Nutra Vege Omega-3 Plant (Zesty Lemon) - 200ml

NutraVege - High potency DHA, GLA & SDA vegetarian supplement!

Nature's highest potency and most complete vegetarian omega-3 supplement. NutraVege's unique formulation combines echium oil and algal DHA, creating a high potency vegetarian omega-3 supplement with health benefits similar to those of fish oil.

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.

GLA
Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega 6 essential fatty acid. "Essential" means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. Your body uses GLA to produce hormone-like substances (eicosanoids) that support cardiovascular health. GLA also helps maintain cholesterol levels because healthy fats build HDL cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. By decreasing fatty build-up on arteries it helps to regulate blood pressure. GLA reduces the production of an inflammatory compound called arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid causes pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.

GLA helps to make the sheath (myelin) that surrounds the nerves that conduct messages from the brain to the muscles and organs of your body, performing a similar function to the insulation sheathing of electrical wires. If this protective sheath degenerates (as in MS), a "shorting out" of the message that the nerve is carrying occurs. Since healthy fats play a large role in hormone formation, borage oil can thus help optimize hormone levels in both men and women. GLA supplements are used to treat atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, arthritis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, PMS, menopausal discomforts, multiple sclerosis and liver cirrhosis.

The best-known natural sources are borage seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil and evening primrose oil. Of these, borage seed oil contains a significantly higher concentration of GLA and is, therefore, a preferred supplement. Evening primrose oil promotes estrogen production and so should not be used by those whom sufferers with estrogen receptor positive tumours. Use black currant seed oil instead.

Ensure your GLA supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid GLA supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid.

DHA
Docosahexanoic acid is an omega 3 essential fatty acid. It is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development. Supplementation of DHA is especially important in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children. Some infant formulas are now fortified with DHA because, in the past, formula has contained less essential fatty acids than breast milk.

DHA can be taken in through the diet by eating fish or fish oil. The body can also convert alpha linolenic acid (ALA), from vegetable sources like flaxseeds, into DHA. However, the standard North American diet is deficient in essential fatty acids, especially omega 3s and very few individuals have enough excess ALA to meet the body's need for DHA. Supplemental DHA is usually made from tuna, salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines. These fish contain more omega 3 rich fat than other fish species. Cod liver and halibut liver oils also contain some omega 3s but are primarily used for their vitamin A and D content. Some newer fish liver oils have been fortified with DHA and may be an economical choice for those individuals taking both DHA and liver oils.

DHA supplements are found as liquid oil (processed to remove the fishy taste), soft gel chewable (flavoured) and standard soft gel capsules. Children favour DHA liquids and flavoured soft gel chewables. Fish liver oil supplements should be used cautiously in children, pregnant and nursing women because of the toxicity of fat-soluble vitamins.

Ensure your fish oil supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. It is important to purchase a good quality DHA supplement that has been tested for contaminants. Refrigerate all liquid DHA supplements and keep capsules away from heat to increase shelf life. Using liquid DHA is much more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil.