Vital Nutrients, a nutritional supplement company, has launched Ultra Pure Vegan Omega SPM+, a vegan fish oil alternative sourced from algae which contains specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).
 
SPMs are the biologically-active metabolites of omega-3 fatty acids which have ties to immune and inflammatory functions, and were included in the formula for enhanced tolerance, absorption, and activity. They are derived from enzymes, and have been shown to increase in blood concentrations of individuals who supplement with fish oil.
 
The formulation addresses a demand from vegan consumers for alternatives to fish oil to support immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Vital Nutrients holds the exclusive position on this form of algal-based triglyceride DHA/DPA-derived SPMs, and SPMs specific to DHA and DPA. This is the first and only plant-based combination of omega-3 fatty acids with clinically relevant levels of active SPMs, according to the company.
 
“In collaboration with our healthcare practitioners, we identified a critical need in the marketplace for a vegan-friendly SPM solution, as well as smaller omega-3 capsules for increased compliance among the general patient population,” said John P. Troup, PhD, chief science and education officer, Vital Nutrients. “Our new Vegan Omega SPM+ delivers a first of its kind vegan algae omega formulation, in a capsule that is 40% smaller than traditional fish oils for improved patient compliance.”
 
Up to 80% of Americans have an omega-3 nutrient gap and deficiency in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, the CDC reports. Meanwhile, veganism in the United States has increased sixfold since 2014, research suggests.
 
Ultra Pure Vegan Omega SPM+ is free of gluten, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, and egg, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, coatings, or binders. The product is non-GMO and free of heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, Vital Nutrients reports.
 
The ingredient contains: 0.1% DHA/DPA-derived SPMs; 390 mg DHA; 75 mg DPA; and one mg of astaxanthin.