Best Omega-3 Supplements for Vegans & Vegetarians

Omega-3 is virtually the most essential type of fatty acid, it is often categorized under triglycerides as well. The main source of Omega-3 in the diet is through aquatic invertebrates which receive this vital fatty acid from their diet source which is algae.

Those people who chose not to include carnivorous elements in their diet lack this fatty acid greatly and hence show reduced levels of regulatory fatty acids in their system. Any small reduction in the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to disturbance in many regulatory mechanisms of the body thus creating an imbalance in the homeostatic state.

Since taking fish oils is also against the principles of a vegan diet, the fish oil Omega-3 supplements are not an option for people who support a vegetarian lifestyle. Thus, some manufacturers have skipped the regular food chain and chose to use the primary source of Omega-3 for human nutraceutical supplements.

Essentially, fish also obtain Omega-3 from the same algae in their aquatic habitat so choosing this alternative source will not alternate the chemical functionality of Omega-3 at all. The best Omega-3 supplements for vegans and vegetarians currently available in the market are mentioned below with striking reviews to make the decision process easier for you.

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

  • High-potency
  • All-natural 
  • No unpleasant taste

Omega-3 is an essential supplement for brain health and other body functions. The brain is a delicate organ of the human body. It controls most of the body mechanisms. A vegan supplement is a perfect choice for vegetarians and people who are allergic to dairy.

Performance Lab Omega-3 is a clean, safe, and plant-based supplement. It is completely packed with wholesome ingredients that provide beneficial DHA and EPA to your body and brain. The fatty acids are proven to help in improving cognitive functions.

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    Best Omega 3 Supplements For Vegans & Vegetarians – Comparison Table

    Best Omega-3 Supplements for Vegans and Vegetarians – Product Reviews

    In this section, we review the Top 10 Omega-3 Supplements for vegans and strictly vegetarians.

    Omega-3 is an essential supplement for brain health and other body functions. The brain is a delicate organ of the human body. It controls most of the body mechanisms. A vegan supplement is a perfect choice for vegetarians and people who are allergic to dairy.

    Performance Lab Omega-3 is a clean, safe, and plant-based supplement. It is completely packed with wholesome ingredients that provide beneficial DHA and EPA to your body and brain. The fatty acids are proven to help in improving cognitive functions. 

    Omega-3 helps in repairing and recovering the cell membrane and improves other biological functions. It is especially very good for vision, brain, immunity system, digestive system, and heart. It prevents you from cardiovascular diseases. 

    Unlike other Omega-3 supplements, it has no fishy and stinky aftertaste. It has gone through molecular distillation. The process removes heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and PCBs. Performance Lab Omega-3 is obtained from algae. The source is organic and non-GMO.

    PROS

    • Enhances cell membrane
    • Improves skin
    • Lowers the odds of heart attack
    • Slow down the advancement of plaque in arteries
    • Maintains vision
    • Supports muscle and joints 
    • Natural Omega-3 source 
    • Plant-based

    CONS

    • None

    A disturbed routine and an imbalanced diet can trigger stress. The stress can further lead to mental health issues. Future Kind has a wide range of vegan supplements that helps to improve cognitive functions. 

    Omega-3 is one of the essential nutrients for brain health. It helps to improve memory and lowers brain fog. Future Kind Multivitamin contains a sufficient amount of Omega-3 along with other essential vitamins for health. 

    There are also other omega-3 supplements available on their website. The multivitamin supplement contains vitamin D and B12 along with Omega-3. The omega-3 in the supplement is obtained from a 100% plant source. 

    Users have had a positive experience using this product, with energy boosts evident after only a week’s usage. An improved mental clarity with the addition of an enhanced mood was noticed. Omega-3 is a toxin-free, algae-derived ingredient that is a game-changer.

    It is a cruelty-free and sustainable ingredient. Your body needs this high potency dose of multivitamin for improved functioning. Omega-3 fatty acids deliver EPA and DHA to the body. It is difficult to find 99% of pure fatty acids in other multivitamins. 

    It is what makes Future Kind Multivitamin unique from others. It helps to boost memory, focus, and concentration. The product is tested and verified by a third party. The ingredients are vegan and of premium quality.

    PROS

    • Energy booster
    • Improves immunity
    • Mood enhancer
    • Vegan and reliable
    • Eco-friendly packaging

    CONS

    • Some may dislike the citrus flavor.

