Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, and intake can be low on vegetarian and vegan diets because the richest sources are marine. Omegaco by Excelgenics provides cold-pressed flaxseed oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant omega-3 the body cannot make for itself.
Why ALA Is Essential
ALA must come from the diet. Flaxseed oil is one of the richest plant sources: one tablespoon provides about 7.3 g of ALA. 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 the longer-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA (reported rates are below 15%), and conversion varies between individuals. Omegaco contains ALA only; it does not contain EPA or DHA, so research on fish oil does not apply to it.
How ALA Works in the Body
ALA is incorporated into cell membranes and is involved in normal cell signalling. In Europe, ALA is authorised to be described as contributing to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, with the beneficial effect obtained from a daily intake of 2 g of ALA. One Omegaco capsule provides an estimated 300 mg.
The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 in the diet also matters, because ALA and the omega-6 linoleic acid compete for the same enzymes. Many common cooking oils, such as sunflower and safflower oil, are rich in linoleic acid and contain little ALA.
Why Flaxseed Oil in Omegaco
Omegaco uses cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Each capsule contains 560 mg of flaxseed oil (an estimated 300 mg of ALA) in a plant-based vegetarian capsule, with no preservatives and no fish derivatives.
It suits people who prefer to avoid fish products. The lignans in whole flaxseed largely stay in the seed, so the oil is not a meaningful source of them.
What Omegaco Provides
- A plant-based source of ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid
- About a fifth to a quarter of the adult adequate intake of ALA per capsule (estimated)
- A vegetarian alternative to fish-derived omega-3 products, without EPA or DHA
Who Might Consider It
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.
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 complements, rather than replaces, 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
- 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
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Lignans. lpi.oregonstate.edu
- 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.
