|
The best supplements for gut health
Written by Nutritional Therapist Uta Boellinger. What Are The Best Supplements For Gut Health? Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being as your gut is connected to all...
Omega-3 Supplements
Yes, it sounds odd, but we’re literally omega-3 obsessed here. The list of health benefits of fish oil supplements is loooooooong. Omega-3 is foundational to our all-round health, and there isn’t a more important nutrient for brain health. If you’re wavering because you’re wondering about the sustainability of fishing, all our omega-3 supplements come from certified sustainable sources, and we have an algae-based omega-3 option for those of you who can’t, or don’t want to, eat fish.
LIFE & SOUL
LIFE & SOUL
LIFE & SOUL
£49.95
ACTION HEROES
RISE & SHINE
MUMS & BUMPS
VIM & VIGOUR
MINDFUL
£22.95
TEST KIT
£65.00
Omega-3 is a family of essential fatty acids. They’re called ‘good’ polyunsaturated fats. Why are they referred to as ‘essential’? Because we can’t make them. We can make vitamin D, for example, from the sun. We have to eat omega-3, and there are two types. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) comes from vegetable sources like flaxseed and walnuts (which is why you see chia seed marketed as high in omega-3) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaeonic acid) which come from fish and algae. Can you just eat a truckload of chia seeds? No, sorry. We explain this further down. Can’t be bothered to read that far? Fair enough. This is what you need to know: EPA and DHA are the two you need most. 20% of our brain is made of DHA. Fish and algae omega-3s are what you need.
They come in liquid or capsule form, and they're best taken as part of your meal to help your body better absorb them.
If you want to find out more about how much you need per day, you'll find this information across our product ranges like Rise & Shine, Life & Soul, & Action Heroes.
Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to know what supplements do? Regulations in Europe make it very tricky for brands to make claims, which in turn makes it hard to explain what they do. The USA is a different kettle of fish. Here, there’s a list of ‘approved health claims’ determined by the EFSA (we won’t bore you too much on this, but they take years and years to achieve) and these are backed up by reams and reams of clinical evidence.
These are the (very boring, feel free to skip ahead) officially worded claims:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants.
The claim can be used only for food which provides a daily intake of at least 200mg DHA*.
*This is the bare minimum.
Our Mums & Bumps capsules, for pregnancy and breastfeeding, contain 500mg of DHA in just one capsule.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.
The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40mg of DHA per 100g and per 100kcal. DHA is a major structural component of our brains, and vital to keeping brains healthy and neurons firing. Studies have shown that fish oil supplements rich in DHA have been linked to improved memory, concentration and overall brain development, particularly in babies and children.
Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) contribute to the normal function of the heart.
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of EPA and DHA as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA/EPA) contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels.
The claim may be used only for food which provides a daily intake of 2g of EPA and DHA*.
*This is 2,000mg of EPA and DHA, which is hard to get from regular omega-3 supplements, which is why ours are very high-strength.
Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA/EPA) contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
The claim may be used only for food which provides a daily intake of 3g of EPA and DHA*.
*This is 3,000mg of EPA and DHA, which is hard to get from regular omega-3 supplements, and why ours are very high-strength. You get this in just one teaspoon of Life & Soul Liquid.
In summary, fish oil supplements can help reduce triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of arrhythmias, and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to promote cardiovascular health.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40 mg of DHA per 100g and per 100kcal.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants.
The claim can be used only for food which provides a daily intake of at least 200mg DHA.
We take our brain, heart and eyes for granted don’t we? But, seriously, where would we be without them? They should be top of everyone’s list of things to look after. At any age.
Talking of any age, we can’t overstate the importance of mum and baby having enough omega-3. As you’ve seen from the approved health claims above, omega-3 is critical for baby’s brain and eye development, so it’s worth stating again.
Studies have shown that fish oil supplements offer significant advantages for fetal development, particularly cognitive and motor skills.
We bare all. So you can relax.
Omega-3 Supplement FAQs
About Our Oil FAQs
What are the key ingredients in Bare Biology's omega supplements?
The flesh of small, wild, oily fish! All our fish oils are pure, certified sustainable and with very high EPA & DHA levels. They’re easily digested. With no added, unnecessary ingredients and free from additives. You can find the full list of ingredients on every omega-3 product page.
What is the benefit of taking omega-3?
Omega-3 offers diverse health benefits including heart health support, reduced inflammation, improved brain function, and better mental well-being. Regular consumption through supplements is recommended to enjoy these advantages, as the body cannot produce omega-3s on its own.
How do I choose the right omega-3 supplement for my specific needs?
