Omega & Fatty Acids

Buy Omega & Fatty Acids: EPA, DHA and Other Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats. In this collection, you will find omega fatty acids and other fatty acid supplements: from fish oil, krill oil and algae oil (sources of omega-3) to plant-based oils such as black cumin oil. For the best-known omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, authorized health claims are available. Below, you will read about the different fatty acids, what EPA and DHA contribute to, and what to look out for.

What are omega fatty acids?

Omega fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that the body needs. The best-known group is omega-3, with the fatty acids EPA and DHA (mainly from oily fish and seafood) and ALA (from plant-based sources). There are also omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Some fatty acids are essential: the body cannot produce them itself, and you must obtain them through your diet. If you eat little oily fish, an omega supplement can be a practical addition. The label of every product states which fatty acids and what amounts are provided in a serving.

What do EPA and DHA contribute to?

For the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, authorized health claims are available, each with a corresponding daily amount. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart; this beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and the maintenance of normal vision; these effects are obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA. These claims only apply to products that provide these amounts per daily dose. On the label, you will see how much EPA, DHA and/or ALA is provided per serving.

What contains omega-3?

You get omega-3 primarily from food. The richest source of EPA and DHA is oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies. Those who regularly eat oily fish (for example once or twice a week) obtain a significant amount of EPA and DHA. The plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA is mainly found in flaxseed (oil), chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds and rapeseed oil; the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA to a limited extent. For those who eat little oily fish or follow a plant-based diet, an omega-3 supplement (fish oil, krill oil or algae oil) can be a practical way to supplement their intake. The label states how much EPA and DHA a supplement provides per serving.

Fish oil, krill oil and algae oil

Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) is available from various sources. Fish oil is the most commonly used source, extracted from oily fish, and is available in various concentrations, including in triglyceride form. Krill oil comes from small crustaceans and provides EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, often with the natural pigment astaxanthin. Algae oil is the plant-based source of EPA and DHA and is therefore suitable for those who do not use animal products. For individual omega-3 products and more information, you can also view our Omega-3 / Fish Oil collection.

Other fatty acids and plant-based oils

In addition to the classic omega-3 sources, you will also find other fatty acid-rich supplements in this collection. One example is black cumin oil (black seed oil, from Nigella sativa), a plant-based oil that is traditionally used and naturally contains fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is also a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA. These products are interesting for those who want to supplement their intake of certain plant-based fatty acids. We describe them factually; the same authorized claims do not apply to plant-based oils as a whole as they do to EPA and DHA. The label states the composition per product.

Pay attention to the EPA and DHA content

When comparing omega-3 supplements, the total amount of oil is not the deciding factor, but the content of EPA and DHA fatty acids. A 1000 mg fish oil softgel does not always contain 1000 mg of EPA and DHA; the actual content varies by product and concentration. Therefore, look at the stated amount of EPA and DHA per serving instead of the total oil weight. This way, you can check whether a product meets the 250 mg per day required for the authorized claims, and how many capsules or softgels you need for that.

How much omega-3 per day and when do you take it?

The amount required for the authorized claims varies by fatty acid: 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day for heart function, and 250 mg of DHA per day for brain function and vision. Many fish oil supplements provide more than enough per serving. In terms of timing, omega-3 is generally taken with a meal: taking it with food reduces a fishy aftertaste or burping in some people. When determining the dosage, pay attention to the actual content per capsule or softgel and follow the directions for use on the packaging. When using blood-thinning medication or in case of doubt, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

Buying omega & fatty acids: what to look out for?

When choosing an omega or fatty acid supplement, a few points are important. Look at the EPA and DHA content per serving (for omega-3), the source (fish oil, krill oil, algae oil or a plant-based oil), and the form (for example, the triglyceride form). Pay attention to the purity (molecularly distilled fish oil is purified of unwanted substances) and freshness. Choose the source that suits you, for example algae oil for a plant-based diet. For individual fish oil products, you can also view our Omega-3 / Fish Oil collection.