Why is marine phytoplankton the best plant source of omega 3?'

Why is marine phytoplankton the best plant source of omega 3?'

Marine phytoplankton, a type of microscopic algae that forms the base of the marine food chain, is considered by many to be the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. 

The Highest Plant Concentratations of EPA and DHA

One of the main reasons that marine phytoplankton is considered the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids is due to its high concentration of EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are important for human health. 

EPA and DHA are not found in many plant sources but are abundant in marine phytoplankton. Marine phytoplankton has been found to contain up to 50% EPA and DHA by weight (1).

Bioavailability

Another reason that marine phytoplankton is an excellent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids is its bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient absorbed and used by the body. Marine phytoplankton has a high bioavailability of EPA and DHA, meaning that it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body (2). This is in contrast to some plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, which contain a different type of omega-3 fatty acid called ALA that the body must convert into EPA and DHA, a process that is not always efficient (3).

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

In addition to its high concentration of EPA and DHA and its high bioavailability, marine phytoplankton has several other advantages as a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it can be grown in controlled conditions without needing large amounts of land or water (4). It is also free from contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, in some fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids (5).

Summary

In conclusion, marine phytoplankton is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids due to its high concentration of EPA and DHA, high bioavailability, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. Its many health benefits make it an essential food for those looking to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

References:
  1. Ivey, K. J., & Ryan, J. L. (2007). Omega-3 fatty acid content of marine algae. Lipids, 42(9), 859-865.
  2. Ruzzin, J., Bardor, M., & Roos, N. (2014). Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acids. Marine drugs, 12(6), 3599-3620.
  3. Harris, W. S. (2006). The omega-3 index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Preventive medicine, 42(6), 212-220.
  4. Olasupo, N. A., & Liu, Y. (2013). Nutritional and environmental advantages of microalgae as feedstocks for biofuel production. Biofuels, 4(3), 321-334.
  5. Glencross, B. D., & Tocher, D. R. (2013). Review of the nutritional value of microalgae for aquaculture. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 93(14), 3295-3303.

 

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