Vegan Omega-3 vs. Fish Omega-3: What’s the Real Catch?

Let’s talk Omega-3s, shall we? These little fats are absolute legends when it comes to keeping our brains sharp, hearts healthy, and joints happy. But here’s the question: should you stick with the traditional fish-based omega-3 or go plant-powered with a vegan option?

 

First, What Are Omega-3s, anyway?

Omega-3s are essential fats (translation: your body can’t make them, so you need to get them from your diet). The main players are:

  • ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid): Found in plant-based foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Lovely, but not as potent.
  • EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): These are the real MVPs for brain power, heart health, and reducing inflammation. You’ll find them in fish and—surprise!—in algae.

 

Fish gets its omega-3s from eating algae, so when you choose vegan, you’re cutting out the middle fish. Effishent, right?

no yucky fishy taste with vegan omega-3

Fish-Based Omega-3: The Classic Choice

The Good Stuff: 

  • High in EPA & DHA: Fish oil delivers EPA and DHA directly, making it super effective for supporting your body and mind.
  • Affordable & Easy to Find: You’ll find fish oil supplements on just about every shelf—from posh health food stores to your local high street chemist.

 

The Fishy Bits: 

  • Sustainability Issues: Overfishing is a big problem. Let’s face it—our oceans need a break.
  • Toxins and Nasties: Fish can absorb mercury and other toxins from the water, and while most supplements are purified, it’s not the cleanest source.
  • Not for Everyone: If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just not keen on fishy burps, it’s a no-go.

 

Vegan Omega-3: The Modern Alternative

What’s Brilliant About It?

  • Clean and Green: Algae-based omega-3 is grown in controlled environments, so it’s free from pollutants like mercury and microplastics. Plus, it’s sustainable. Win-win!
  • Rich in DHA and EPA: Forget the “vegan compromise” stereotype—algae omega-3 gives you the same benefits as fish oil, minus the environmental guilt.
  • For Everyone: Perfect for vegans, veggies, and anyone looking for a cruelty-free, eco-friendly option.

 

The Downside?

  • A Bit Pricey: Algae supplements can be a tad more expensive than fish oil. (Blame the fancy production process!)
  • Slightly Harder to Find: Vegan omega-3s are getting more popular, but you might still have to hunt them down in specialist shops or online. Our Child Multivitamin contains vegan omega-3!

no yucky fishy taste with vegan child multivitamin and omega-3

So, Which One’s Better?

It all depends on what matters most to you!

 

Go Fish-Based If: 

  • You want something cheap and cheerful that does the job.
  • You’re not overly fussed about sustainability or avoiding animal products.

 

Go Vegan If: 

  • You care about the planet and want a more eco-friendly option.
  • You’re vegan, vegetarian, or just not into fishy vibes.
  • You want a cleaner, toxin-free supplement (goodbye, mercury worries!).

 

Our Verdict?

For the health benefits, both fish-based and vegan omega-3s deliver the goods. But let’s be real: we live in the UK, where sustainability and being kind to the planet are hot topics. That makes algae-based omega-3 the true hero of this story. It’s just as effective as fish oil, better for the environment, and a perfect fit for modern lifestyles.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re choosing fish or algae, the important thing is getting those omega-3s into your diet. They’re brilliant for your heart, brain, and overall health. And if you’re leaning toward the vegan option, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet too.

So, next time you’re staring at the supplement aisle, go for what works best for you. Your body—and maybe a few grateful fish—will thank you! Alternatively, you can check out our 100% fish-free products here.

💛 Avacare – Helping families stay healthy, one supplement at a time.

November 1st is World Vegan Day, a big shout-out to the awesomeness of plant-based living! Here at Avacare, we’re all about supporting this movement every single day. Why? Because we believe in creating nutrition that’s 100% vegan, ethical, and sustainable. Keeping your family healthy should never mean compromising on our planet or animal welfare – and that’s why we’re doing things a little differently with our vegan vitamins. So, let’s dive into what makes Avacare stand out from the crowd!

 

Vegan-Friendly Goodness – No Compromises Allowed!

When we say vegan-friendly, we mean it! Every Avacare product is totally free from animal-derived ingredients. While some brands use things like gelatine in capsules or Vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin (yep, that’s from sheep’s wool), we’re all about finding a better way. Our Vitamin D3, for example, comes from lichen – a totally plant-based, sustainable option that keeps things 100% vegan.

 

For us, “vegan-friendly” isn’t just a label – it’s a promise. A promise to provide products that support your health, align with ethical values, and respect the environment. We’re here to make sure every family can find supplements that fit their lifestyle choices and values.

Image of AvaCare product nutritional information for vegan vitamins

Made with Families in Mind (Because We’re Parents Too!)

At Avacare, we don’t just whip up supplements for the sake of it. We craft them as if they’re for our own families. Safety? Quality? Effectiveness? All top priorities here, because we know you only want the best for your little ones. Every product is packed with the optimal doses of essential nutrients and meets the highest safety and nutritional standards.

 

No shortcuts here! Some brands might load up on synthetic additives, artificial flavours, or unnecessary fillers, but not us. What you see on the label is exactly what’s inside the bottle. If it’s not good enough for our families, it’s not going in our products.   That’s a promise!

baby looks at the viewer while eating a spoon full of babyfood - Feeding your child and vegan vitamins

Making a Positive Impact – For Your Health, and the Planet!

As we celebrate World Vegan Day 2024, we’re reminded of why Avacare exists – to offer children’s supplements that benefit their health, the planet, and animals too. Our mission? Simple. We’re here to make top-quality, vegan-friendly supplements that we’re proud to give to our own families and yours.

 

So here’s to plant power, family health, and a better future – one vegan-friendly supplement at a time! 🥦🌍💚

 

Shop vegan vitamins now!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be popping pills or just eating more broccoli, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the great debate: Balanced diet vs. supplements. Which one should you be focusing on? Grab a cuppa, and let’s sort this out in a fun and friendly way.

The Case for a Balanced Diet

First off, let’s chat about the good old balanced diet. You know, the one your mum always told you about. Here’s why getting your nutrients from food is so important:

  1. Nutrient Powerhouses: Whole foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, and grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. They’re like nature’s multivitamins but tastier.
  2. Bioavailability: That’s a fancy word for how well your body can absorb nutrients. Turns out, our bodies are pretty clever and can better absorb nutrients from food than from pills.
  3. Health Benefits: A balanced diet supports overall health, keeps your energy levels up, and can even improve your mood. Plus, munching on a variety of foods keeps meals exciting and delicious.
  4. Fewer Risks: Unlike some supplements, there’s no risk of overdosing on nutrients when you’re getting them from food. Plus, whole foods don’t come with additives or fillers.

 

The Scoop on Supplements

Now, let’s talk about those little bottles of vitamins and minerals. Supplements can be a real game-changer for your health. Here’s why they might just be your new best friends:

  1. Filling Gaps: Even with a balanced diet, it’s easy to miss out on certain nutrients. Supplements can help fill those gaps, making sure you’re covered no matter what.
  2. Convenience: Life gets busy, and sometimes we don’t have time to prepare nutrient-rich meals every day. Supplements are a quick and easy way to ensure you’re still getting essential nutrients.
  3. Targeted Support: Need a boost? Supplements can target specific health concerns, like calcium for bone health, omega-3s for your heart, or iron if you’re feeling fatigued.
  4. Special Circumstances: Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with specific medical conditions often need extra nutrients that are hard to get from diet alone. Supplements can be a lifesaver here.

