I have a lot of clients that ask me about the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and what they are exactly. As a dietitian, I believe strongly in this important supplement. Omega 3 fatty acids (there are eight of them in total) are essentially building blocks for our cell membranes. When you have an adequate supply of omega 3s in the body, they will promote the flow of nutrients into the cells with the removal of waste out of the cells. Also, omega 3s interact with various hormones and molecules in the body for optimal balance.
Unfortunately, our bodies cannot make omega 3s on its own, so we have to acquire them through our diet. Foods like salmon, broccoli, spinach, nuts, tuna and avocado are adequate sources, but most people don’t get enough from diet alone. This is when supplementation comes into play. This article is going to take a look at a product called Calgee Omega 3. What’s unique about this product is that it is plant-based. If you’re following a vegan diet, you don’t have to worry about the consumption of omega 3s from fish sources, which is pretty common. This is an algae-oil product that provides an exceptional number of benefits (which we’ll talk about later).
Speedy Summary of Calgee Vegan Omega-3 Review
| Supplement: | Calgee Vegan Omega-3 |
| Active Vegan Ingredient: | Algae Oil (Fish-Free), Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA |
| Best For: | Improved heart health, improved eye health |
| Best Alternatives: | Future Kind Vegan Omega-3, Fatty15, 1st Phorm Full Mega, Primal Omega-3 |
| Pricing / Purchase Options: | One-time purchase: $28, Subscribe and Save: $24 per month, available at calgee.com and amazon |
| Average Customer Rating: | 4.9/5 on official website (over 60 reviews), 4.6/5 at amazon (over 50 ratings) |
| GW Rating: | 4.5/5 |
Calgee Vegan Omega-3
Product Overview of Calgee Vegan Omega-3
I’ve mentioned how fish is a great source of omega 3, but fish don’t produce it on their own either. They actually obtain their omega 3s by eating algae that is rich in it. By eliminating the middle source, Calgee has been able to develop a product that contains more than 85 percent EPA and DHA fatty acids than an omega supplement which uses fish oil as its active ingredient. Not to mention, you don’t have to deal with a potential fishy aftertaste.
Calgee Vegan Omega-3 utilizes non-GMO microalgae that is harvested using a controlled, indoor fermenting process. It’s a chemical-free process that only uses water for extraction. The end result is a very high-quality product that is pure and beneficial. Third-party testing is used to confirm these standards.
We require omega 3 for a number of bodily functions, and Calgee Vegan Omega 3 plays a very important part in heart health, brain health, mood and the body’s immune response. You can even improve the quality of your sleep at night with the regular use of this product.
Pros
- Improves overall brain function
- Reduces your risk of heart disease
- Reduces inflammation in your joints
- Promotes clear skin
- Supports a proper immune response
- Completely vegan friendly
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Some people report minimal GI distress when first starting an omega supplement. This can include nausea, gas or bloating.
- According to recommendations made by The American Dietetic Association, the daily dose of DHA and EPA that you receive from this product is a little low. It’s recommended that you consume 500 milligrams per day. This product provides 450 milligrams.
Claimed Benefits of Calgee Vegan Omega-3
You may have a specific health concern in mind that has motivated you to start taking a vegan omega 3 supplement. However, there are many benefits that Calgee claims you can accomplish with their vegan omega 3.
Improved Heart Health
Omega 3s are beneficial for your heart and blood vessels in a number of ways. They have the ability to reduce triglycerides, which is a type of fat that is in your blood. Omega 3s can also reduce the risk of developing an arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. You can use an omega supplement to lower your blood pressure and slow the buildup of plaque, which can reduce your risk of stroke.
Immunity Booster
A number of studies have determined that supplementing Omega 3 can increase the activation and number of T-cells that are present within the body. T-cells are white blood cells that help the body fight infection and disease. Omega 3s can also decrease inflammation in the body, which is important for overall health and immune function.
