Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that the human body cannot make and must obtain from the diet. Omegaco by Excelgenics provides ALA from cold-pressed flaxseed oil, suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Why ALA Is Considered Essential
The richest food sources are a narrow set: flaxseed, chia, walnuts and oils such as flaxseed, canola and soybean. The US adequate intake is 1.1 g a day for adult women and 1.6 g for men.
The body converts only a small proportion of ALA into EPA and DHA (below 15%). Omegaco contains no EPA or DHA, so fish-oil findings do not apply to it.
ALA and Cardiovascular Wellness: What the Research Says
In Europe, ALA is authorised to be described as contributing to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, with the effect obtained from 2 g of ALA a day from the whole diet. One Omegaco capsule provides an estimated 300 mg of ALA.
A 2012 meta-analysis of 27 observational studies (about 251,000 people) found that higher dietary ALA intake was associated with a moderately lower risk of cardiovascular disease (relative risk 0.90). This shows an association, not cause and effect, and does not show that an ALA supplement reduces risk.
How ALA Works in the Body
ALA is incorporated into cell membranes and is involved in normal cell signalling. ALA and the omega-6 fat linoleic acid compete for the same enzymes, so the balance of these fats in the diet influences which signalling molecules the body makes.
Many common cooking oils, such as sunflower and safflower, are rich in linoleic acid and low in ALA.
Omegaco: Formulation
Omegaco contains 560 mg of cold-pressed flaxseed oil per capsule (an estimated 300 mg of ALA) in a plant-based vegetarian capsule, with no preservatives and no fish derivatives. It has no fishy aftertaste.
Who Might Consider Omegaco
Omegaco is intended for adults on vegetarian or vegan diets and anyone whose diet contains little flaxseed, chia or walnuts. Take one capsule daily with a meal containing healthy fats.
Flaxseed oil may add to the effect of blood-thinning (anticoagulant or antiplatelet) medicines, so speak to your doctor first if you take them. Larger amounts can cause bloating or loose stools. Avoid use in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it. If you have a heart condition or high cholesterol, follow your doctor's advice.
In Summary
Omegaco provides ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, from cold-pressed flaxseed oil in a plant-based capsule. It is made under an FSSAI licence and is intended to complement a balanced diet.
References
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
- Pan A, Chen M, Chowdhury R, et al. α-Linolenic acid and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;96(6):1262–1273. doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.044040
- Burdge GC, Calder PC. Conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults. Reprod Nutr Dev. 2005;45(5):581–597. doi:10.1051/rnd:2005047
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, list of permitted health claims (alpha-linolenic acid). 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.