This guide delves into the best products for your needs to help you pick. If you’re struggling with info overload because, let’s face it, they all look pretty similar if you’re not a seasoned supplement user, book a free product specialist consultation with our in-house Nutritional Therapist, Kirsten. Or, message our team via the live chat bubble (bottom corner of the screen), or email info@barebiology.com. Our customer service team are literally the nicest people and will make you feel heard.
What are the recommended dosages for your omega-3 supplements?
You can find the recommended doses in the ‘ingredients tab’ of our omega-3 product pages and of course, our packaging. If you’d like a personalised dose, best to take an omega-3 blood test, or consult with a nutritional therapist.
Can I take more than the recommended dosage on the packaging?
If you want to take a higher dose to address a particular health concern we recommend seeking guidance from a registered healthcare practitioner first.
Should I take omega-3 supplements in the morning or at night? Is it essential to take with food?
There's no strict rule for when you should take omega-3 supplements, so you can choose a time that fits your routine best. Some people prefer taking them with a meal to help with absorption (which we advise), while others find it more convenient to take them separately. Ultimately, consistency in taking them daily matters more than the specific time.
How long does it take for omega-3 to work?
Feeling the benefits of omega-3 supplements can vary depending on individual factors and the specific goals you're looking to achieve by taking them. While some may see improvements within a few weeks (often noticed in joints and skin), other benefits like cardiovascular health or cognitive function may take several months of consistent use to become apparent.
Can I get omega-3 from chia seeds, flax seeds or walnuts?
You can get ALA from vegetable sources but your body converts less than 5% of it into EPA and DHA. Which is why fish oil or algae omega-3 supplements are what you need.
What's the best omega-3 for vegans?
For vegans, algae-based supplements are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA.
Vim & Vigour is a powerful vegan omega-3 supplement enriched with astaxanthin for added benefits. It addresses all your essential omega-3 requirements, including EPA and DHA, and is sourced sustainably from algae and independently certified for purity and freshness.
Are there any potential side effects or allergies associated with your omega-3 supplements?
Very high doses may upset your stomach, but this is quite rare, especially if you take omega-3 with food or split your dose across the day. Of course, you should check with your doctor before taking if you are:
•On any medication, such as blood thinners.
• You have a health condition, or are about to have surgery.
If you’re allergic to fish, you need to avoid fish oils, but you can take the algae-based Vim & Vigour. If you’re sensitive to citrus, you should avoid liquids and take capsules with no added flavour.
For more allergy advice or information about our ingredients, read our Allergen Statement.
Can I take Bare Biology omega-3 supplements alongside other medications or supplements?
To our knowledge, omega-3s are fine to take alongside other supplements, provided they’re not already contributing to your omega-3 intake.
It’s important to check with your doctor before taking omega-3 if you are:
• On any medication, such as blood thinners.
• Are about to have surgery.
• Have health concerns or conditions.
Fish oils are contraindicated with all blood thinning drugs. It's not recommended that anyone takes our products (and any other omega-3) while on them.
Similarly, there is a contraindication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. We would recommend to wait at least 4 hours after taking these drugs before taking fish oil. If you have been taking such drugs for long periods of time, you should consult your GP or a registered healthcare practitioner.
Can I take fish oil when pregnant and when breastfeeding?
Yes! And we highly recommend it. Mums & Bumps has essential omega-3 for both mum and baby. It’s a one-a-day capsule and contains as much DHA as a full tin of sardines, vital for healthy brain and eye development. Plus, it's independently certified for purity and guaranteed mercury-free, ensuring peace of mind for mothers.
If you’re at all worried or have any pregnancy-related health condition, it’s wise to check with your doctor or midwife before taking a supplement.
Is krill oil a good source of omega-3?
We’ve done our homework on this (tons of reading and speaking to experts) – and we feel that there isn’t yet enough evidence or human trials using krill oil. We’re also very mindful of the ecological impact of increased fishing on the marine food chain. So, for now, we won’t be using krill oil.
Can I just eat some fish instead of taking a supplement?
It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet even when taking supplements—and oily fish is of course a great source of omega-3.
But even with the best will in the world, it’s hard to eat enough oily fish to get the levels of omega-3 you need. And sadly, with fish comes risky levels of heavy metals and toxins. This is why it’s important for pregnant women and children to limit eating fish like tuna and to avoid things like swordfish and marlin altogether.
Our oil gives you all the benefits of eating fresh fish–great omega-3 content in its natural triglyceride form–with absolutely no heavy metals or toxins.
We've a good article about eating oily fish versus supplementing here.