Improved Joint Mobility and Reduces Inflammation
There are a number of ways that you can maintain healthy joints. Omega 3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation thanks to their EPA and DHA components. They also reduce inflammation in the cartilage cell structure, which is a big part of our joints. By decreasing enzymes that cause inflammation, omega 3 can prevent joint stiffness, tender joints, pain and swollen joints.
Brain Function Improvement
Omega 3 fatty acids can help the brain age at a much slower pace. This will protect things like cognitive function and memory as time goes on. Studies have shown that low levels of omegas in the body can increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Calgee Omega 3 provides optimal brain health protection in each dose.
Improved Eye Health
Omega-3 fatty acids from algae oil (or fish oil) can protect the function and structure of eye tissue. DHA specifically is necessary for the development and function of the cells in the eyes. During pregnancy, omega 3 supplementation can promote a mature eye system. It can also decrease inflammation in patients taking an adequate dose, reducing the effects of dry eyes, eye pain, redness and decreased tear production. As you age, omegas can protect your eyes from things like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Active Ingredient: Algae Oil (Fish-Free)
While you can get adequate omega 3 from a fish-based supplement, there are some substantial differences when you opt for an algae-sourced product. This is a more sustainable option that has a low impact on the environment. You also don’t run a risk of contamination like you do with fish. Many kinds of fish contain high levels of mercury and toxins which can get passed into a supplement. Lastly, people often complain of a fishy aftertaste when they’re using a fish-based omega. Calgee Omega 3 provides you with a clean and flavorless product that boosts your health overall.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Calgee Omega 3 supplement contains 550 milligrams of algae-sourced omega 3 fatty acids in each dose of product. With a high concentration of DHA and EPA, this supplement can protect your brain health, improve your joint health, boost your mood, decrease feelings of anxiety and boost your immune system.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that should be consumed regularly, in doses between 10 and 20 milligrams depending on gender and age. The daily requirements from the National Institute of Health are:
| Gender and Age | Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|
| Females (19-50 years of age): | 12 grams per day |
| Females (51 and older): | 11 grams per day |
| Males (19-50 years of age): | 17 grams per day |
| Males (51 and older): | 14 grams per day |
Forty milligrams of omega-6 fatty acids are included in each dose of Calgee Omega 3 as a complement to its omega 3 composition. Omega 6s can help control your cholesterol levels naturally, keep blood sugar levels under control to prevent diabetes and maintain bone health just to name a few.
EPA
EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid is most commonly found in animal products like fatty fish and fish oil. However, it’s also prevalent in microalgae, which is the basis of the Calgee product. EPA has a number of important roles inside of your body. Also, it can be converted into DHA if necessary. Calgee has included 150 milligrams in each dose.
DHA
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid is the single most important omega-3 fatty acid that is inside your body. It’s a main component of your brain, eyes, joints and other body parts. Animal sources like meat, eggs, fish and dairy contain high levels of DHA, along with algae as a plant source. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you should know that a DHA supplement is very important. Your diet is likely lacking. Calgee Omega 3 contains 300 milligrams of DHA in each serving (two capsules).
Safety and Side Effects
Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve dietary supplements such as Calgee Omega 3. However, this should still be considered a very safe supplement to use on a regular basis. Because it has been grown in an indoor closed environment facility in the U.S., this product is free from contaminants such as BMAAs. It is also safe for people with allergies to some of the most common allergens like nuts, soy and eggs.
Is Calgee Omega-3 Third-Party Tested?
Yes, Calgee utilizes third-party testing for their Omega 3 supplement. Tests that are conducted include fish allergens, crustacean allergens, heavy metal contamination (mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic) and a fatty acid analysis. You can view the company’s most recent certificate analysis right on their website.
Cost and Where to Buy
You can purchase Calgee Omega 3 for $28 for a one-time purchase. The price drops down to $24 when you subscribe for recurring deliveries. The company’s website is https://calgee.com/. You can also purchase it at amazon here.
