Introduction: Why Omega-3 Supplements?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats often discussed for heart, brain, and overall health.* There are short-chain omega-3s like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in flaxseed and walnuts, and long-chain omega-3s like EPA and DHA found in marine sources. However, humans convert only a small fraction of ALA into EPA and especially DHA—often less than 10% to EPA and only ~0–4% to DHA in men (women may convert slightly more).* This limited conversion is why many nutrition experts emphasize getting preformed EPA and DHA from diet or supplements. Recognizing that many people don’t eat enough fatty fish, the supplement industry set out to provide convenient sources of long-chain omega-3s. Thus began the journey of omega-3 supplements in the United States, starting with simple fish oil and evolving through multiple innovations to the present day.
Fish Oil: The First Omega-3 Supplement
Fish oil has a long history as a health supplement—cod liver oil was used as far back as the 19th century to treat ailments, valued for its vitamins A & D and omega-3 content.* In modern times, general fish body oil (typically from anchovy, sardine, or menhaden) became popular as a source of EPA and DHA. Early fish oil supplements were basically the natural oil extracted from fish, often refined to remove contaminants and improve taste. The oil’s omega-3 content in its natural triglyceride form is around ~20–30% of the total (for example, ~300 mg EPA+DHA per 1000 mg capsule in many products). The rest consists of other fats naturally present in fish. By the early 2000s, even the U.S. FDA allowed a qualified health claim about omega-3s and coronary heart disease (based on supportive but not conclusive evidence).*
In producing fish oil supplements, the oil is extracted from fish and then purified. Purification involves removing impurities like heavy metals, PCBs, and other environmental contaminants. This is crucial for safety, but standard refining processes can also strip away some naturally occurring compounds (e.g., certain antioxidants) that help protect the omega-3s).* Early fish oils still delivered the core nutrients EPA and DHA, but they lacked many of the minor components present in whole fish. Nonetheless, fish oil capsules became the foundation of the omega-3 supplement market due to their convenience and broad availability.
The Push for Higher Potency: Concentrated Omega-3 Fish Oils
As research in the 1990s–2000s explored benefits of higher EPA/DHA intakes (e.g., for triglycerides), supplement companies faced a challenge: how to get more omega-3 per capsule? The solution was to concentrate the fish oil by increasing the percentage of EPA and DHA and removing other fatty acids. To do this, manufacturers used chemical processing: first hydrolyzing fish oil to release fatty acids from glycerol, then converting them to ethyl esters (EE form) and distilling to concentrate EPA and DHA. The result was “omega-3 concentrate” oils—often ~50–70% EPA/DHA by weight, compared to ~30% in natural oil.
However, this heavy processing came with trade-offs. The ethyl ester form of omega-3, while convenient for concentrating, has been reported to show lower short-term uptake in some studies unless taken with a high-fat meal.* To address this, some companies introduced a next step: re-esterifying the concentrated EPA and DHA back onto a glycerol backbone, creating re-esterified triglycerides (rTG). Short-term pharmacokinetic studies have reported differences in blood EPA/DHA exposure among EE, TG, and rTG forms under study conditions.* The trade-off is cost; this two-step concentration + re-esterification is complex and expensive. Still, by the late 2000s, many high-end fish oil supplements in the U.S. marketed themselves as “high-potency, super-refined” omega-3s (EE or rTG). Their value proposition: get more EPA and DHA without swallowing a handful of capsules, and—depending on form—optimize delivery characteristics under studied conditions.*
(Technical note: All this refining and concentrating effectively raises EPA/DHA content, but the more a lipid extract is processed, the more its natural nutrient matrix can be disturbed. High numbers on the label can come at the expense of removing other naturally occurring ingredients.)
Krill Oil: Omega-3 with Phospholipids and a New Value Proposition
In the early 2000s, a new player arrived—krill oil (e.g., Neptune Krill Oil in 2003). Krill oil is extracted from Antarctic krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans. What made krill oil stand out was its unique form and composition: a portion of EPA and DHA is naturally carried on phospholipids, and the oil also contains the antioxidant astaxanthin (which gives it a red color).
