Affordable algal oil in 2:1 EPA to DHA ratio?

[Taranitar]

I take a high EPA fish oil for mental health, specifically in a 2:1 EPA to DHA ratio for the anti-inflammatory properties (dose of 1000mg EPA to 500mg DHA). I've been trying to find an angal oil that is in a similar ratio, and the only one I've managed to find is BrainMD Vegan Omega 3 Power. (won't link but it's on google)

The problem is I'm Australian and that'd cost over $100+/month and I just can't afford it. But every other algal oil supplement I've found is in the opposite omega ratio of higher DHA than EPA. Which I've read is still good for brain health, but is less anti-inflammatory. All the research I've read and every doctor recommendation is for specifically a 2:1 EPA to DHA ratio.

Does anyone know of a algal oil in that ratio, but is cheaper than the BrainMD one? It'd help me so much. This is the last non-vegan thing I'm consuming and it's bothering me alot that I can't find an affordable alternative, because I can't settle for a less effective supplement when my mental health is on the line.

Any help or advice would be great!

 

[Lou]

All the research I've read and every doctor recommendation is for specifically a 2:1 EPA to DHA ratio.

I'm not going to be able to answer your question specifically.
One of the points I'd like to make is that 2:1 ratio is not set in stone. (1)

I also think it's a good idea to remember is that our bodies convert ALA to DHA. (2)

But yeah, I realize that the conversion process is not something to rely on. But since there is some conversion - plus our various bodies needs - I would use that 2:1 ratio is more like a soft goal than a hard requirement.

I've has some lengthy discussions here on the Vegan Forum about Omega 3 supplements. (3), (4), (5), (6) .

Dr Greger recommends a combined DHA/EPA of 250. not sure where we got that - maybe a video.

The generally recommended maximum daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, from supplements is 5 grams (5,000 mg). While most experts recommend a daily intake of 250-500mg of EPA and DHA (7).

Finally, since you seem to primarily concerned with mental health and your wallet I think you might find a lot of benefit from just being more flexible. Don't worry be happy. @silva just buys whatever is cheapest. Lately I have just been buying Sapling (8). And most of us get our ALA from real foods (WFPB), like flax seed and walnuts.

---------------
1. -https://www.dhaomega3.org/faq/what-is-the-preferred-ratio-of-dha-epa-in-supplements#:~:text=Since%20mixtures%20of%20DHA/EPA,neuronal%20and%20visual%20functioning%2C%20respectively.
2. -https://www.nutriterraomega3.com/blog/benefits-ala-body-convert-ala-dha-epa
3. -https://www.veganforum.org/direct-messages/omega-3-supplements.4069/
4. -https://www.veganforum.org/threads/omega-3-supplements.3801/#post-511192
5. -https://www.veganforum.org/threads/am-i-missing-anything-crucial-nutrient-wise.18343/#post-505590
6. -https://www.veganforum.org/direct-messages/dha-epa.12126/
7.- How Much Omega-3 Should You Take per Day?
8. Vegan Omega-3

 

[Lou]

Oh, maybe a little on the pricey side....
I have been considering going with Complement. it's an all you need in one package solution. and about $30/ month. although they seem to have promotions pretty often with some big discounts. And it looks like it has the ratio you are looking for.

I haven't done it yet because it is sort of pricey. I should add up all my other supplements and see how much they cost per month.

Complement Essential - The Best Vegan Multivitamin for Plant-Based Eaters

A vegan multivitamin designed for plant-based eaters, which includes Vitamin B12, D3, K2, omega-3s DHA and EPA, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine.

lovecomplement.com

 

[silva]

I posted this on another thread, but it's esp. pertinent here:

@Taranitar I've been taking algae DHA/EPA for many years and find it helps my focus and attention span. I never knew the difference between DHA/EPA, the research I've seen just suggests that EPA is formulated from DHA. I've never seen supplements with higher EPA levels, in fact most are just DHA.
SInce you've had good results from what you've used, I strongly suggest you keep taking them. As time goes on you may find yourself in a better place to play around, but I wouldn't think of this as something keeping you from vegan qualifications. It isn't a contest-there are no vegan police .
There are many who insist on purity, but the reality is there are so many things to do that help animals and ethical standards without sacrificing your health
Years back I discovered, on my own, that I was deficient in vitamin D. I had debilitating pain in my feet and ankle bones, saw specialist, got scans. I found on line that my symptoms sounded like a deficiency so I insisted on a test for D. After a long supplementing of D3 (I had been taking D2) I got relief. I went years taking the typical D3 from lanolin up until recently when I switched to plant based D3. So far so good, but if my levels are going down when I test again I will go back.

You can't help others if your not ok yourself! It's like when you're on an airplane and the oxygen bags drop they tell you the first thing you do is to put one on yourself, then help others

 

[silva]

I'm not going to be able to answer your question specifically.
One of the points I'd like to make is that 2:1 ratio is not set in stone. (1)

I also think it's a good idea to remember is that our bodies convert ALA to DHA. (2)

But yeah, I realize that the conversion process is not something to rely on. But since there is some conversion - plus our various bodies needs - I would use that 2:1 ratio is more like a soft goal than a hard requirement.

