Researchers tested two plant-based oils—Echium and Ahiflower—to see if they could replace fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. Using mice, they found that both oils successfully increased EPA (a key omega-3 fat) in multiple body tissues. However, the oils were less effective at boosting DHA (another important omega-3), though they did help in red blood cells. This research suggests these plant-based alternatives could be useful for people looking for sustainable omega-3 sources, especially if the goal is to increase EPA levels.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two plant-based oils (Echium and Ahiflower) could effectively increase omega-3 fatty acids in different body tissues, similar to fish oil
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice (C57BL/6 strain) divided into three groups: one eating regular soybean oil and two groups eating either Echium or Ahiflower oil for 8 weeks
  • Key finding: Both plant-based oils significantly increased EPA (a beneficial omega-3 fat) across all body tissues tested, but had limited and inconsistent effects on DHA (another important omega-3), except in red blood cells where DHA levels improved
  • What it means for you: These plant-based oils may offer a sustainable alternative to fish oil for boosting EPA levels, which is good news for vegetarians and those concerned about overfishing. However, they may not fully replace fish oil for DHA benefits, so people might need a combination approach. More human studies are needed before making dietary changes.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an animal study using laboratory mice to test how well two plant-based oils work as omega-3 sources. They divided mice into three groups: one group ate regular soybean oil (the control group for comparison), while the other two groups ate diets containing either Echium oil or Ahiflower oil. All groups ate their assigned oil for 8 weeks at the same amount (4% of their diet). The researchers then measured the levels of different omega-3 fatty acids in six different tissues: blood plasma, red blood cells, liver, fat tissue, heart, and brain. This allowed them to see not just whether the oils worked, but where in the body they worked best.

The two plant-based oils were chosen because they contain stearidonic acid (SDA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are precursors—meaning the body can convert them into EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fats that provide health benefits. The researchers also tracked the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in each diet, which matters because these two types of fats compete in the body.

This type of animal study is useful for understanding how nutrients move through different body systems before testing them in humans. It allows researchers to measure fatty acid levels in tissues that would be difficult or impossible to test in living people.

Understanding how plant-based omega-3 sources work in different tissues is important because it helps scientists develop better dietary recommendations. Fish oil has environmental concerns due to overfishing, so finding sustainable plant-based alternatives could benefit both human health and ocean ecosystems. However, the body’s ability to convert plant-based omega-3 precursors into the active forms (EPA and DHA) varies by tissue and person, so this research helps clarify which tissues benefit most from these oils.

This study was published in Lipids, a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on fat and lipid research. The researchers used a controlled laboratory setting where they could precisely measure diet and tissue composition, which provides reliable data. However, because this is an animal study using mice, the results may not directly apply to humans—our bodies work differently in some ways. The study also doesn’t specify the exact number of mice used, which would help assess the strength of the findings. To be confident about these results for human use, similar studies would need to be conducted with people.

What the Results Show

Both Echium and Ahiflower oils successfully increased EPA levels in all six tissues tested (blood, red blood cells, liver, fat, heart, and brain) compared to the control group eating soybean oil. The increase was dose-dependent, meaning the more of these oils the mice ate, the higher their EPA levels became. This is encouraging because EPA is one of the two main omega-3 fats that provide cardiovascular and brain benefits.

However, the results for DHA (the other important omega-3) were more complicated. DHA levels did not increase in the heart, brain, or blood plasma—three tissues where DHA is particularly important for health. This suggests that while these plant-based oils are good at providing EPA, they may not fully replace fish oil for DHA benefits. The one exception was in red blood cells, where DHA levels did increase in both plant-oil groups compared to the control group.

The difference in how EPA and DHA responded relates to how the body processes these fats. The body can more easily convert the plant-based precursors (SDA and ALA) into EPA, but the conversion to DHA is less efficient and may depend on the specific tissue and what that tissue needs.

The study found that the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet affected the results. The Echium oil group had a ratio of 1.51 and the Ahiflower group had a ratio of 2.28, compared to just 0.14 in the soybean oil control group. This higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 appeared to support better EPA conversion. The tissue-specific differences in DHA response suggest that different parts of the body have different abilities to convert plant-based precursors into DHA, or that they prioritize DHA differently based on their needs.

Previous research has shown that fish oil effectively increases both EPA and DHA across tissues, making it the gold standard for omega-3 supplementation. This study confirms what earlier research suggested: plant-based omega-3 sources are better at increasing EPA than DHA. The findings align with the understanding that the human body (and mouse body) has a limited ability to convert plant-based omega-3 precursors into DHA. This research adds detail by showing exactly which tissues benefit most from plant-based oils, helping to clarify where these oils might be most useful as supplements.

This study used mice, not humans, so the results may not directly apply to people—our bodies process nutrients differently in some ways. The study doesn’t specify how many mice were used in each group, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the findings are. The research only lasted 8 weeks, so it doesn’t show what happens with long-term use of these oils. Additionally, the study measured fatty acid levels but didn’t test whether these changes actually led to health benefits like reduced heart disease risk. Finally, this was a controlled laboratory setting where mice ate precise amounts of oil, which is different from real-world human eating patterns where diet varies day to day.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, Echium and Ahiflower oils appear promising as sustainable alternatives to fish oil for increasing EPA levels (moderate confidence, based on animal study). If you’re interested in plant-based omega-3 sources, these oils may be worth considering, particularly if your goal is to increase EPA. However, if you need both EPA and DHA benefits, you may need to combine these plant-based oils with other sources of DHA (such as algae supplements) or continue using fish oil. Before making any dietary changes, especially if you have heart disease or take blood-thinning medications, consult with your doctor.

Vegetarians and vegans who want omega-3 benefits without fish oil should pay attention to this research. People concerned about overfishing and environmental sustainability may find these plant-based alternatives appealing. However, people with specific health conditions requiring DHA (such as certain eye or brain conditions) should not rely solely on these oils without consulting a healthcare provider. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also speak with their doctor, as omega-3 needs are higher during these periods.

Based on this 8-week study, changes in EPA levels in tissues appeared within that timeframe. However, whether these changes translate to actual health benefits in humans would take longer to observe—typically several months to years for cardiovascular benefits to become apparent. Don’t expect immediate health improvements; think of omega-3 supplementation as a long-term investment in health rather than a quick fix.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily intake of Echium or Ahiflower oil (in grams or milliliters) and note any changes in energy levels, joint comfort, or skin health over 8-12 weeks. Record the specific product used and time of day consumed.
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of Echium or Ahiflower oil to your daily routine—try mixing into salad dressings, smoothies, or yogurt. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to assess tolerance. Set a daily reminder to ensure consistent intake.
  • Use the app to log weekly check-ins on how you feel (energy, mood, joint comfort) and track consistency of oil intake. After 8 weeks, review your notes to see if you’ve noticed any patterns or improvements. Consider retesting blood omega-3 levels with your doctor after 3 months of consistent use to measure actual changes.

This research was conducted in mice and has not yet been tested in humans. The findings suggest potential benefits but do not prove that Echium or Ahiflower oils will produce the same results in people. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you take blood-thinning medications, have heart disease, or are pregnant or nursing, consult with your healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual responses to supplements vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.