Why There’s Really No Need for Fish-Based Omega-3s – And What to Use Instead
What do you think of when I mention omega 3 oil? I used to picture oily fish... Salmon, mackerel, maybe a bottle of fish oil capsules in the cupboard? But here’s the surprising part: fish don’t actually produce omega-3 themselves. They get it from algae, the real original source.
Which makes you wonder: if what we need in our diet comes from algae in the first place, why not go straight there? And why are stores still littered with fish omega 3 oil?
Cut Out the “Middlefish”
So, just like us, fish get omega 3 from their diet. And in the case of oily fish like salmon or mackerel, that diet is rich in algae.
Yep, algae is the original source of the long-chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) we’re all told we need more of. The fish are just the middlemen!
The Problem with Fish-Based Omega-3s
Commercial fishing for omega 3 oil comes at a bigger cost than I realised. It puts pressure on already declining fish populations, damages the seabed, and releases carbon through industrial trawling.
Here’s the part that really surprised me thouogh: around one million metric tonnes of fish oil are produced globally each year. And most of it doesn’t even come from fish we eat. Roughly 90% of the species used aren’t part of our diets at all... entire ecosystems are being disrupted purely to squeeze oil out of fish.
Why Algae Is the Smarter Choice
Algae is the new superhero in disguise! Algae is one of the most sustainable crops on the planet. It doesn’t need freshwater, doesn’t compete with food crops, and actually absorbs CO₂ while releasing oxygen. Unlike fish oil, algae doesn’t require catching, transporting, or processing marine animals! And the result is exactly the same: pure DHA and EPA. But... without the mercury or microplastics!
One of the hidden downsides of fish oil is the heavy metals lurking inside which is why its actually not that great for your health. Because fish sit higher up the food chain, they not only store omega-3 but also accumulate what’s in their waters(including heavy metals). On the flip side algae is right at the very start of the food chain and are cultivated in controlled environments. That’s why algae oil is naturally free from heavy metals and other pollutants.
Why does this matter for women’s health? Heavy metals have been linked to issues like brain fog, memory lapses, hormone disruption, and even increased risk of heart disease.
And there’s another bonus: algae oil is well absorbed by the body and tends to be gentler on digestion!
Algae oil: small capsule, big impact
Here’s the thing: studies looking at the whole production cycle show that growing microalgae for omega-3 uses less energy and causes far less disruption than squeezing oil out of fish.
And even when fish farms swap out old-school fish oil for microalgae, the environmental impact drops. It’s proof that the solution is already here... we don’t need to keep raiding the oceans for something we can grow sustainably on land. I agree with leading experts on this one: algae isn’t just an alternative, it’s the future.
Why Feminavit is the best on the market:
Feminavit uses Life’s® OMEGA Oil, the most scientifically tested and clinically proven algae oil on the market, delivering the perfect balance of DHA and EPA for sharper brains, healthy hearts, and clear vision. Life’s® OMEGA Oil stands out because it’s produced through a patented, sustainable process that guarantees exceptional purity, bioavailability, and potency. And all this free from heavy metals, microplastics, and oxidation. It’s the most sustainable omega-3 out there!
In Summary: Let’s Stop Relying on the Ocean for This
The idea that we need fish oil for omega-3s is outdated. We have a cleaner, cruelty-free, ocean-friendly omega 3 that gives us all the benefits.. without the harsh environmental side effects.
Choosing algae is a little step forward. A way to care for our health while leaving marine life where it belongs: in the ocean ♥︎
Your Feminavit Team x