The hypothesis for krill oil’s introduction was that this more “complex” form would have advantages. Phospholipids are the same type of molecule that forms cell membranes, so omega-3s in krill oil could be more readily incorporated into cells and perhaps handled differently by the body.* Early comparisons suggested that, dose-for-dose, krill oil raised the omega-3 index (a measure of EPA/DHA in blood) more than fish oil in certain trials.* In one 4-week trial, 600 mg of EPA+DHA from krill oil led to higher plasma and red blood cell omega-3 levels than the same amount from fish oil, under those specific study conditions.* Reviews note mixed findings overall, with some head-to-head studies reporting higher blood levels with krill oil and others not; study design and dose matter.*
Krill oil’s value proposition in the market thus became “different form and added nutrients.” Marketing often emphasized fewer milligrams for similar blood level changes (phospholipids) and the presence of astaxanthin.* Additionally, some consumers report fewer “fishy burps”—possibly because phospholipids emulsify differently and/or because astaxanthin helps manage oxidation and odor.*
It’s worth noting that krill oil is not typically further concentrated for omega-3 content. A standard krill oil capsule (500–1000 mg) might contain ~20–30% EPA+DHA (e.g., 100–300 mg), similar to unrefined fish oil. The industry generally avoids stripping krill oil down to make a 60% EPA/DHA product because that would remove the very components that differentiate it (phospholipids, astaxanthin). Instead, producers focus on gentle extraction methods to preserve phospholipids. In short, krill oil emerged not by trying to out-concentrate fish oil, but by presenting a different value: a phospholipid-rich format with naturally occurring cofactors.*
Algae Omega-3: A Sustainable, Vegan Alternative
Even as krill oil gained attention, another source was being developed to meet a different need: algae-based omega-3s. Fish and krill ultimately get their omega-3s from marine microalgae. Certain microalgal species naturally produce EPA or DHA. In the 2000s, companies began farming these algae to extract oil for human supplements. The drivers were sustainability and serving vegetarians/vegans.
Algal omega-3 made its debut in infant nutrition (1990s) and entered adult retail by the late 1990s (e.g., Martek’s Neuromins DHA). Algal oils vary in EPA/DHA content by species (e.g., Schizochytrium is typically DHA-rich; Nannochloropsis yields EPA). Early products tended to be DHA-focused; later, producers began mixing strains or processing oils to include both EPA and DHA. Many algal oils are refined to remove cellular debris/odors, but not necessarily molecularly distilled to “super-concentrate” the omega-3s. Typical algal capsules today reflect the algae’s native output after purification. Key selling points became: 100% vegan, free of ocean contaminants, and sustainable (cultivated in tanks).*
A New Era: Minimally Processed Algae Omega-3 with Polar Lipids (EAT INTACT’s Story)
Each evolution—fish oil, high-potency concentrates, krill’s phospholipids, algae’s sustainability—addressed different needs. As holistic-minded food scientists, we asked: What if you could have a plant-based omega-3 that retains more of the native lipid complexity without heavy refining?
Unrefined EPA-Rich Algae Oil. A microalgae naturally high in EPA and rich in polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids) and other naturally occurring compounds like pigments was identified. The oil is gently extracted with ethanol and is left unrefined and unconcentrated. It is not subjected to molecular distillation, and the “minor” constituents are not removed. The result is an oil that still contains native polar lipids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamin E, and biochemical precursors found in marine–algal oils.* This oil is well-balanced and naturally protected by antioxidants; we follow standard quality controls and shelf-life testing consistent with our labeled expiry.*
Refined but Unconcentrated DHA Algae Oil. To complement the EPA, a second algae-sourced oil that provides DHA is included. This oil is purified to meet quality standards (removing impurities/odors) but is not artificially concentrated for DHA. By combining these two oils, the final product achieves approximately 90 mg of EPA and 180 mg of DHA per serving—a roughly 1:2 ratio. Importantly, omega-3s are delivered alongside polar lipids and naturally occurring carotenoids, chlorophyll, and vitamin E from the unrefined EPA algae oil.