I've has some lengthy discussions here on the Vegan Forum about Omega 3 supplements. (3), (4), (5), (6) .

Dr Greger recommends a combined DHA/EPA of 250. not sure where we got that - maybe a video.

The generally recommended maximum daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, from supplements is 5 grams (5,000 mg). While most experts recommend a daily intake of 250-500mg of EPA and DHA (7).

Finally, since you seem to primarily concerned with mental health and your wallet I think you might find a lot of benefit from just being more flexible. Don't worry be happy. @silva just buys whatever is cheapest. Lately I have just been buying Sapling (8). And most of us get our ALA from real foods (WFPB), like flax seed and walnuts.

---------------
1. -https://www.dhaomega3.org/faq/what-is-the-preferred-ratio-of-dha-epa-in-supplements#:~:text=Since%20mixtures%20of%20DHA/EPA,neuronal%20and%20visual%20functioning%2C%20respectively.
2. -https://www.nutriterraomega3.com/blog/benefits-ala-body-convert-ala-dha-epa
3. -https://www.veganforum.org/direct-messages/omega-3-supplements.4069/
4. -https://www.veganforum.org/threads/omega-3-supplements.3801/#post-511192
5. -https://www.veganforum.org/threads/am-i-missing-anything-crucial-nutrient-wise.18343/#post-505590
6. -https://www.veganforum.org/direct-messages/dha-epa.12126/
7.- How Much Omega-3 Should You Take per Day?
8. Vegan Omega-3

Taranitar is referencing a particular need.
While I haven't heard of those doses, I personally have experienced the benefits of DHA--and I'd been focused on consuming proper levels of ALA ratios most all my life. There was a period I followed Dr Greger s daily dozen like 99% perfect, and went through times of not having algae DHA. Even feeling the best in my life I found my brain impacted, and resolved after a few weeks back supplementing. I rely on combo 250-300 mg per Dr Greger. I'm now considering upping that. Not everyone can formulate from one type to another, so while Dr Greger says we can convert DHA to EPA, that may not be true for everyone

Complement is a multi, which I would always avoid. The serving size is 3 capsules, so it's really lacking in algae DHA.

Anyway---my recommendation for EVERYONE stating a vegan diet is to focus on few things before moving on to change others. If you've benefitted from an animal sourced product don't try and change that before adjusting to all the other changes
Like don't change all your personal products at once! I remember responding to a post where they were beside themselves with nasty hair that just never felt or looked clean after going vegan, and were ready to throw in the towel. I asked if they had changed their shampoo/conditioner because I had just tried vegan products that made my hair nasty (Natures Path!). Turned out, that was exactly what they had been using!!!

Worry about trying plant sourced products can wait, in the meantime focus on being stable with other changes.

Now I'm not saying fish oil is superior--it's likely that algae sourced is better, only that if they're doing well on one and having other challenges it may be best to wait to make the change

 

[silva]

Another example--I have to wear safety shoes, and have for years. I've retured more than I've kept, as I have problems with my feet and ankles, as well as sizing issues between feet. I've only found ones that were from leather to fit and function right for me. Has nothing to do with what they;'re made of, it's just that that's how it is. Every year I try again, but so far I wear what's right for me. You do your best, but losing my job because I can't function is not going to help anyone, and honestly, can you imagine the stories if I did?

 

[Lou]

Taranitar is referencing a particular need.
While I haven't heard of those doses, I personally have experienced the benefits of DHA--and I'd been focused on consuming proper levels of ALA ratios most all my life.

Right. I was only suggesting some flexibility in requirements.

Complement is a multi, which I would always avoid. The serving size is 3 capsules, so it's really lacking in algae DHA.

Yeah. according to directions you take one with each meal. three a day comes out to about $20 a month. and check my math but it seems to hit @Taranitar's specified ratio.
I think when I get a chance I'll figure out what my supplements cost me a month. If it's less than $20 a month I'll go and give complement a try. A couple of YouTube vegans I follow have been promoting it. (take that with a grain of salt)

Like don't change all your personal products at once!

Absolutely. that would be both wasteful and expensive. my advice would be just to replace things as you run out of the older items.

 

[silva]

Right. I was only suggesting some flexibility in requirements.

Yeah. according to directions you take one with each meal. three a day comes out to about $20 a month. and check my math but it seems to hit @Taranitar's specified ratio.
I think when I get a chance I'll figure out what my supplements cost me a month. If it's less than $20 a month I'll go and give complement a try. A couple of YouTube vegans I follow have been promoting it. (take that with a grain of salt)

Complement has 320 mg DHA and only 150 EPA in THREE capsules. They're looking for 2x the EPA than DHA.
I always look for brands that have a combined total of 250 to 300 mg in one capsule. I got a bottle of 180 Ovega-3 from Costco for $24 that's 210mg DHA and 70mg EPA per cap. Of course that's a great deal only if you have Costco!
There doesn't seem anything near the values of fish oil in algae. FIsh oils are higher in EPA. I feel like I've seen a dry formula algae that was higher and good price but don't see it now.
This really highlights how nice amazon is , I'm trying to avoid.

Amazon.com

As far as changing personal products I was meaning limiting changes make it easier to know what might be affecting you in a negative, or positive, way. Some people give up when it's just one thing they causes them to feel bad