When I last visited Holland & Barrett in search of omega-3, I was really quite shocked at the endless rows of fish-based omega-3 bottles. At this point I knew there was a healthier option for my body, as well as an option that is better for the planet too! It felt unnecessary, like holding on to an old habit for the sake of it....
There have been many times in history when research and science have moved on, but people’s habits, and what’s sold in shops, remain stuck in time. It can take 10–20 years for things to change after businesses (and sometimes governments) aggressively marketed an ingredient as ‘healthy’ in the first place... Change is slow, but that’s why it feels important to share the right information now, because the options still lining shop shelves show just how old-fashioned our view of omega-3 really is.
Heavy metals: The heavy cost of fish-based Omega-3
Fish accumulate omega-3 by eating algae, but they also absorb whatever is in their waters (heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium). These heavy metals build up in the food chain, which is why they can be found in fish oil. Big fish eat a lot of little fish that contain heavy metals, and so the heavy metal content builds up. I believe the use of larger fish is leading to major health problems, as we don’t really know what ends up in our fish oil. It's not like every fish that is caught and used for fish oil extraction is tested for heavy metals! The same applies to us humans: when we eat heavy metals it stays in our bodies and builds up over time.
The concern with heavy metals is that even at low levels, they can put extra stress on the body. Mercury, for example, has been linked to memory and concentration problems, while other metals can interfere with hormone balance or reduce how efficiently our cells produce energy. It’s not something we notice straight away, but over time it matters.... Starting to reduce heavy metals sooner than later is best..
Algae oil is grown in carefully controlled conditions, away from polluted oceans. That means it delivers the essential omega-3s (DHA and EPA) without the unwanted "heavy" extras. For me, it feels reassuring to know I’m getting the benefits of omega-3 in its purest form: less risk of heavy metal toxins, more support for my health.
What Algae-Based Omega-3s Actually Do for You
Algae may be tiny, but what it offers our health is anything but small. These plant-based omega-3s are packed with nutrients that directly support women’s wellbeing:
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DHA: the building block for brain and nervous system health, helping with focus, memory, brain fog and that sense of mental clarity we all crave on busy days (or when we forget out keys for the millionth time...)
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EPA: known for its anti-inflammatory power, helping to ease everyday aches, support heart health, and keep circulation strong.
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Natural antioxidants: protecting our cells from the wear and tear of daily life, and helping skin stay brighter and more resilient. (Which is why it's a good addition to your "beauty from within" skin care routine!)
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No hidden contaminants: unlike fish, algae isn’t exposed to mercury or heavy metals, so you’re getting the benefits of omega-3 without the "heavy" baggage.
For women in their 30s, 40s and beyond, omega-3 becomes even more of a quiet hero. As hormones shift during perimenopause and menopause, things like mood, memory, joints and even skin elasticity can start to feel different. Omega-3 helps to soften those changes — bringing a steadier mood, easing that foggy-headed feeling, and supporting skin so it feels cared for from the inside out.
But it’s actually vital at any age as a woman. Research shows that women who get enough often report less intense period pain, fewer cramps, and a better mood throughout their cycle. And because omega-3 nourishes the brain as much as the body, it can also help with those dips in energy, irritability or fatigue that hormones sometimes throw our way.
The Unsettling Cost of Fish-Oil Culture
Fish-oil comes at a high environmental price that I wasn't initially aware of. I was first given omega-3 when I was a child by my mum, it just became a "not-think-about-it but it's-good-for-you" thing. We mindlessly do and repeat into adult-hood until we find out it wasn't right all along...
Did you know? Every year, millions of fish are caught just to make omega-3 supplements. Entire ecosystems are disrupted so we can squeeze oil out of them, when the truth is, fish only have omega-3 because they eat algae in the first place.
= Fish eat algae. Then we eat the fish. So why not just go straight to the algae? There's really no need at all for fish-based omega 3 supplements!
And here’s the part that really shocked me: a lot of farmed salmon (yes, the ones we’re told are “sustainable”) are actually fed on fish oil made from wild fish. So we’re taking more fish out of the sea just to feed other fish — and in the end, we actually get less omega-3 back than we started with. It makes no sense whatsoever...
It's Not a Compromise..
Sure, algae is vegan.. and that’s a win for the environment.. But even if you’re not vegan, choosing algae is a great choice that offers clear benefits:
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No fishy aftertaste (if you've ever had one accidentally burst in your month this one is especially welcome!)
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No fishing involved, meaning no disruption of marine life or supply chains. Algae used in vegan omega 3 supplements is often grown and harvested, so no disruption at all!
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Less heavy metals (just simply not good for your health...)
My personal “aha!” moment
Standing in front of those endless fish-oil bottles, I felt that switching to algae oil wasn’t just a health choice. It was a conscious, ethical choice. It’s moving away from outdated norms, shedding the remnants of old marketing, and choosing what feels right—for us and the oceans we love. That’s why I developed Feminavit Vegan Omega-3. It contains Life’s® OMEGA, a premium algae-based oil that’s one of the only plant-based sources providing both EPA and DHA together in one capsule in the perfect ratio just like seen in fish. Most algae oils only give you DHA, but Life’s® OMEGA matches what you’d normally get from fish oil. The best part is, it’s 100% traceable, sustainably grown in controlled conditions (no impact on marine ecosystems), and scientifically studied!
Final Thoughts: Why switching matters
Next time you’re wandering the aisles of a shop, notice how, as a generation, we still haven’t made the switch to an option that’s better in every way. No compromises needed on this one!
With love,
Your Feminavit Team xx