I'm confused about the difference between omega-3 and omega-6?
Both omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids. They're essential because they make up our cell membranes and are concentrated in certain tissues such as our brain, skin and eyes. Unlike other omegas, the body cannot produce omega-3 and 6. So we have to eat them. Omega-6 is readily available. In fact most of us are eating far too much of it. You can find it in abundance in meat, poultry and various plant oils, nuts and seeds. There are many types of omega-6, all of which are made in the body from the parent form Linoleic Acid (LA).
The controversy with this omega is that before the body can make the healthful types of omega-6, it produces a type of omega-6 that is highly inflammatory. It's called Arachidonic Acid. When you consume too much of it, it can drive inflammation in the body leading to ill health. The other issue is that the body uses the same enzyme to metabolise omega-6 and 3 - they compete with one another. When there is too much omega-6, this can affect the metabolism of omega-3.
You can read more in our omega-3,6 and 9 guide.
Is it ok to take supplements along with Evening Primrose Oil?
Although omega-6 is readily available in the diet, some people supplement with it because they don't consume meat or poultry. Some people struggle to convert LA into DGLA. So they choose to supplement with Evening Primrose Oil because it's anti-inflammatory.
In these cases, it complements omega-3 really well. But you might want to take them at different times of the day, because they share the same metabolic pathway and could compete for absorption.
Find out more in our Omega-3 and Evening Primrose Oil guide.
What is the difference between EPA and DHA and what do they help with?
EPA and DHA are types of omega-3. They're arguably the two most important types and you'll find high levels of both EPA and DHA in our oil. In general EPA is anti-inflammatory. DHA is primarily beneficial for neuron and brain health.
DHA is a byproduct of EPA and uses different enzymes in the metabolic pathway which means that they don't compete for absorption.
Why is omega so crucial for kids?
Put simply, it helps children’s brains and bodies develop.
DHA omega-3 is a major component of our brain, eye tissue and skin. So much so that during pregnancy the body feeds the mother’s DHA to the baby, and breast milk has elevated levels. In fact, the amount of DHA in the brain increases by 30 times between the first 24 weeks and two years of life*.
But most children don’t get enough DHA in their food. And this matters.
Studies show a direct link between low levels of DHA and poor learning and behaviour. The 2012 Dolab** study found that DHA is ‘a safe and effective way to improve the reading and behaviour in healthy, but underperforming children in mainstream schools’. And an earlier study by the same researchers in Durham also found that increasing omega-3 in the diets of children between 5 and 12 significantly improved their reading, spelling and behaviour over three months.
*Neonatal network, 2007, 26:229-234
**The Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oxford Learning and Behavior Study, 2012
What is the shelf life and how long will your oil last once opened?
The shelf life of our capsules, unopened, is 2 years from the date they were made. The shelf life of our liquids, unopened, is 2 years from the date they were made. For the expiry date for current batches, please see the Ingredients tab in each product page.
Once opened our liquids can taste good up to 4 months, depending on how well the lid has been sealed after opening. Our capsules are fine until the expiry date.
Do your oils need to be refrigerated? Where should I keep them?
Our liquid fish oils have a long shelf life, so you don’t need to store them in special conditions until they’re opened. Once you’ve opened our liquids – Life & Soul liquid and Action Heroes – please keep them tightly closed and in the fridge. Treat our oils like fresh food; we’ve kept our oils as pure as possible and have chosen not to laden them with preservatives so that you get more fish oil with every bottle.
Our fish oil capsules keep well in ambient or cool storage. You can keep our capsules wherever’s handy – in a cupboard or drawer, on the countertop, or in your bag – as long as it’s not excessively hot or cold. No need to refrigerate.
How can I be sure your oils are completely free from heavy metals and toxins?
We're the only company we know of that publishes full test results (certificates of analysis) for every single batch. We're also the only UK company certified by the International Fish Oil Standards program, an independent laboratory that tests every single batch of our oils. We have absolutely nothing to hide – we’re pure, and proud of it. You can find our independent test results on the shop pages.
We also get our batches tested a second time by IFOS (The International Fish Oil Standards Programme). Here are the reports for our current batches:
Doe your oil smell or taste fishy and can it repeat on you?
Absolutely not. It's a common misconception that it's normal for fish oils to repeat on you. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Fresh fish oil, like Bare Biology's oils, shouldn't cause any reflux. Lemon is the only thing you’ll smell or taste in our liquid oils. This is because they’re such good quality. Essentially, fish oils turn rancid when they come into contact with oxygen – which is why fish straight out of the sea don’t smell. Ours are super fresh, with much lower levels of oxidation than other brands.