Who Should Try Calgee Vegan Omega-3?
If you’re currently following a vegan diet and have been for quite some time, it’s important that you consider using an omega 3 supplement. It’s likely you’re deficient, and this may be having a substantial impact on your health without you even realizing it.
Separate from your diet, if you deal with conditions relating to the brain, heart, nervous system or mental health, an omega 3 supplement can make a big difference in your care. You can check with your doctor to make sure that this type of product is safe to use in your situation.
Who Shouldn’t?
While omega supplements are generally considered safe for most people, you should avoid a product of this type if you have been diagnosed with a blood disorder and are taking a blood thinning medication like aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel. If you have diabetes, an omega supplement may raise your fasting blood sugar level. Lastly, avoid an omega supplement if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients included in its composition. An algae allergy isn’t common, though there are plenty of people allergic to fish. You would want to opt for an algae-sourced product like Calgee Omega 3 if you fall into this category.
Alternatives Compared to Calgee Vegan Omega-3
If you’re looking for another option, these are some of the alternatives that I recommend using if you don’t think that Calgee Vegan Omega 3 is for you.
Fatty15
This science-backed product contains a patented and award-winning, C15:0 powder called FA15. There are 36 proven benefits that come with the use of this product, including cellular repair, protection against oxidative stress, better gut health, an increased immune response and joint protection to name a few. Fatty15 is also a vegan-friendly product that is completely free of fish. You’ll be able to sleep better at night, enjoy more energy and have clearer skin with the regular use of this supplement.
Future Kind Vegan Omega-3
Sustainably sourced vegan omega-3 from algae is the main ingredient in this supplement from Future Kind. It’s packed with potent and pure doses of DHA and EPA in a small tapioca-based soft gel that is easy to swallow. It has a natural orange taste to it, making it much more palatable than other fish-sourced omegas. Marketed for memory support, better mood and joint health, Future Kind Vegan Omega 3 is pollutant free and very safe.
Primal Omega 3
This premium omega 3 supplement from Primal Harvest is made with sustainably harvested Norwegian fish, so keep in mind that this isn’t a vegan-safe option. Each dose contains 1000 milligrams of essential DHA and EPA omega 3s. The brand does advertise that their soft gels are easy to swallow and don’t have any kind of fishy aftertaste. A well-rounded supplement that supports brain, skin, heart and whole-body health, I recommend Primal Harvest products to many of my clients as a registered dietitian.
1st Phorm Full Mega
1st Phorm’s Full-Mega is formulated with ample amounts of EPA and DHA that is sustainably sourced from fresh, cold water, wild caught Icelandic mackerel, herring, anchovies and sardines. Green technology is used to ensure Full-Mega is very high quality. This product is designed to control your inflammatory response as a result of physical activity so you can experience a faster recovery time. It also helps support cardiovascular health with 2500 milligrams of an omega 3 concentrate in each dose.
Ratings and Calgee Omega-3 Reviews
Calgee Omega 3 has a five out of five-star review listed on their website, with just over 60 reviews listed. Everyone that has reviewed the product is very happy with the results that they’ve experienced. It seems to be a very safe product that doesn’t really have any unwanted side effects. Many people are happy to finally have found a fish-free omega supplement that fits into their vegan lifestyle and beliefs. In my professional opinion, I always recommend that you look at the positive reviews for a product to really get an idea of what it’s all about.
Conclusion: Is Calgee Omega-3 Effective?
Whenever you’re dealing with a specific nutrient (or multiple nutrients) that the body needs to thrive, but you may be deficient because of your dietary choices, I recommend that you consider the use of a supplement. Based on its formulation and the reviews that are listed on the company’s website, I find this to be an effective and beneficial product. Of course, only you can decide if you experience results from using Calgee Omega 3, but it’s worth investing the time and money necessary to focus on optimal health using omega 3 supplementation.
