What’s fishy about a fish oil supplement?

Happy World Fisheries Day everyone. Only, it isn't a day to celebrate. In fact, it is a day of mourning because millions of fish stand at the brink of extinction owing to extensive fishing and pollution of the oceans and seas. Before modern technology was introduced, fishing was carried out with baited hooks, inshore traps, and nets which ensured a limited catch and minimal wastage. However this started to turn around in the 1950′s when huge trawlers followed fish into the deepest and coldest waters leaving for them no place to hide, and vacuumed them right out, in large numbers. To this day, millions of fish are caught, including non commercial species and almost half of the catch is dumped because it is of no commercial use.

Other than being used as food, another reason behind this exploitation is fish oil. Fish oil is touted as a potent source of the Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, and is extracted from fishes like mackerel, tuna, salmon, anchovies, shark, and trout, amongst others, which are regarded as rich sources of this Omega-3 DHA. Omega-3 health supplements derived from fish oils have flooded the market and have found a place in the healthy eater's supplement list.

This is a myth. Fish; do not contain Omega-3 DHA. There is no fish in the world that contains Omega-3 DHA.

It is quite simple really. Micro algae thrive on sunlight and are naturally rich in Omega-3 DHA. Small fish like shrimp and krill feed on micro algae. Big fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna prey on small fish. These big fish are caught, cut, the bones are removed, and the oil is extracted. This fish oil may contain traces of lead, arsenic and mercury, which are very bad for health. The oil also contains traces of Omega-3 DHA, as it is part of the food chain. These traces do not meet the daily requirement to maintain a healthy brain, eyes, and heart. Also, this is not the true source of DHA.

As the fishing industry is well established, fish oil is cheap, and the fish oil supplement makers are laughing their way to the bank. Not to mention, the marine resources are depleting at an alarming rate.

So, how does one meet the daily requirement of Omega-3 DHA – which is free of cruelty to fish, is vegetarian, is pure, is directly from the source, and offers 400mg of pure DHA per serving.

Unived OVEGHA DHA MAX is sourced from pure vegetarian algal oil. It is pure, vegetarian, and power packed with DHA. It is India's first vegetarian Omega-3 supplement, and is encapsulated in certified vegetarian capsules. Each serving offers 400mg pure DHA and is an adequate amount required for the development and functionality of the brain, eyes, and heart.

Vegetarian Omega-3 DHA is a step further into preserving the ecological balance, and protecting fish from such exploitation. May be next year, 21st November will actually be celebrated as a Happy World Fisheries Day, with the fish swarming in oceans and seas, and the dolphins dancing on the backdrop of a setting sun.