Omega-3 (EPA+DHA)

Q: What is the difference between marine omega-3s and plant-based omega-3s?

Plant-based omega-3s (flax, chia, walnuts) provide ALA, a short-chain fatty acid. The body must convert ALA to EPA and then to DHA, but conversion rates are very low (less than 5% for EPA and less than 1% for DHA). Marine omega-3s provide EPA and DHA directly in a ready-to-use form, bypassing the conversion step.

Q: When is the best time of day to take omega-3s?

Taking them with a meal is recommended. The presence of dietary fats stimulates bile secretion and facilitates intestinal absorption. The water-soluble form used in the formula reduces this dependency, but a meal remains the optimal time.

Q: How long does it take to see a change in the omega-3 index?

The erythrocyte omega-3 index reflects the status of the past 120 days (the average lifespan of a red blood cell). A measurable change typically appears between 8 and 12 weeks of regular supplementation. Response speed depends on baseline levels and daily dose.

Q: Is the formula suitable for vegetarians?

The formula contains omega-3s derived from purified fish oil (anchovy, mackerel, herring). It is not suitable for those who exclude all marine animal products. Individuals with fish allergies should also abstain. For pesco-vegetarians, the formula is compatible.

Q: Can omega-3s be taken continuously over the long term?

Prolonged daily supplementation is the mode of use validated by research. Reference clinical trials (VITAL, REDUCE-IT) lasted 4 to 5 years. The long-term safety profile is well documented in the scientific literature. No data suggest any benefit to cycling intake on and off.

EPA · DHA · Acide eicosapentaénoïque · Acide docosahexaénoïque · Huile de poisson

LipidsSystemic inflammation

EPA and DHA are among the few nutrients whose tissue levels directly correlate with longevity in large prospective cohorts. The omega-3 index measures their proportion within red blood cell membranes. The modern Western diet provides far less than what traditional coastal populations consume. Most adults fall below the 8% threshold that research identifies as optimal.

Last updated: March 24, 2026

Mechanism of Action

EPA and DHA integrate into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. This incorporation modifies membrane fluidity and influences the function of receptors and ion channels embedded within the membrane.

EPA follows a distinct metabolic pathway. Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes convert it into resolvins and protectins (lipid mediators that orchestrate the resolution phase following an inflammatory response). These molecules signal immune cells to halt inflammatory recruitment and initiate tissue repair.

Membrane incorporation also shifts the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in tissues. A ratio skewed toward omega-6 favors the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. EPA and DHA intake rebalances this ratio by increasing the omega-3 fraction available for cellular signaling.

Key Benefits

Strong
EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function. Meta-analyses pooling over 120,000 participants confirm a significant reduction in cardiovascular events starting from 1 g per day.
Strong
DHA contributes to normal brain function. Prospective cohorts show an association between a high omega-3 index and slower cognitive decline in adults over 60.
Strong
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. Its concentration in retinal photoreceptors makes it the most abundant fatty acid in this tissue.
Strong
EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride concentrations. Controlled trials demonstrate a dose-dependent reduction in serum triglycerides starting from 2 g per day.
Strong
EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 70 controlled trials reports a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure at 3 g per day.
Moderate
An omega-3 index above 8% is associated with a four to five year gain in life expectancy. This observation comes from a pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohorts.
Emerging
Controlled trials in adults over 60 show that EPA and DHA support muscle protein synthesis. This effect contributes to lean mass maintenance with advancing age.

Dosage & Forms

Several omega-3 forms coexist on the market, with markedly different absorption profiles. Natural triglycerides (TG), the most common form, require bile secretion and lipid digestion for efficient absorption. Ethyl esters (EE), frequently used in high-dose clinical trials, show lower bioavailability than TG in comparative studies. Phospholipids (krill oil) demonstrate good absorption but at a higher cost.

The form selected by Singular is a free fatty acid lysine salt. This water-soluble form does not depend on bile secretion for absorption, a decisive advantage over classic lipophilic forms. Pharmacokinetic data show superior bioavailability compared to triglycerides and ethyl esters at equivalent doses.

The dose is individually calibrated based on each member's biological profile. The dosing unit is the milligram.

In the Singular Formula

Inclusion rationale

EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function (effect obtained with 250 mg/day). DHA contributes to normal brain function and maintenance of normal vision (effect obtained with 250 mg/day of DHA). The formula uses a free fatty acid technology bound to L-lysine, a water-soluble form derived from small wild fish (anchovy, mackerel, herring). This lysine binding transforms omega-3s, naturally water-insoluble, into a form with significantly improved intestinal absorption compared to classic forms (triglycerides, ethyl esters). DHA represents approximately 40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60% in the retina, explaining its critical structural role in these high metabolic activity tissues. EPA is the precursor of resolvins and protectins, lipid mediators involved in inflammation resolution. Strict contaminant control (dioxins, PCBs, heavy metals) guarantees raw material purity, an essential criterion for prolonged daily supplementation.

