Why Choose Algae-Based Omega 3’s?
Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements have been around for quite some time and have numerous health benefits impacting both the brain and body. There are literally dozens of manufacturers and distributors of these supplements found around the globe that are producing a plethora of different supplement formulas. This can make navigating your way through the sea of Omega-3 supplements quite a challenge, to say the least.
Until recently, fish oil-based Omega-3 supplements were the only available option to consumers. However, this posed several problems. First, it was found that several of these fish-oil based products were ‘counterfeit’, meaning they did not have the levels of EPA and DHA in them that they claimed. Second, when Omega-3 oils are extracted from fish, if the ‘polishing’ process isn’t up to par, there is a risk that the oils maybe contaminated with ocean pollutants. Third, the increasing demand for Omega-3’s began to create a supply and demand imbalance, and questions were raised regarding the environmental sustainability of fish-oil based Omega-3 supplements. Lastly, because these essential fatty acids were being sourced from fish, these supplements couldn’t be consumed by vegans and some vegetarians.
How Did Algae become a Source?
As with any product, innovations were made, and a ‘new kid’ showed up on the block; microalgae. You see, it turns out that microalgae are an original source of marine Omega-3’s and fish were just the middlemen. Since microalgae can be grown in clean, contaminant-free, controlled environments, and can provide Omega-3 EPA and DHA without any of the drawbacks or concerns surrounding fish-oil based supplements.
So, how does the DHA from algae oil stand up against the DHA in fish oil? Pretty great, actually. In fact, a 2008 published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found both sources to be bioequivalent. Findings like these have led to the creation of products like AstaMatrix® that use Omega-3’s sourced directly from microalgae.
AstaMatrix® is a marine-sourced vegan Omega- 3 supplements formulated by BioScience Formulators, LLC. This powerful 100% plant-based synergistic formulation uses no genetically modified ingredients, nor does it contain any artificial ingredients, preservatives, or sweeteners, flavors or colors. Click here client testimonials and to read more about the amazing properties of AstaMatrix®.