    A healthy brain and body are essential for a quality life. The brain is responsible for most of our body functions and emotions. Intelligence, creativity, and decisions are all linked to your brain. As we age our brain tends to get weak. 

    It loses its focus, concentration, and memory. Omega-3 supplements help your brain grow stronger. Bluebonnet Nutrition Omega-3 is packed with wholesome and safe ingredients. It delivers DHA and EPA to your brain. 

    The formula of the softgels is different and easy to swallow without burps. Unlike most Omega-3 supplements, it has no aftertaste and an unpleasant smell. Omega-3 helps to improve vision, supports muscle recovery, enhances the immunity system, and digestive system. 

    Good thing is that the supplement is tested for its purity by a third party and cGMP-registered lab. Each batch is tested for its formula, potency, and packaging. Omega-3 maintains focus, concentration, and memory. 

    The supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It is molecularly distilled that clear out heavy metals, pollutants, and PCBs.

    PROS

    • Plant-based  
    • Enhances critical thinking 
    • Tested by a third party  
    • Fast absorption
    • No unpleasant taste
    • Sugar-free
    • Molecularly distilled
    • Eco-friendly packaging
    • No added additives  
    • No artificial flavors present

    CONS

    • It is costly

    Omega-3 fatty acid is a beneficial nutrient for your brain. It helps in improving cognitive functions, vision, and cell membranes. The brain controls most of our body functions. It helps in lowering the chances of heart attack and controlling cholesterol levels. 

    Life-Extension is rich in DHA and EPA. It contains wholesome mixings like sesame lignans and olive extract. The source of Omega-3 in the supplement is eco-friendly and it does not disturb aquatic life. It is obtained from the South Pacific Anchovies. 

    The supplement delivers 4-time more Omega-3 than fish oil. It has no unpleasant taste and a fishy smell. The soft gels are easy to swallow without burps. The olive oil extract is beneficial for the heart and lowers the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Sesame Lignans work as antioxidants.

    PROS

    • Supports immunity system
    • Maintain digestive health 
    • Lowers cholesterol levels 
    • Natural Omega-3 source 
    • Enhances brain’s activity
    • Improves vision
    • Non-GMO 
    • Extended stability

    CONS

    • None

    Barlean’s Organic Omega-3 is one of the effective and essential supplements. It is very important to maintain the health of the brain and body. Omega-3 maintains heart health, improves vision, lowers cholesterol level, prevents cardiovascular diseases. 

    The supplement is in liquid form that is very to consume. You can add it to your favorite beverages and food. It has no unpleasant smell and taste. It is available in different flavors like peach, mango, banana, and strawberry. 

    The supplement delivers rich EPA and DHA to your body. It has naturally obtained Omega-3. There is more vitamin-D per dose as compared to other supplements. The good thing is that it is sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.

    The formula is unique and has fast absorption. It has emulsified oil that is processed into a creamy texture. It is 3 times more absorbable and has a better taste. There are no additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors present in the supplement.

    PROS

    • No unpleasant taste
    • No additives present 
    • Sugar-free
    • Vegan 
    • Prevents heart attack
    • Promotes healthy brain 
    • Fast absorption rate 
    • Non-GMO
    • Ultra-purified

    CONS

    • It is costly

    Garden of Life Omega-3 is a USDA certified supplement. It is vegan and a pretty good option for vegetarians. The supplement is packed with plant-based and all-natural ingredients. The formula is quite different as compared to other supplements. 

    The supplement has no artificial and synthetic additives. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic. There are a lot of supplements available that have artificial flavors and sweeteners, but Garden of Life is free of any flavors. 

    It supports cognitive activity, the immunity system, and the digestive system. Omega-3 is beneficial for a healthy brain. The brain is a delicate and complex organ. Omega-3 is good for a healthy brain. It also reduces the chances of heart diseases and maintains cholesterol levels. 

    The supplement also contains prebiotics for a healthy gut. It elevates your mood. The supplement has no fishy smell and bad taste. It enhances vision and makes you feel calm. It delivers real, natural, and non-GMO whole food fiber.

    PROS

    • Non-GMO verified 
    • Tasteless 
    • Organic 
    • Controls appetite  
    • Vegan-friendly 
    • Sugar-free
    • No artificial additives 
    • Supports digestion
    • Maintain cognitive activity 
    • Supports immunity system

    CONS

    • It is expensive

    Soft Naturals Omega-3 is a pure supplement that does not come from the cold-water-fish. It delivers vegetarian DHA and EPA obtained from Algal oil. That is why it is free of any aquatic life diseases. Further, it does not disturb the aquatic life cycle. 

    Omega-3 fatty acid is an essential nutrient for your brain. The supplement is free of aquatic pollutants and there is no risk of water-borne diseases. It helps in maintaining the immunity and digestive system. 

    Omega-3 lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and controls cholesterol levels. The soft gels are very easy to swallow without any burps. The supplement improves vision, recovers joints, reduces inflammation, and enhances cognitive activities. 

    The supplement is gone through molecular distillation. It means that it is free of heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and PCBs. As we grow old our brain gets weak. Omega-3 supplements will help improve concentration, memory, and focus.

    PROS

    • No preservative 
    • Vegan-friendly 
    • Recover cell membranes
    • Enhance mental clarity  
    • Improves critical thinking 
    • Non-GMO
    • Organic
    • Supports immunity system 
    • Safe packaging

    CONS

    • None

    Deva Omega-3 is a natural and safe non-fish supplement. Omega-3 fatty acid is very beneficial for your brain’s health. The brain is the most complex organ, and it controls most of our tasks and emotions. It is necessary to provide essential nutrients to your brain. 

    The supplement contains rich DHA and EPA oil that is enclosed in vegan soft gels. These soft gels are easy to consume with any food of your choice. The Omega-3 in the supplement is not obtained from any cold-water-fish. 

    That is why there is no risk of any water-borne disease. It also does not disturb the natural life cycle of aquatic life. The supplement is produced in an FDA-registered facility. That means its production is observed strictly. 

    A good thing about supplements is that they are passed through molecular distillation. That means it is free of any toxins, PCBs, environmental pollutants, and heavy metals. There are no additives, artificial flavors, or preservatives present in the supplement.

    PROS

    • Vegan 
    • Non-fish 
    • No preservatives 
    • Molecularly distilled
    • Prepared in an FDA-registered facility
    • Non-GMO 
    • Supports cognitive functions 
    • Improves heart health 
    • Maintains immunity system

    CONS

    • It is expensive

    A healthy brain is essential to living a quality life. The brain is responsible for most of our functions and emotions. Intelligence, creativity, and decisions are all linked to your brain. As we grow old our brain loses its strength.

    Omega-3 supplements help your brain grow stronger. Spectrum Essentials Omega-3 is packed with wholesome and safe ingredients. It delivers vegan Omega-3 DHA and EPA to your brain through the soft gels.

    The supplement is ultra-refined which means it is free of toxins, pollutants, and other ecological contaminants. It also delivers vitamin-D to your body. The ingredients are vegan and dairy-free. it is a good choice for vegetarians.

    The Omega-3 source is marine algae and not the cold-water-fish. In that way, marine life is not disturbed. Further, there are no risks of any water-borne diseases. The supplement has no aftertaste and an unpleasant smell. It is good for the brain, eye, and heart health.

    PROS

    • Vegan 
    • Dairy-free
    • Non-GMO
    • Supports brain 
    • Improves heart health 
    • Lowers cholesterol level

    CONS

    • Overdose might cause a stomachache

    Our Daily Omega-3 is a safe and essential supplement. It is very important to maintain the health of the brain and body. Omega-3 maintains heart health, improves vision, lowers cholesterol level, prevents cardiovascular diseases.

    An Omega-3 fatty acid is an overall health supporter. It supports the digestive system and enhances the functioning of the immunity system. Our Daily is completely dairy-free and fish-free. The Omega-3 in the supplement is obtained from the marine algae. 

    In this way, aquatic life is not disturbed nor the natural life cycle of the ocean. The supplement from rich DHA and EPA. It is a high potency, vegan-friendly, and fish-free Omega-3 supplement. Good thing is that it has no unpleasant fishy smell and aftertaste. 

    The supplement helps to elevate your mood and make you feel calm. It promotes a healthy body composition and healthy digestion. The supplement supports vision, muscles, joints, and reduces inflammation.

    PROS

    • High potency 
    • Vegan 
    • Non-fish
    • No fishy smell 
    • No unpleasant taste
    • No burps 
    • Supports immunity system 
    • Maintains heart health 
    • Improves brain’s function
    • Lab and third-party tested

    CONS

    • None

    Best Omega-3 Supplements for Vegans & Vegetarians- Buying Guide

    This buying guide contains all the information you need to make an informed decision before purchasing the best Omega-3 nutraceutical supplement to replenish your needs for this essential fatty acid. 