Selected form

Omega-3 fatty acid lysine salt (EPA and DHA) derived from purified fish oil (anchovy, mackerel, herring). AvailOm technology: free fatty acids EPA and DHA are bonded to L-lysine, an essential amino acid obtained by fermentation. This ionic bond converts lipophilic omega-3s into a water-soluble, dispersible form, significantly improving intestinal absorption compared to classic forms (triglycerides, ethyl esters). Manufactured in France by Evonik Rexim (ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certified site). Strict marine contaminant control: dioxins, PCBs, heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons tested compliant with European regulatory thresholds. Contains fish. Quality: non-GMO, Halal certified.

Formula dosage

0 to 2 g.

Synergies in the formula

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant activity, protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA from lipid peroxidation. This protection is particularly relevant in cell membranes where omega-3s are concentrated and vulnerable to oxidative stress. Vitamin D3 and omega-3s follow complementary pathways in supporting cardiovascular and immune function. Long-chain fatty acids enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. This effect benefits vitamin D3 and vitamin K2-MK7, both present in the formula. Magnesium acts as a cofactor in over 600 enzymatic reactions, several of which are involved in fatty acid metabolism. Its presence in the formula supports optimal metabolic utilization of EPA and DHA. Zinc contributes to normal immune system function, an effect that complements omega-3 action on inflammatory response resolution. These two pathways converge toward maintaining a balanced immune response.

Linked Biomarkers

Triglycerides HDL Cholesterol HOMA-IR Platelets Apolipoprotein B hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)Fasting Insulin

Safety & Precautions

EPA and DHA have a well-documented safety profile, backed by over three decades of daily supplementation research. Doses up to 5 g per day are considered safe by European health authorities.

Reported adverse effects are rare and mild: digestive discomfort, fishy taste, burping. These effects are largely mitigated by water-soluble forms that disperse in the gastric environment without oil release.

EPA and DHA influence blood fluidity. Individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents should consult their healthcare professional before supplementation. High-dose omega-3 intake is not recommended in the days preceding surgery.

The formula contains fish-derived ingredients. Individuals with fish or shellfish allergies should be aware. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, DHA supplementation is generally recommended by health authorities. Dosage should be validated by a healthcare professional.

Scientific Studies

Authors	Year	Type	Journal
Manson JE et al.	2019	Randomised Controlled Trial	New England Journal of Medicine	View on PubMed
Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer VITAL randomized trial of 25,871 adults. Marine omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced myocardial infarction risk, particularly in participants with low baseline fish consumption.
Bhatt DL et al.	2019	Randomised Controlled Trial	New England Journal of Medicine	View on PubMed
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia REDUCE-IT randomized trial of 8,179 high cardiovascular risk patients. High-dose purified EPA reduced major cardiovascular events by 25% compared to placebo.
Hu Y, Hu FB, Manson JE	2019	Meta-analysis	Journal of the American Heart Association	View on PubMed
Marine Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 13 Randomized Controlled Trials Involving 127,477 Participants Meta-analysis of 13 controlled trials pooling 127,477 participants. Marine omega-3 supplementation reduces myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality risk, with a dose-dependent effect.
Harris WS, Von Schacky C	2004	Systematic Review	Preventive Medicine	View on PubMed
The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Foundational paper proposing the erythrocyte omega-3 index as a cardiovascular risk marker. An index above 8% is associated with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death.
Flock MR et al.	2013	Randomised Controlled Trial	Journal of the American Heart Association	View on PubMed
Determinants of erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid content in response to fish oil supplementation: a dose-response randomized controlled trial Randomized dose-response trial showing that omega-3 index increase depends on EPA+DHA dose. The relationship is non-linear, with marked inter-individual variability.
Walker RE et al.	2019	Randomised Controlled Trial	American Journal of Clinical Nutrition	View on PubMed
Predicting the effects of supplemental EPA and DHA on the omega-3 index Predictive model for EPA and DHA supplementation response. Baseline level, dose and formulation type are the main determinants of omega-3 index variation.
Harris WS et al.	2021	Cohort Study	Nature Communications	View on PubMed
Blood n-3 fatty acid levels and total and cause-specific mortality from 17 prospective studies Pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohorts. High blood omega-3 levels are associated with a 15-18% reduction in all-cause mortality risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between marine omega-3s and plant-based omega-3s?#[ + ]

When is the best time of day to take omega-3s?#[ + ]

How long does it take to see a change in the omega-3 index?#[ + ]

Is the formula suitable for vegetarians?#[ + ]

Can omega-3s be taken continuously over the long term?#[ + ]

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