Very fishy smelling or tasting oil is usually a sign that it’s turned rancid. As long as you keep your bottle closed and in the fridge, you’ll never experience this with our fish oils.
Is your fish oil the same as cod liver oil?
No – cod liver oil really does come from the livers of cod. As this is where toxins and contaminants are processed, this kind of oil is more likely to contain heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs.
Our oil comes from sardines, anchovies and mackerel. These have very high levels of omega-3, but are small and have short life spans – so they have little time to build up pollutants.
Also, our oil tastes amazing, whereas cod liver oil is a bit of an acquired taste.
What fish does your oil come from?
We only use wild sardine, anchovy and mackerel from deep waters.
Our fish oil is made in Norway. We then bring it to the UK where it is bottled or made into capsules and packed into containers.
Why do you use small fish?
We use small fish like sardine, mackerel and anchovy. This is because small fish are at the bottom of the food chain and therefore contain fewer heavy metals and other pollutants such as PCBs.
The higher up the food chain you are, the more toxic build up you get. This means that larger fish like pollock, salmon and tuna are likely to carry more heavy metals and chemicals.
Are the fish sustainably caught?
Yes – we make sure of it. Our fish are caught within the strictest international guidelines. And we only work with Norwegian fisheries and manufacturers certified by both Friends of the Sea and IFFO-RS, the global responsible supply standard.
How soon after the fish are caught do you extract the oil?
As quickly as we can - always within 24 hours, in line with the EU regulation EC 852/2004. All the fishery plants we use are in Norway and registered and approved by the EU to produce fish for human consumption.
How is the oil extracted and where is it tested?
The oil is extracted on the fishing boats, wherever they are.
We use a process called molecular distillation. The oil in our pregnancy product, Mums & Bumps, uses this same process, but we add a further step using a natural enzyme to get to the highest DHA levels. This is a green chemistry process so it is very mild on the oil.
The oil is sent to Norway where it is purified. It is then tested in Norway by our manufacturer (we publish these results in our product pages for each batch) and is also tested by IFOS in Canada.
The oil is shipped in sealed drums (we check the seals when they arrive here) so no additional oxidation occurs. But to be safe, when the oil arrives at our encapsulators, the oxidation level is tested again before encapsulation. Likewise, after it is bottled, we test the oil here in the UK for oxidation and bacteria/microbes/contamination before it is bottled and after and IFOS test the finished bottled/encapsulated product.
So the oil is tested after manufacture, before bottling or encapsulation, and after bottling and encapsulation by two separate parties. We don't take any chances on oxidation.
Do you use hexane or any other chemicals in the extraction process?
No, no toxic chemicals or solvents are used in any stage of the manufacturing process.
How do you purify your fish oil?
Very carefully. It goes through a variety of processes, including molecular distillation at a low temperature and filtration to remove saturated fats and other solids. This is all done by our expert manufacturer in Norway.
Is the oil cold pressed? Is the oil in its natural form or is it concentrated?
Our oils are not cold pressed. However, we do not use flash distillation either, which exposes the oil to high heat. During molecular distillation, the oil is exposed to heat but with a very low residence time and under extreme vacuum. We use a special deodorisation process called think film; which means a gentler and very short time exposure. This is a far superior process to batch deodorisation, which subjects all the oil to heat for a longer period.
We guarantee the low residence heat does not damage our oils by testing every batch for trans fatty acids throughout the entire production process. There are no trans fatty acids detected in any of our products.
All our oils are in their natural triglyceride form for optimal absorption. We pride ourselves in creating products that are natural and as close to food as possible. For example, we only use Sicilian lemon oil to flavour, as opposed to the commonly used artificial flavours. We also use a small amount of Vitamin E as a natural preservative.
What is the oxidation level in the oil?
Due to the nature of our products this may vary from batch to batch. However, we are one of the very few fish oil companies that are accredited 5 stars for purity and freshness from the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS). Among many other criteria, they test oxidation levels with every single batch we manufacture before sale. As far as we are aware, we're the only fish oil company that publishes every test in full on our website. In short, our oxidation levels are well within the range of the approved level for safety. You can find the most up to date analyses, including the current oxidation levels on each of our product in their product pages.
You can also take a look at the IFOS website to see their independent tests on each batch we produce.
Do you use nitrogen flushing?
Nitrogen flushing is used during the liquid oil bottling and capsule filling, to help minimise its exposure to oxygen.
