Almega®PL (Microalgae EPA Omega-3 — Qualitas)

Nannochloropsis oculata
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Almega®PL is a vegan omega-3 oil from the microalga Nannochloropsis oculata, made by Qualitas Health. Unusually, it is rich in EPA (rather than the DHA most algae oils provide) and delivers it largely in polar lipid forms (phospholipids and glycolipids) that may aid absorption. It offers a plant-based, fish-free source of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 EPA.

Studied Dose A serving providing roughly 250 mg or more of EPA per day.
Active Compound EPA-rich oil from Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, delivering eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) bound largely in polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids).

Benefits

Vegan EPA omega-3

Almega PL supplies EPA, an omega-3 studied for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory support, from algae rather than fish, suiting plant-based diets.

Cardiovascular and lipid support

EPA supports healthy triglyceride levels and cardiovascular function, the well-established roles of marine omega-3 fatty acids.

Polar lipid delivery

Because much of the EPA is carried in polar lipids, the oil is proposed to have favorable absorption, though comparative human bioavailability data for the polar-lipid form are limited.

Mechanism of action

1

EPA incorporation

EPA is taken up into cell membranes and serves as a precursor to specialized pro-resolving and less-inflammatory signaling molecules.

2

Polar lipid absorption

Phospholipid- and glycolipid-bound EPA may be absorbed efficiently and distributed to tissues, supporting omega-3 status.

Clinical trials

1
Microalgae EPA Oil and Omega-3 Status — Study
PubMed

Study of an EPA-rich extract from the microalga Nannochloropsis on Omega-3 Index and blood lipids (VLDL/total cholesterol). (Rao et al. 2020, Nutrients)

Healthy adults.

In 120 healthy adults over 12 weeks, 1 g/day of the algal EPA oil raised the Omega-3 Index and reduced VLDL and total cholesterol versus placebo. This was an industry-sponsored trial.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — mild fishy aftertaste or burping is uncommon with algal oil.
Mild digestive upset can occur at higher doses.
Take with a meal containing fat for best absorption.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — high-dose omega-3 may add to bleeding risk; monitor.
Blood pressure medication — omega-3 may have a mild additive effect.
Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

Frequently asked questions about Almega®PL (Microalgae EPA Omega-3 — Qualitas)

What is AlmegaPL?

Almega®PL is a vegan omega-3 oil from the microalga Nannochloropsis oculata, made by Qualitas Health. Unusually, it is rich in EPA (rather than the DHA most algae oils provide) and delivers it largely in polar lipid forms (phospholipids and glycolipids) that may aid absorption.

What is AlmegaPL used for?

AlmegaPL is researched primarily for Cardiovascular and Anti-Inflammatory. Almega PL supplies EPA, an omega-3 studied for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory support, from algae rather than fish, suiting plant-based diets.

What is the recommended dosage of AlmegaPL?

The clinically studied dose is A serving providing roughly 250 mg or more of EPA per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is AlmegaPL safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, AlmegaPL is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — mild fishy aftertaste or burping is uncommon with algal oil. Mild digestive upset can occur at higher doses. It may also interact with some medications. AlmegaPL is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does AlmegaPL interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — high-dose omega-3 may add to bleeding risk; monitor. Blood pressure medication — omega-3 may have a mild additive effect. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for AlmegaPL?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for AlmegaPL as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Rao A, Briskey D, Nalley JO, et al. Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Rich Extract from the Microalga Nannochloropsis Decreases Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Three-Month Supplementation Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(6)..PubMedUsed to support: Industry-sponsored RCT (n=120, 12 weeks) reporting increased Omega-3 Index and reduced VLDL/total cholesterol in healthy adults.