae. An algae-based omega-3 is excellent for vegan men and women since it provides a healthy balance of essential Omega-3’s (EPA and DHA). Plus, it’s always great to know that your chosen supplement was created with minimal harm to the environment.
The DHA and EPA levels in the nested naturals omega-3 supplement fall into the mid-range of our top picks at 200mg DHA and 100mg EPA per serving and have an overall 400mg omega-3 amount per serving which comfortably fits into the recommended range of 200-500mg per day.
“Love our vegan omega-3 or your money back” is the quote they use, and the company seems to honestly believe in their product since they have a lifetime refund guarantee, which should instill confidence in any purchaser. Plus they donate a percentage of profits to charity which is always a positive.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
5. Barleans Organic Oils – Best Liquid vegan omega 3 supplement
FEATURES:
Number of servings: 29
Serving size: 3980mg of Omegas3, 6 & 9
Free from: Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher. Casein free
Extra nutrients:Flax/Borage Pomegranate Blueberry
REVIEW SCORE:
88/100
Barleans organic oils is our top choice for a vegan omega-3 liquid supplement.
The primary source of omega fatty acids in this supplement comes from flax, so you get a balanced amount of omega 3 6 and 9 fatty acids plus a reasonable 130mg of DHA. Due to the flax base, you avoid the “fishy” smell that you sometimes find with marine sourced Omega 3’s like algae. DHA levels won’t be as high as our other top picks due to using a seed-based formula.
If you require a more balanced EPA to DHA ratio, an algae-based supplement like Nested Naturals would be an excellent alternative.
One of the main benefits of the Barleans liquid omega is that it contains minimal additives while also being carrageenan free. These combined factors make Barleans liquid formula great for vegans sensitive to additives.
Unlike the capsule options that, on average, give you 50-60 servings per bottle, you have only 30 servings per purchase. The smaller serving size is made up for with liquid formula that has a higher absorption rate. Barleans claim “3x better absorption” that capsule alternatives plus the liquid element allow you to be more versatile with your usage of it.
You can choose to take it directly, add it to smoothies or even throw it into your favorite morning oat bowl. Plus, the company claims they use profits to help people locally and around the world, which is nice to know if true.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
Vegan omega 3 supplement buyers guide
What do we look for in a quality vegan Omega 3 supplement?
Does the supplement provide the recommended daily amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, and what forms of Omega 3 are contained within the supplement?
The two most important yet hardest to get omega 3’s are DHA and EPA, especially for vegans, so it is vital when selecting an Omega 3 supplement that its high in these two omega-3 fatty acids over the others. When trying to decide which vegan Omega 3 supplement to buy, always compare the amount of DHA and EPA you get per serving in comparison to other products.
Plant-based source of Omega 3
The main ingredients we want our Omega-3 fatty acids to be sourced from are algae/seaweed, which will normally be in the form of algal oil. This is because the algae provide a large amount of EPA and DHA compared to most other plant-based sources and are actually what the fish eat to end up having such high levels of EPA and DHA in the first place.
Supplements sourced from nuts and seeds like flaxseed or chia seeds will have a high level of omega 3’s but will mainly contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
Since a balanced vegan diet is already high in ALA, it makes the most sense to focus on Omega 3’s, which are harder to get. In this case, it is EPA and DHA
An algae source is always an overall better option for vegans than a nut/seed source since you get a nice balance of all three Omega 3’s and not just ALA
Non-GMO
On this vegan journey, most of us are trying to protect the environment and animals alongside our health. For optimal levels of nutrition and lowest levels of chemicals look for non-GMO products.
GMP Compliant
It is crucial with any supplement you purchase to make sure it meets all certified standards and has been tested thoroughly so as to ensure we are buying a safe and healthy product, so be sure to look out for GMP certified information on the packaging.
Yeast, Corn, Soy, and Gluten-free
For those who want their supplements with as little extras as possible, we recommend picking products that avoid these ingredients.
For those with a sensitive digestive system, it is essential to avoid yeast corn gluten and sometimes soy. If you have strong intolerances, we recommend choosing a supplement that is hypo-allergenic. This will mean a much lower chance of allergic reactions or digestive issues after consumption.
Contaminants
With Omega 3 supplements, it is important to pay attention to potential contaminants. You want to avoid heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury) and residual pesticides that can come from the water that the algae were grown in. Make sure your chosen product is compliant with all necessary supplement standards and doesn’t have any of these potentially harmful substances in the formula.
Money-back guarantee
A money-back guarantee is not mandatory but gives you the confidence to know you are covered if the product isn’t right for your needs.
What ingredients to be careful of?
Gelatin
- Gelatin is made from the bones and cartilage of animals and is used as a casing for many supplements. It is essential for vegans to look out for gelatin in the casing of the omega 3. Read the nutrition information on the back or look for a certified vegan label on the packaging.
Fish/fish oil
- As vegans, we want to be careful that all ingredients are plant-based. A lot of the omega-3 supplements out there are based on fish oil, so you have to keep an eye out and pay close attention to the ingredients. Make sure the back has no mention of any fish or fish-based substances. Algae, microalgae, or algal oil supplements are what you should look out for in place of the fish oil.
Carrageenan
- Carrageenan is a plant-derived substance used as a replacement for gelatin in many vegan and vegetarian products. There is much debate on the positives and negatives related to this ingredient with mixed opinions from different users. If you are unsure whether you are sensitive to this, then choose products that contain no carrageenan or consult your doctor.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended daily amount of omega 3s for adults is between raising no safety concerns with amounts of up to 5 grams a day of combined EPA and DHA still raising no safety concerns.
Conclusion
Omega 3 is an essential nutrient necessary for healthy brain and eye function and to help prevent heart issues and overall inflammation.
As vegans, we have the potential to be more susceptible to Omega 3 issues due to plant foods being high in ALA but low in EPA and DHA, but this is easily remedied with the right food choices and a healthy plant-based supplement.
The solution for Omega 3 nutritional balance is not to overload on Omega 3 supplements, but to treat diet and health as a whole. This can be achieved by eating the right foods and using a plant-based supplement as support.
Always consult your healthcare practitioner if you have any issues or symptoms of deficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Want more information on omega-3 and the vegan diet?
For a more in-depth look into the vegan diet and Omega-3 fatty acids check out our ultimate vegan omega 3 guide, and the best vegan sources of omega 3 giving you all the knowledge, food tips, and research you need to help master omega 3’s on a vegan diet.