    Ingredients 

    The main ingredient in the composition of these vegan Omega-3 supplements is algae which is the feed of fish that carry Omega-3 fatty acids. The food chain is trimmed down and Omega-3 is directly sourced from the algae making it a more efficient choice. 

    The reason this product has hit the market rather strongly is that before its introduction there was no source of Omega-3 present for vegans other than fish oil. Other ingredients used in the formation of the capsule include tapioca, glycerin, starch, and water. 

    All of these ingredients are also vegan friendly and non-GMO. By eliminating the use of fish to obtain fish oil, we avoid the accidental induction of heavy metals, toxins, and pollutants that have been incorporated within the fish’s system. 

    Moreover, using algae over fish to obtain Omega-3 is beneficial for the environment as well as algae has a very small carbon footprint and this way, we can help preserve the endangered aquatic biodiversity thus facilitating aquatic habitats. 

    Capsular Form – Soft gels

    The capsule of these supplements is rather innovative as it is not at all sturdy like other pharmaceutical drug capsules. Often these capsules are referred to as soft gels or nutrigels. The ingredients that go into making these soft gels include modified tapioca, glycerin, purified water, and caramel. 

    It is important to note that the supplements created by the performance lab are the first in the world to create soft gel capsules without the use of carrageenan. Carrageenan was used highly in the market as an emulsifying agent and as an essential component of soft gels, but Performance Lab has successfully overcome this barrier and produced a carrageenan-free soft gel. 

    The main purpose to introduce this method of delivery is to avoid the pharyngeal reflex in older adults. Most humans, including older adults, are unable to gulp the hard capsules because of the pharyngeal reflex or gag reflex because of the weakened muscle integrity. 

    The gag reflex includes the muscles of the pharynx being extra sensitive about stuff being passed down and as any object touches the upper or lower part of the throat or back of the tongue it is immediately thrown out as a result of contraction of pharyngeal muscles. 

    If the capsule has jelly-like integrity just as in soft gels, it eliminates the issue of pharyngeal reflex and any person can easily engulf the supplement and thus receive full benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.

    Bioavailability 

    The bioavailability of Omega-3 supplements depends upon the type of elements present in the composition. Essentially Omega-3 is divided into three acids which all make up to form the perfect Omega-3 supplement in varying percentages. 

    The three subtypes are arachidonic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Out of these three, the most essential ones are DHA and EPA due to their nootropic and systemic effects. 

    Usually, DHA is lost during the transfer processes of the food chain but luckily in algal sources, the original 2:1 ratio of DHA to EPA is retained. As long as the Omega-3 is in the form of re-esterified triglycerides and contains a 2:1 ratio of DHA and EPA, it will be absorbed in the body faster than other forms. 

    Usually, it takes anytime between six hours and one day for Omega-3 to be absorbed into your system after the intake of the soft gel. However, the results start appearing anytime from 6 days to 6 weeks. One must be patient and if any irregular effects are observed, one must visit your physician. 

    Direction to Use

    Omega-3 is pretty well absorbed into our system so there is no problem with pairing it with other food groups to enhance its absorbability. However, it is vital to use Omega-3 supplements daily to obtain maximum long-term benefits. 

    The best way to know exactly how many supplements you should take daily requires a visit to a licensed physician. But if you are healthy and do not suffer from any chronic illnesses and have a normal BMI then as per manufacturer's guidelines you can take any amount from 2-4 soft gels of Omega-3 supplements produced by Performance Lab. 

    It is best to start from 2 soft gels a day and increase if you see no change in one month’s time. However, you must not increase your intake above four capsules without medical supervision. 

    Potency

    Potency describes the ability of a drug to perform its action and the amount of drug delivered to the system with each dose. Even though this definition seems a bit too pharmaceutical, it actually applies to nutraceutical supplements as well. 

    Since nutraceuticals include any dietary supplement that has the ability to produce a physiological response in the body, it must have a potency level as well. Omega-3 is a well-established nutraceutical due to its high involvement in the body’s regular metabolic processes. 

    One soft gel of Omega-3 supplements by the performance lab carries 2 g and fat and cholesterol, 1g of carbohydrates and sodium, a total of 2000 mg of algal oil out of which 1100 mg is pure Omega-3 which is further divided into 600 mg of DHA and 300 mg of EPA. 

    These Omega-3 supplements have a high absorption rate thus they are highly bioavailable as well. This essentially translates that almost all of the elements mentioned above are absorbed into the system without any additional reinforcement. 

