Omega-3 fatty acids belong to the family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The best known include plant-based alpha-linolenic acid as well as EPA and DHA, which are found, for example, in oily sea fish.
The structure of cell membranes is particularly interesting, as their properties are influenced by the composition of different fatty acids. DHA is a component of membranes in nerve tissue and the retina, among other places. The EPA and DHA content can differ greatly between individual oils.
Vegetable oils contain different fatty acid patterns that depend largely on the respective plant species. The proportions of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are not the same in all oils.
Fatty acids are divided, among other things, according to the position of their double bonds into the omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 families. Certain vegetable oils also provide fat-accompanying compounds such as tocopherols or phytosterols. Extraction by pressing or solvent extraction influences the composition of the end product.
In the Fairvital product Omega-3 Capsules from 500mg Fish Oil, the formula shows the form and amount of the ingredients used. According to the list of ingredients, these include fish oil (contains 18% eicosapentaenoic acid and 12% docosahexaenoic acid). The composition table states 1500 mg of fish oil, 450 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (of which 270 mg is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) and 30 mg of vitamin E (alpha-TE) per 3 softgels. The pack contains 90 softgels.