Our Omega-3s are on hold: here’s what to take while we wait

While we’ve been hard at work redesigning an Omega-3 for you from the ground-up, we unfortunately experienced another production delay for our Omega-3. COVID-19 has caused long lead times for ingredients and has significantly restricted production shifts this year. This has created quite a challenge in getting our custom-formulated products ready for you.

But our primary purpose is to nourish and educate mamas and mama’s to be, and no matter what production delays we’re faced with, Omega-3 is still a critical nutrient before, during, and after pregnancy. Up to 95%+ of women are deficient in Omega-3. And, supplementing with Omega-3 supports everything from your fertility and hormone balance, to building baby’s brain, and to supporting your recovery postpartum. 

Since Omega-3 is so critical, we want to make sure your Omega-3 needs are met while you wait for ours. So, below we summarize what to look for in a prenatal and postnatal Omega-3 supplement as well as our practitioner partners’ 6 favorite current alternatives. And soon enough, ours will be back in stock. We promise, it’s worth the wait!

What to look for in a prenatal and postnatal Omega-3 supplement:

• Make sure to get both DHA and EPA. Many prenatal products will include just DHA. However, EPA also provides important benefits for before, during, and after pregnancy, including ensuring that DHA is properly carried across the placenta. ALA, the form of Omega-3 found in chia and flax seeds, is another common source--but it is not a suitable replacement for DHA and EPA. ALA needs to be converted in the body into DHA and EPA to be usable, and this conversion process is highly inefficient (some mamas convert it at less than 1%).
• Our Omega-3 powder is dosed at 450mg because it is carried in liposomes which support 5x better absorption than a standard pill. In capsule form, 450mg is really the bare minimum dosage we would recommend, as it can be difficult to absorb the full amount of Omega-3 in a capsule (unlike our liposomal Omega-3 powder which is 95-100% absorbed). For this reason, we recommend dosing closer to 1,000mg of DHA+EPA when in a capsule form.
• We prefer the triglyceride form of Omega-3 over the ethyl ester form, which is more commonly used because it is cheaper to produce. The triglyceride form is better absorbed, and consistent with the types of fats your body is used to absorbing.

2. Includes a sustainable source of DHA and EPA

• We prefer algae where possible. Fish actually bioaccumulate their Omega-3 from consuming algae, the original source of DHA and EPA. Algae-based Omega-3 often offers a more sustainable and clean (free of microplastics and heavy metals) alternative to fish oil.

3. Processed and packaged to reduce oxidation

• Omega-3 is very sensitive to spoilage from oxidation (particularly a concern in pregnancy/postpartum). For this reason, it is very important to purchase Omega-3 from a reputable company that takes steps to manage degradation, such as packaging Omega-3 separately from the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients typically found in a prenatal multi. The reason? Mixing Omega-3 in a capsule with other nutrients makes oxidation/degradation more likely to occur. Our Omega-3 powder is protected from oxidation by 1) being carried in liposomes and 2) by being packaged in single serve packets. Make sure to read the label on whatever you buy - some require refrigeration to prevent oxidation and some do not.

4. Palatable enough for daily consumption

• Omega-3 can be potent tasting/smelling, whether in algae or fish oil form! Despite this, it is so important that you take it every day (another benefit of our liposomal form-natural protection of Omega-3 from interacting with your taste buds).

• When possible, we recommend purchasing directly from the supplier, or from a reputable site like Fullscript.com. It is important that Omega-3 is properly stored and shipped to avoid oxidation (our liposomal form provides natural protection, but even still we take care to ensure it is properly stored and shipped). Third-party sites generally do not take the same precautions.

Our 5 favorite alternatives

1. Nordic Naturals Algae Omega

What we like

• Nordic Naturals is a highly integrous, quality company 
• 585 mg DHA + EPA per serving 
• The Omega-3 is sourced from algae
• It’s available from many retailers

Things to keep in mind

• Many mamas will need to double-up on their recommended dosage, as capsules are less well absorbed than our liposomal powder form
• Soft gel capsules could have cleaner ingredients

2. Nordic Naturals ProOmega 2000 and ProOmega Liquid

What we like

• Nordic Naturals is a highly integrous, quality company 
• 2,000+mg of DHA + EPA per serving
• Though the capsules are big, the lemon flavor can help with palatability. The liquid can be easier to swallow, but the taste isn't for everyone

Things to keep in mind

• The Omega-3 is sourced from fish oil, not algae (not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, or those with fish allergies)
• For the liquid version, make sure to fully seal the bottle and refrigerate after use  
• These products are less readily available than the non-practitioner grade products and often needs to be purchased through a practitioner or practitioner dispensary like Fullscript.com

3. OmegAvail™ Citrus Sorbet Smoothie

What we like

• Designs for Health is a highly integrous, quality company 

• For many, Omega-3 soft gels just aren’t a palatable option, so it's great to have a tolerable liquid alternative
• The Omega-3 has been emulsified into smaller molecules, which enhances absorption and eases digestion (though to a lesser extent than our Omega-3 liposomal powder)
• 1,500mg DHA + EPA per serving

Things to keep in mind

• This product is less readily available than the non-practitioner grade products and often needs to be purchased through a practitioner or practitioner dispensary like Fullscript.com
• The taste is not for everyone  

4. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

What we like

• Nordic Naturals is a highly integrous, quality company 
• Despite the name, the fish oil version has 685mg DHA + EPA per serving (Please note that the algae version, Vegan Prenatal DHA, is DHA only)
• Strawberry and unflavored versions
• It’s available from many retailers

Things to keep in mind

• The Omega-3 is sourced from fish oil, not algae (not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, or those with fish allergies)
• The dosage may be too low for some mamas, as Omega-3 is less well-absorbed in capsule form

5. Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil

What we like

• Rosita is a small and well-regarded family company that catches and cold-processes their own fish
• 1,293 mg DHA + EPA per serving 
• It is contained in a nitrogen-flushed, oxygen-free glass bottle with a small amount of rosemary extract and Vitamin E to protect the oil’s nutrients from oxidation and degradation
• Each batch is 3rd-party tested to meet strict European regulations for potency and purity (including heavy metals testing)

Things to keep in mind

• The Omega-3 is sourced from fish oil, not algae (not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, or those with fish allergies)
• The taste is not for everyone
• Fresh fresh cod liver oil also contains naturally-occurring Active Vitamin A and Vitamin D3
• It is also available in a soft gel, but with lower total Omega-3s per dose
• Requires refrigeration 

6. Vital Choice Wild Sockeye Salmon Oil

What we like

• Vital Choice is a highly integrous, quality company 
• Salmon is a more appealing option to some than many other fish oils made from anchovies, pollock, and sardines
• 440mg DHA + EPA
• Lemon and unflavored versions are large but easy to swallow
• It’s available online without a practitioner 

Things to keep in mind

• The Omega-3 is sourced from fish oil, not algae (not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, or those with fish allergies)