Omega 3 is far from a buzzword! Omega 3 fatty acids are natural “healthy fats” that have been proven to support wellness and vitality. It’s no surprise that consumers are hungry for a high quality omega 3 supplement. However, you may be unsure about how to bring your formulation to life if you’re ready to enter this space.
Here at Icelandirect, we’ve helped countless brands launch their own top-selling omega 3 fish oil supplement products using our private-label manufacturing services. What makes our supplement manufacturing unique is that we’ll walk you through the process of choosing between the different types of omega 3 when formulating your high quality omega 3 supplement. While fish oil and omega 3 are often used interchangeably, our team of supplement experts will explain the subtle differences found among different sources of omega 3s.
Icelandirect offers private-label manufacturing for a high quality omega 3 supplement using different types of omega 3. While many supplement manufacturers make vague promises or claims about their practices for using different types of omega 3, we offer full transparency about the quality control and production methods used at our state-of-the-art production facilities located in New Jersey. We offer everything from traditional pills to tasty gummies. Yes, we’re even a private-label manufacturer of pet supplements.
If you’re ready to dive into this growing segment of the supplement market, the first step is learning about the different types of omega 3 out there. This quick guide will clear up any confusion you have about which options are best for creating your own omega 3 supplements offering the benefits today’s consumers are looking for when browsing the shelves.
What Is Omega 3?
Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are responsible for some pretty important functions throughout the body. Nutritionists and doctors call them “good fats.” What makes omega 3 fatty acids so important in the supplement world compared to many other vitamins and minerals is that the human body cannot produce them on its own in a significant way. That means that we need to get omega 3 fatty acids exclusively from the foods that we eat. Omega 3 is so essential that the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week.
With life being busier than ever, most people don’t get the variety needed in their diets to actually get sufficient levels of different types of omega 3. This is why sales for omega 3 fatty acid supplements are through the roof!
What do omega 3 fatty acids do in the body? They are vital components of our cell membranes. In fact, they help to provide structure and support to our cells as they send crucial messages back and forth. In addition, they help to provide the body with crucial energy needed to support various systems. This includes:
Brain
Eyes
Endocrine system
Cardiovascular system
There’s also strong evidence that omega 3 fatty acids help to protect against a variety of diseases and conditions. This includes breast cancer, heart attack, and various inflammatory diseases. Many studies also credit omega 3 fatty acids with benefits for mood and cognition. For this reason, it is used as a holistic option for treating depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a variety of mood disorders. Of course, many people simply find that taking fish oil supplements with omega 3 fatty acid helps them to enjoy higher energy, improved brain clarity, and a better quality of life.
Next, take a look at the different types of omega 3 supplements. There’s truly an omega 3 option for everyone seeking natural health and wellness from this “wonder fat.”
Types of Omega-3
DHA
Also known as docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is considered by many to be the most important omega-3 fatty acid required by the body. It is enjoyed abundantly in cold-water, fatty fish among people who consume seafood. For vegetarians, seaweed can be a good source of DHA. Of course, many people around the world get the bulk of their DHA from omega 3 supplements. According to data from Mount Sinai, research confirms that DHA can provide benefits for people with:
ADHD
Depression
Heart disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Menstrual pain
Raynaud syndrome
Lupus
Expectant mothers are often advised to take DHA with their prenatal vitamins due to the fact that DHA plays such a crucial role in the healthy development of the brain, heart, eyes, and central nervous system. While DHA is considered crucial for healthy growth, development, and function, it doesn’t necessarily stand alone. Next up is something called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that is considered the companion to DHA among the different types of omega 3.
EPA
Found alongside DHA in fatty fish, EPA is a powerful fatty acid that actually helps to prevent excessive blood clotting. Researchers also credit EPA with helping to naturally reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. Like DHA, it is often prescribed holistically to treat heart disease and depression.
ALA
Known formally as alpha-linolenic acid, ALA is actually the “easiest” omega 3 to get simply because it is derived from plant-based sources. For this reason, vegetarians and vegans will often consume ALA instead of taking omega 3 fish oil supplements. ALA’s main job is to provide the body with energy. It also has strong antioxidant properties that protect the body against oxidative stress. Like DHA and EPA, ALA also plays a role in the healthy development of the body.
What Makes a High Quality Omega 3 Supplement?
Generally, a high-end omega 3 fish oil supplement is one that contains at least two different types of omega 3. DHA and EPA are usually paired together by supplement manufacturers because they work together to enhance benefits for stopping inflammation and reducing risks for chronic disease.
When looking to create an omega 3 fish oil supplement that doesn’t contain different types of omega 3, DHA is the sole omega 3 to focus on because it’s the one that consumers are generally shopping for when they are searching for omega 3 products. While it’s possible to create a “complete” formula with an omega 3 fish oil supplement, it’s important to highlight the fact that ALA is not technically a type of fish oil. However, it can be derived from aquatic plants that do share some of the characteristics of genuine fish oils. ALA can also be derived from nuts, seeds, flax, soy, and common oils.
Finally, it’s important to create a very palatable, easily digestible supplement whether you’re combining different types of omega 3 or focusing on one. Emulsion is generally needed to blend the fish oil or source of omega 3 with an emulsifying agent. When fish oil supplements containing different types of omega 3 aren’t emulsified, you end up with separation that makes a product unappealing for a number of reasons.
The biggest reason why emulsion is needed with all different types of omega 3 is that the body cannot easily digest these fatty acids in their natural state. In fact, the body will activate its own emulsion process if a manufacturer doesn’t do it ahead of time. In response to the natural oiliness of omega 3s, the body’s digestive system will work overtime to break down fats. This is where the nausea, fish burps, and overall unpleasant digestive feelings that are associated with low-quality fish oil products come from.
Final Thoughts on Using the Different Types of Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Create a High Quality Omega 3 Supplement
As you can see, the different types of omega 3 make it necessary to be very intentional about formulation when trying to create your own omega 3 fish oil supplement. Icelandirect is your partner in creating a high quality omega 3 supplement that’s ideal for both retail and direct sales. As a leading bulk private-label omega 3 fish oil supplement manufacturer, we’re capable of customizing your product to meet your brand’s unique market positioning.
The reality of the supplement market is that consumers are looking for products that help them to feel their best. When you market your product as a high quality omega 3 supplement without putting the work into creating the correct formulation with a palatable, pleasant taste, consumers won’t be coming back for more. Let USA-based Icelandirect create a burp-free omega 3 fish oil supplement for you! Contact us today!