Polar Lipids for Omega-3 Delivery Context. The approach takes inspiration from krill oil’s history. The presence of phospholipids and glycolipids in the EPA-rich algae oil means many omega-3s coexist in complex lipid forms. Scientific literature has examined omega-3s delivered as phospholipids; some trials report higher blood EPA/DHA levels under certain conditions, while others are mixed.* By retaining algae’s polar lipids, the format is aligned with those studied lipid forms (vegan source).*
Plasmalogens, SPMs & Native Antioxidants — Keeping the “Whole Oil” Profile. Because the so-called minor components are not removed, the oil retains lipid classes and pigments that occur naturally in certain microalgae: plasmalogens (a subclass of phospholipids), polar lipids (phospho-/glycolipids), carotenoids, chlorophyll, and naturally occurring vitamin E. The oil also contains SPMs (specialized pro-resolving mediators) as naturally occurring constituents; levels are not standardized and no effect is claimed.*
*Background: Human studies have explored plasmalogens in cognition (including older adults and dementia populations), with some trials reporting improvements on certain cognitive measures and others showing limited or no effect; overall results are mixed and research is ongoing.*
*Background: SPMs are endogenous mediators generated from EPA/DHA and have been investigated in inflammation biology; early human studies (in select conditions) report improvements on some symptom measures, but sample sizes are often small and findings are not uniform; research is emerging and ongoing.*
Omega-3s are delivered here within a broad lipid profile, and it is left to the body to handle these pathways as biology dictates.*
Minimal Processing & Clean Label. The ingredient list is kept short and transparent: the two algae oils (EPA and DHA sources), a plant-based capsule, and small amounts of mixed tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate to maintain freshness. No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners; formulated without soy, gluten, or dairy. Every batch is third-party tested for identity/potency and contaminants in a cGMP-inspected facility. It meets our purity and quality specifications and retains a broader native lipid profile consistent with a minimal-processing approach.
The guiding philosophy is simple: not all omega-3 supplements are the same—source and processing create meaningful differences in composition. This approach aligns with minimal processing and a naturally broader lipid profile.*
Conclusion: Bringing It All Together—The Omega-3 Story and Our Place in It
The evolution of omega-3 supplements in the U.S. market reflects a sequence of innovations: fish oil brought EPA/DHA to mainstream use; concentrates tackled potency; rTG forms highlighted that molecular form matters; krill oil underscored the role of phospholipids and naturally occurring antioxidants; algae oils addressed sustainability and dietary preferences.* This product represents a plant-based option that synthesizes these lessons: minimally processed to preserve a broader native lipid profile and vegan, while delivering meaningful amounts of EPA and DHA.
It’s important to note that while there is enthusiasm about the potential of additional components (e.g., polar lipids, plasmalogens, SPMs), claims are made cautiously. Product design is aligned with scientific context—for example, that phospholipid formats have been studied for how the body handles them—and this is presented as background science rather than promises of outcomes.* In summary, not all omega-3s are identical: source, form, processing, and accompanying components vary. For wellness-minded consumers, this product offers a minimal-processing, plant-based alternative that respects nature’s complexity.
* Asterisk Legend & Disclaimers
• * Asterisk-marked sentences share contextual science or observations (ingredient/form format, pathway, or study design). They are educational background and not claims about this product’s effects.
• The contextual science may summarize studies on ingredients or formats in general and does not represent product-specific outcomes or comparative superiority.
• Statements regarding stability, absorption, or physiology are not intended to set shelf-life, imply disease treatment, or promise outcomes. Follow the labeled expiry and consult healthcare professionals as needed.
• FDA disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
• Use guidance: If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medications, consult your healthcare professional before use.
Notes & References (scientific background; not product claims)
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2) Brenna JT, Salem N Jr, Sinclair AJ, Cunnane SC. α-Linolenic acid supplementation and conversion to n-3 long-chain PUFA in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009.
3) Šimat V, et al. Production and refinement of omega-3-rich oils from marine side streams. Foods. 2019.
4) Abdel-Razek AG, et al. Effect of refining and fractionation on minor components of edible oils. Foods. 2023.
5) Lawson LD, Hughes BG. Human absorption of fish oil fatty acids as ethyl esters and triglycerides. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1988.
6) Schuchardt JP, et al. Bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from re-esterified triglycerides. Lipids Health Dis. 2011.
7) Chevalier L, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid bioavailability: influence of chemical form and matrix. J Nutr. 2021 (review).
8) Laidlaw M, et al. A randomized trial of krill vs fish oil on omega-3 index. Lipids Health Dis. 2014.
9) Ulven SM, et al. Krill oil: composition, bioavailability and comparisons with fish oil. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2015 (review).
10) Remize M, et al. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production and applications. Mar Drugs. 2021.
11) Sun H, et al. Microalgae-derived pigments for the food industry. Front Nutr. 2023 (review).
12) Fujino T, et al. Plasmalogen supplementation in mild cognitive impairment/AD: multicenter RCT. EBioMedicine. 2017.
13) Fujino M, et al. Plasmalogen randomized study on mood/psychological measures. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022.
14) Serhan CN, Levy BD. Resolvins and protectins in the resolution of inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol. 2018 (review).
15) Souza PR, et al. Human SPM increases following enriched fish oil intake. Circ Res. 2020.
