How does the dose response of Algal Oil compare with Fish Oil and Krill Oil among GrassrootsHealth participants?

Published on July 30, 2020

In a previous blog, we compared the EPA+DHA intake requirement to achieve an Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher, the optimal level for health, for fish and krill oil supplements. Today we took a look how the preliminary dose response among algal oil users compares to users of fish oil or krill oil supplements.

Dose response for fish oil vs. krill oil vs. algal oil supplement users

The chart below shows the daily amount of EPA+DHA intake from supplements by Omega-3 Index for GrassrootsHealth participants taking only fish oil supplements, those taking only krill oil supplements, and those taking only algal oil supplements. We found that 1,220 mg/day of EPA+DHA from fish oil, 1,040 mg/day of EPA+DHA from algal oil, and 820 mg/day from krill oil was needed for 50% of the population to achieve an Omega-3 Index of 8%.

Click to Download & Print

This analysis indicates that algal oil may be more effective than fish oil, but less effective than krill oil at raising Omega-3 Index levels since the steepness of the dose-response line for algal oil users was in between fish oil users and krill oil users. However, there were very few participants using only algal oil so more participants are needed to validate this preliminary finding.

Importance of Testing Your Omega-3 Index

It is important to point out that these intake amounts are averages and there is a large amount of variability in the omega-3 status for different people with the same intake amount. For example, our initial analysis showed that the range of response with 1000 mg of EPA+DHA per day was 5.7% to 10.2%. This large amount of variability is similar to what we have observed for vitamin D. Therefore, we recommend that individuals measure their Omega-3 Index and determine a personalized dose. Check out our Omega-3 calculator to help you determine the estimated dose needed for you to reach your desired Omega-3 Index.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D and Omega-3s?

Do you know what your vitamin D level and Omega-3 Index are? Be sure to test today to find out, and take steps to keep your vitamin D within a target of 40-60 ng/ml or 100-150 nmol/L and your Omega-3 Index at 8 or higher!

Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your essential elements magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium, toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as your omega-3 levels, inflammation levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Find out your levels today! Log on to the test selection page (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your levels can be improved.

Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!

How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?

To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth has created the Personal Health Nutrient Decision System called

For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!

How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!

STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health

STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study

STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there

STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)

Enroll in D*action and Build Your Custom Test Kit!