A good vegetarian omega 3 oil

I’m thrilled that a new Natural Health Shop opened up in our end of town.

I was in there today to pick up a fish oil for DH and I.  We were introduced to a new line of fish oils that are produced in Nova Scotia (close to our neck of the woods). We choose Ascenta Health NutraSea for us. (The lemon flavour tastes good!)

Even more fabulous, I learned that they have a vegetarian omega 3 oil, which is allergy-friendly (Moses is allergic to fish).  We have him on a flax seed oil, but I always felt that he needed a better source of omega 3 oil. Well, I think I found what I’ve been looking for!

It’s called Ascenta Health NutraVege.

Echium plantagineum, a common plant native to many parts of the world including western and southern Europe, represents an exciting alternative source of omega-3. Unlike flax seed oil, echium oil contains the omega-3 stearidonic acid (SDA), which readily converts to EPA. Studies have demonstrated that SDA from echium converts to EPA at a rate of up to 30% (compared to 3.28% for flax). A further advantage of echium is that it is also a natural source of the omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Unlike most omega-6 fatty acids, GLA supports an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and promotes healthy skin.

Algal DHA, from the marine algae Schizochytrium sp., is an exceptional source of DHA. Unlike land plants, certain aquatic species have the ability to synthesize the omega-3 DHA. The DHA content in most fish originates from the consumption of algae; therefore, the DHA present in NutraVege is identical to that found in fish.

Ingredients
echium oil (Echium plantagineum), algal oil (Schizochytrium sp.) medium chain triglycerides, high oleic sunflower oil, all natural flavouring, lecithin (from sunflower oil), green tea extract, natural tocopherols (derived from non-GMO soy), ascorbyl palmitate, rosemary extract

Check out this comparison of NutraVege vs.  flax seed oil here. NutraVege exceeds the recommended dose of EPA+DHA (500 mg). Plus NutraVege includes the beneficial omega-6 GLA that flax doesn’t have.

I’m thrilled about this!  I still need to purchase it (I wanted to read about it before we picked it up). We’ll buy it early next week and then will hide it in his shakes and on his GF toast (like we’ve been doing with the flax seed oil). Will let you know how it goes!

February 19, 2012 – We gave Moses about a teaspoon of Nutrevege and so far so good (i.e., he doesn’t seem to be allergic to it). He didn’t like the taste (even though it’s quite palatable — my husband says that it tastes like bubblegum, although it’s citrus flavoured). We chased it with pineapple juice.