Nature’s Bounty rolls out algae-based omega-3 supplement across US retail

Nature’s Bounty introduces its Plant-Based Omega-3 dietary supplement, a vegetarian alternative to traditional fish oil made from algae rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The product features 1,000 mg of vegetarian algae oil to support claims for heart, joint and skin health.

It is available at major US retailers, including Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, Publix and Kroger.

“Many people don’t realize that fish are rich sources of omega-3s because of the algae in their food chain. We went straight to the source — algae — to develop our new Plant-Based Omega-3 supplement to support consumers who prefer a vegetarian diet or plant-based ingredients,” says Donna Olufade, director of marketing at Nature’s Bounty.

The brand highlights that one daily Nature’s Bounty’s Plant-Based Omega-3 softgel contains 520 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids with 510 mg of EPA and DHA to promote heart, skin and joint health.

Nature’s Bounty cites supportive but not conclusive research showing that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Expanding omega-3 space

Omega-3 supplements based on fish oil have historically come under fire against claims of rancidity and inaccurate labeling, which has driven up activity in plant-based alternatives. This has elicited responses directly from industry.

In 2022, GOED, which represents the global EPA and DHA omega-3 sector, responded to an analysis from independent supplement tester Labdoor, which claimed to identify swathes of US offerings that had inaccurate labels and measurable amounts of mercury and oxidation issues.

Nutrition Insight will be hosting a webinar on January 16, 2025, showcasing dsm-firmenich’s latest omega-3 innovation based on research by NASA to further study the use of algae for food and oxygen supply in space. “Going directly to microalgae rather than fish oil makes no difference to the clinical benefits, but the ecological benefits are huge,” highlights the supplier.

In another webinar hosted recently, Innova Market Insights showcased the latest developments in the omega-3 market, while Aker Biomarine and dsm-firmenich shared an overview of scientific research backing algae and krill as two effective alternatives to fish oil. Sirio also presented the latest advancements in softgel technologies as an ideal carrier for omega-3 formulations.