    Systemic Benefits

    • Immune system

    Scientist’s take on the effect of Omega-3 on the immune system has always been controversial due to its contraindicating effects. But recently some studies have cleared out the misconceptions and made the relation between Omega-3 and the immune system somewhat clearer. 

    First and foremost, Omega-3 contains within itself to reduce the inflammatory process in the body. Inflammation is often caused by the immune system as a result of an infection, it is regulated by inflammatory cytokines, and Omega-3 reduces the activity of inflammatory cytokines generally inhibiting their inflammatory activity. 

    If a person is healthy, this factor of Omega-3 can actually be really beneficial but if a disease-causing agent is being tackled by the immune system by an inflammatory mechanism then it may cause some disturbances. 

    This is the reason people are advised not to take Omega-3 supplements if they suffer from any chronic illness. Secondly, recent studies have shed light on the supporting effect of Omega-3 supplements on the immune system. 

    Both adaptive and innate immunity has been found to be linked to the availability of Omega-3 to perform at an optimum level. Even though the exact mechanisms are still unknown it is believed that Omega-3 can act as signaling molecules that help immune cells in determining the path where the infectious agents lie. 

    There is still some ambiguity due to relatively less information present on the subject matter but it is known for sure that Omega-3 helps boost immune functionality.

    • Cardiovascular System

    One of the main problem-causing agents that affect the normal functionality of the cardiovascular system is the high levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides in the blood. It is known that Omega-3 contains within itself the properties to alleviate this problem by reducing the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins and raising the levels of high-density lipoproteins in the blood. 

    By performing this action Omega-3 protects the coronary arteries from plaque build-up which is caused by raised triglycerides and at the same time maintains normal cholesterol levels by introducing high levels of HDL instead of LDL into the system.  

    Another factor associated with issues of the cardiovascular system is irregulated cytokines that cause inflammation in the blood vessels. As we have explained earlier that Omega-3 holds the ability to reduce the activity of inflammatory cytokines thus inhibiting inflammation and keeping the cardiovascular system at its best possible state. 

    • Cell Integrity

    We all have studied the cell structure in middle school and might I remind you of the most vital component of cell structure known to be the cell wall. The cell wall is made up of phospholipids which are also called fatty acids. 

    The reason it is mentioned here is that Omega-3 is also a fatty acid. Thus, it plays a huge role in the maintenance of the structural integrity of a cell wall. Since even a minor leak in the cell wall can render it apoptotic, perhaps this is the most important of all functions of Omega-3 fatty acids. 

    In order to maintain the normal cellular structure, it is vital to obtain the necessary daily dose of Omega-3 via supplements or via diet. 

    • Ocular System

    Omega-3 has countless benefits, one of which includes its beneficial effects on ocular health. Our eyes are our most cherished organ and the most sensitive sensory system. DHA has been known to preserve our vision by protecting the cells from being destroyed by retinopathy. 

    DHA also protects the eye from macular degeneration and cures dryness of the eye, essentially saving the sense of vision in older people.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between fish oil supplements and vegan Omega-3 supplements?

    As the name suggests the fish oil supplements are extracted from aquatic invertebrates aka fishes, whereas vegan Omega-3 supplements are derived from the algae, which is the main source of Omega-3 for the fishes as well.

    Does vegan Omega-3 cause bad breath as well?

    Bad breath and foul-smelling sweats are only associated with fish oil supplements due to elements native to fishes only. Vegan Omega-3 supplements are devoid of any such problems making them the efficient choice.

    Is it ok to take the entire dose of the day of Omega-3 supplements at one time?

    As long as you are taking the appropriate dose at an appropriate time it is ok to take the soft gels at the same time. The preferred dose is two soft gel capsules and the preferred time is morning during or after breakfast. However, the dose and timing may differ to fulfill your respective needs and for that, you will have to consult your physician.

    Best Omega-3 Supplements for Vegans and Vegetarians – Final Word

    There are no downsides to the use of Omega-3 supplements as long as your body is working at its usual homeostatic state. In fact, there are tremendous benefits associated with Omega-3 and that is the reason it is deemed as an essential component of the daily diet. 

    Since it is only present in fish meat, it makes this essential fatty acid really difficult to obtain for vegans and vegetarians. But now, since the industry of nutraceuticals is revolutionizing there are many choices available for the best Omega-3 supplements for vegans & vegetarians as well. 

    Now, there is no excuse for you to start taking in your essential supplements and take the best care of your health.