Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
Understanding Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal and necessary immune response. It becomes a topic of nutritional interest when it persists at a low level over long periods rather than resolving.
Dietary fats are one influence on this process, because the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet affects the balance of signalling molecules the body produces. Many modern Indian diets are high in omega-6 from refined cooking oils and low in omega-3, although detailed Indian intake data are limited.
This is where plant-based omega-3 becomes relevant, and why Omegaco by Excelgenics uses cold-pressed flaxseed oil.
What Influences the Balance
Factors commonly associated with a less favourable omega ratio include:
- High omega-6 intake from refined oils and processed foods
- Diets low in flaxseed, chia, walnuts and leafy greens
- Little or no fish, and therefore no direct source of EPA and DHA
Why Omega-3 Intake Matters
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce. It is involved in:
- Cell membrane structure and fluidity
- Normal cell signalling
- The production of longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, at limited conversion rates (reported below 15%)
- The maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, at a daily intake of about 2 g of ALA
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in normal immune and inflammatory signalling has been extensively reviewed (Calder PC. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology? Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013). That review focuses on the marine omega-3s EPA and DHA; evidence for ALA alone is more limited.
Why Flaxseed for Daily Use
Compared with fish oil, flaxseed-based omega-3 is:
- Entirely plant-based, with no marine pollutant concerns such as mercury
- Free of fishy aftertaste and generally well tolerated, though it can cause bloating or loose stools in some people
- Suitable for vegetarian diets
- A source of ALA rather than EPA and DHA, which is the main trade-off
Flaxseed lignans stay with the seed rather than the oil, so flaxseed oil is not a meaningful lignan source.
Omegaco by Excelgenics
- 560 mg of cold-pressed flaxseed oil per capsule (an estimated ~300 mg of ALA)
- Plant-based vegetarian capsule
- No fish derivatives and no preservatives
- One capsule daily with a meal containing healthy fats
- Made under an FSSAI licence
Omegaco contains no EPA or DHA, and its ALA is roughly a quarter of the adequate intake for adult women.
Who Might Consider Omegaco
- Vegetarians and vegans seeking a plant omega-3 source
- Anyone whose diet is high in refined cooking oils and low in omega-3 foods
- Adults looking to improve the omega balance of their diet
If you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, consult your doctor before taking any omega-3 supplement. Avoid flaxseed oil in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it.
A Dietary Adjustment, Not a Treatment
You cannot eliminate stress or pollution. What you can do is attend to the fatty acid composition of your diet, one of the more modifiable parts of everyday nutrition. A long-term inflammatory condition needs medical care, not a supplement.
References
- Calder PC. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2013;75(3):645–662. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04374.x
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Lignans. lpi.oregonstate.edu
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, authorised health claim for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). eur-lex.europa.eu
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil. nccih.nih.gov
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Food supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.