AvaCare Vitamin D3+K2 range image

The Balancing Act

So, should you focus on diet or supplements? The answer is a bit of both, but don’t underestimate the power of supplements. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

  1. Eat the Rainbow: Fill your plate with a variety of colourful fruits and veggies. The more colours, the more nutrients you’re getting.
  2. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re tired, sluggish, or just not feeling your best, it might be worth checking if you’re missing any key nutrients and considering a supplement.
  3. Get Professional Advice: Before you start popping pills, chat with a healthcare professional. They can help you figure out which supplements you actually need and the best way to take them.
  4. Moderation is Key: If you do take supplements, follow the recommended dosages. More isn’t always better, and taking too many can sometimes do more harm than good.

 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best approach is to focus on a balanced diet and use supplements to enhance your health and fill any gaps. Supplements are a fantastic tool to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, especially when life gets hectic.

So, next time you’re in the supermarket, load up on those fresh fruits and veggies, but don’t forget to check out your favourite supplements too. Here’s to happy eating, smart supplementing, and a healthier you!

 

Vegan alternative food products are sometimes criticised in the media by different professionals in the sector[1] and sometimes are considered worse than non-vegan. However, vegan diets and plant-based products are gaining popularity every year. Only in 2021, 825 new vegan products and menus were launched for Veganuary[2]. This is because Vegan diets are associated with many health benefits due to their low content of saturated fat, cholesterol and contain more dietary fibre.

The Vegan versus non-vegan Myth

Nevertheless, the fact that vegan alternatives are sometimes criticised can drive people to think that vegan solutions are not as good as traditional ones. This misconception has been translated to the food supplement industry, making to think to the society that vegan food supplements are not as good as non-vegan. This is far from the truth!

Supplementation can be key

In any case, when moving to a vegan diet, supplementation is recommended to avoid the risk of certain deficiencies, especially if this has not been planned well, as the NHS recommends[3]. It is important you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your diet at all stages in your life. Overall, vegan diets tend to have a higher content of fibre, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium. However, not consuming products from animal sources can increase the risk of certain deficiencies of vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids[4].

 

Breaking the myth

AvaCare wants to break all myths regarding vegan vs non-vegan supplements to prove that vegan supplements are as good as non-vegan supplements.

The first reason is the advancement of technology. Thanks to technology development, we can source nutrients from different foods and create products with these active ingredients that have been condensed, so you can help your body by taking the recommended daily dose you need of each nutrient in one go.

Secondly is efficacy. This is a myth that can be easily broken while comparing non-vegan food supplements with vegan alternatives. AvaCare products compete on efficacy with non-vegan alternatives, often surpassing them, whilst providing the recommended daily allowance of each active ingredient.

The last myth is that vegan supplements prices are excessively higher than non-vegan alternatives. Today’s economies of scale due to vegan becoming ever growing in popularity, allows companies that want to develop vegan products to offer them at more sensible prices than in the past. AvaCare has worked on their RRP, so we can offer a high-quality product making excellent nutrition more available to everyone.

Case in Point – Omega 3 Vegan alternative

One of the examples of high-quality and effective Vegan alternatives is the Omega 3 from Algae oil we use in our products. This is a rich source of EPA and DHA alternative to fish oil, which Omega 3 actually comes from the algae they eat. This Omega 3 from Algae oil is also a more sustainable alternative because using algae doesn’t contribute to overfishing.

So are vegan supplements a good option to supplement your vegan diet?

Vegan products can absolutely be even better than non-vegan alternatives and that the misconception around vegan solutions are far from the truth. AvaCare makes high quality products suitable for everyone. For this reason, we have registered all our products with the Vegan Society to demonstrate to our customers that we have worked on meeting the criteria from an internationally recognised organisation. AvaCare’s directors all agree, “there’s no strong reason not to be vegan these days, vegan should be the normal standard”.

 

Find our full range on the product page of our website
https://avacare.co.uk/shop/

 

Reference list

[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200129-why-vegan-junk-food-may-be-even-worse-for-your-health

[2] https://veganuary.com/

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/vegetarian-and-vegan-diets-q-and-a/

[4] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/89/5/1627S/4596952