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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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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), whilst others find it more convenient to take them separately. Ultimately, consistency in taking them daily matters more than the specific time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you sold on omega-3 and now wondering about the nitty-gritty of how to take them, the ingredients, which one to choose, and how much to take? Read on for omega-3 fish oil information or check out our expert tips page for advice.
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...
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