Algal oil vs fish oil: Which is better?

In our daily diet we consume different types of fats. Normally, there are misconceptions, as not all fats are bad. One example is Omega-3’s fat. We can find it in algal oil and fish oil, full of marine nutrients. But which is better? In this post we will compare the differences between algal oil vs fish oil.

What are Omega-3s?

Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid that is essential for your body, but it cannot be generated by  your system, instead you must obtain it from food intake. 

Omega-3 can be divided into 3 different types of fatty acids:

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): this kind of acid is beneficial for hair and nails.

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): supports heart and brain functioning, treats depression, maintains eye health and supports mothers during their pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): along with DHA it protects skin condition and supports organs functioning, it presents anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties.

The recommended daily intake amount of Omega-3 is:

• Minimum of 250-1000 mg of EPA and DHA combined per day for healthy adults.
• If you suffer from heart disease, depression, cancer or any other illness, you should consult a specialist.

Benefits of vegan Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids present numerous benefits for our health:

• Helps the production of hormones that are responsible for blood coagulation regulation, contraction and relaxation of artery walls. 

• May improve learning capacity by improving brain functioning and supporting brain functions.

• Prevent heart diseases by lowering the risk of abnormal heart functioning, which can lead to cardiac dysfunction. Another solution is taking some cardio supplements.

• Another algae Omega-3 benefits is that it might help to control lupus, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis, in consequence of its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Taking Omega-3 has not been proven to reduce or fight anxiety and depression symptoms, but there have been several scientific research papers published mentioning the possibility of feeling alleviated after intake.

• Omega-3 protects skin cells against weather changes and agents that can make your skin get sore or red. 

Now that you know, algae Omega-3 benefits are broad, while it is possible to be healthy, it is possible to promote sustainability. Vegan Omega-3 supplements offer all the benefits but with none of the cruelty or health risks that taking non-vegan Omega-3 supplements do.

Where can we find Omega-3s?

Fortunately, Omega-3 can be found in foods that you consume on a regular basis. It is present in fatty fish, vegetable oils, walnuts, flax seeds, avocado, seafood, chia seeds and leafy vegetables.

Nowadays, as people do not eat much of these foods. You can experience an Omega-3 deficit which can be fixed by taking supplements, such as fish oil or algal oil. 

A normal adult diet lifestyle should include fish twice a week. On that account, if your fish intake is lower, you might be having an Omega-3 deficiency.

Is algae oil better than fish oil?

Algal, or algae oil is a vegan source of EPA and DHA, two of the essential fats mentioned previously. As algae oil health benefits are the same for fish oil, as they both contain many beneficial nutrients, therefore you may think there is not such a better off option, but yes it is.

Algae oil and fish oil differences

Commonly there have been many discussions about algal oil vs fish oil, but what are the main differences? Algae oil offers many health benefits as it contains high levels of Omega 3, more specifically DHA. On the other hand, fish oil highly contains both DHA and EPA.

But the biggest difference is that marine algae oil is plant-based and a vegan alternative to fish oil. You do not have to consume any animal to obtain this essential fat. Therefore contribute to overfishing or any activity that hardly harms the ecosystem.

There are some studies that state that marine algae supplements are nutritionally equivalent to boiled salmon.

Algae oil from marine algae supplements are more accessible and easier to produce in comparison with fish oil supplements. Due to the fact that marine algae’s growth time is way faster than a fish’s growth. Additionally, if algae farming is under some health controls, the resultant algae oil will be toxine free, not as fish oil.

Side effects

Fish oil can be harmful when high amounts are taken, and it is never advisable to exceed the amounts indicated by experts.

• One of the possible problems in the long term is to have a high blood sugar level. This is because when our Omega-3 levels are too high, it can increase glucose production.

• A high level of Omega-3 can lead to clotting issues or problems so there can be problems with bleeding gums or having some nosebleeds.

• Fish oil has the ability to lower blood pressure, which could be harmful for those who suffer from hypertension.

• One of the most common side effects of too much fish oil is diarrhea or intestinal gas.

• Due to the amount of fat, it complicates the act of digestion as it can cause stomach acidity, stomach pain or nausea.

• It can increase your levels of vitamin A, because some Omega-3 supplements contain vitamin A.

• Lastly, fish oil can cause bouts of insomnia, affecting and interfering in the quality of nightly sleep.

In terms of marine algae effects, some of them are diarrhea or intestinal gas since both oils are oil based.

Do not be scared since these adverse effects occur when the intake of Omega-3 products or supplements are well above the recommended levels.

All in all, after this algal oil vs fish oil debate, we must state that their benefits are mostly the same in terms of body, but not about environmental impact and other secondary effects. 

Consequently, we consider that algal oil is better than fish oil.

If you have any questions or doubts about taking any vegan Omega-3 supplements, our Greenfilled staff are keen to clear up any reservations you may have about our supplements.