Omega 3

ALA, EPA, DHA…there’s a lot of acronyms when it comes to omega 3 oils. But you can put down that dictionary, here’s what they mean: ALA - alpha linolenic acid. This is the “parent” omega 3 fat found in a wide range of foods like nuts, flax and hemp seeds, seed oils, meat, and poultry (especially grain fed). Your body can convert a small amount (about 10-15%) of ALA into EPA and DHA but this is not a very efficient process. EPA – eicosapentaenoic acid. A polyunsaturated fatty acid found in grass-fed meat and oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring. DPA – docosapentaenoic acid. The intermediate fatty acid between EPA and DHA. DHA – docosahexaenoic acid. Your body can convert some EPA into DHA, but mainly relies on food sources like grass-fed meat and oily fish.

At Ethical Nutrition we use marine algae (Schizochytrium sp.) grown in a pollution-free environment. The algae is farmed sustainably, making it a better option for protecting our seas and oceans [6]. And unlike fish, algae don’t accumulate toxic heavy metals and other harmful substances from polluted waters [7]. Our products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and approved by The Vegan Society.

Omega 3 fatty acids influence many different biological pathways in the body. Because of this, omega 3 supplements can potentially interact with a range of drugs. If you are taking any prescription medications it is advisable to speak to your GP or healthcare provider before taking omega 3. Common drug/omega 3 interactions include: Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Drugs that interfere with fat digestion and absorption (e.g. Orlistat and other lipase inhibitors). Blood pressure medications.

1. Djuricic, I. & Calder, P.C. (2021) ‘Beneficial outcomes of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health: An update for 2021’, Nutrients, 13(7), p. 2421. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072421
2. Dyall, S. C. 2015. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: A review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 7, 125532. doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052
3. Calder, P. C. 2013. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(3), 645-662. doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04374.x
4. Querques, G., Forte, R., & Souied, E. H. 2011. Retina and Omega-3. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2011(1), 748361. doi.org/10.1155/2011/748361
5. Basak, S., Mallick, R., & Duttaroy, A. K. 2020. Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Status during Pregnancy and Its Impact on Infant Neurodevelopment. Nutrients, 12(12). doi.org/10.3390/nu12123615
6. Wells, M. L., Potin, P. Craigie, J.S. et al. 2017. Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding. Journal of applied phycology, 29(2), doi.org/10.1007/s10811-016-0974-5
7. Foran, J. A., Carpenter, D. O., Hamilton, M. C., Knuth, B. A., & Schwager, S. J. 2005. Risk-Based Consumption Advice for Farmed Atlantic and Wild Pacific Salmon Contaminated with Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(5), 552-556. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.7626

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If something is not right, contact us within 30 days and we will help with the next step. For returns, unused products should be sent back in their original, unopened packaging so the refund can be processed correctly.