For our capsules, the fish oil is tested for various things, including freshness, and any drums opened are purged with nitrogen prior to resealing. The oil is encapsulated under nitrogen and the flow is checked and confirmed hourly during production.
What kind of nets are used by your fishing boats? Are you environmentally friendly?
The fish are wild caught by 'purse seine' fishing fleets. Purse seine is a type of trawler net.
Our fish oil manufacturer is Friend of the Sea certified, which strictly regulates the fishery.
Friend of the Sea sustainable fishery criteria requires:
- non-onverexploited target stock according to FAO, Regional Fishery Bodies and National Marine Authorities
- no relevant impact on the seabed
- selective fishing method (max 8% discards)
- no bycaught species included in the IUCN Redlist of endangered species
- compliance with legal requirements (incl. TACs, no IUU, no FOC, mesh size, min size, MPA, etc)
- energy balance and yearly fuel efficiency improvement
- waste management
- social accountability
Does omega-3 decrease over time once a fish oil is open?
We have absolutely no indications that omega-3 decreases in an open container exposed to oxygen and light, based on our experiences, testing and studies. However oxidation will start and continue once it’s been exposed which will affect taste and smell over time in a fish oil. We do not see any correlation between oxidation and omega-3 content.
What is the maximum temperature your oil can be exposed to?
We do not recommend exposure to temperatures above 40°C.
Why are the TG and FFA levels different?
The TG values are for the fatty acids as triglycerides (in nature they exist as triglycerides, so three fatty acids joined together along with a molecule of glycerol). It means that some of the weight can be attributed to glycerol, hydrogen and oxygen.
The free fatty acid (FFA) values are for the fatty acids themselves (alone, no glycerol).
That’s why the TG values always look higher on the spec than the FFA values.
Effectively, the TG amount and the FFA amount are measuring the same amount but one is showing the weight as triglyceride and one is showing it without the added molecule of glycerol.
Are your oils tested for glycidol?
The European Commission (EU 2023/915) has implemented the following limits for fish oils
and oils from other marine organisms:
Glycidyl fatty esters, expressed as glycidol: 1000 μg/kg
Sum of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters: 2500 μg/kg
All our products produced after 01.01.2020 conform to the above mentioned limits.
What are the other omega-3s in your fish oil?
The most important types of omega-3 for our health are EPA, DHA and to a lesser degree, DPA. We list these for obvious reasons.
However, there are lots of kinds of omega-3 but each batch would need to be analysed in extreme detail to split them all out. This is very expensive and would mean the price of the fish oil would increase.
We therefore don't do this analysis but, don't worry, they're all safe and for sure also have health benefits. Here's a table of the omega-3 types, courtesy of Wikipedia.
Are your capsules made from fish gelatin?
Yes. We only ever use fish gelatin, as we don't think it's right to put fish oil in pork or beef. And of course this is much better for people who don't eat meat.
Our capsules are pure inside and out. Just like all the products in our range, we test the capsule shells too. You can check out the test results for our capsule gelatin here.
Do your fish oils contain any artificial colours or sweeteners?
Absolutely not.
Why don't you add flavour to your capsules?
We simply don’t need to. Our oil is so fresh that it never repeats on you, so there’s no need to 'mask' any fishiness. And we want to fill up our capsules with as much pure fish oil as possible, not unnecessary flavourings.
Do your products contain DPA?
Yes, all omega-3 supplements provide DPA.
Here's the dose for each of our products:
Life & Soul Liquid: 200mg
Action Heroes Liquid : 65mg
Life & Soul Mini Capsules: 80mg
Life & Soul Daily Capsules: 80mg
Mums & Bumps Capsules: 60mg
Mindful Capsules: 60mg
Rise & Shine: 60mg
Vim & Vigour: 80mg*
*Vim & Vigour Capsules are vegan omega-3s made from algae.
Do your omega-3 products contain Vitamin D?
Only our Rise & Shine Capsules. They contain omega-3 + Vitamin D3.
Does your fish oil contain purines?
Our manufacturer doesn't perform regular testing for purines as part of their regime, but when they have tested for it in the past they haven't found any traces.
Does your fish oil contain iodine?
Our fish oils contain 0% iodine.
Where does the vitamin E (tocopherol) in your fish oil come from?
We use natural mixed tocopherols derived from non-GMO soybean oil, which has no allergy risks associated to it as there are no traces of soy left.
For more information about our ingredients see our allergen statement.
What ingredients are in the glycerol BP?
The glycerol comes from vegetable origin including: Palm oil, Palm Kernel Oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil. The palm used is RSPO Mass Balance palm - this means it is from sustainable supply.
