Evidence supporting the use of: Algal oil
For the health condition: Circulation (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Algal oil is primarily valued for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and, sometimes, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, including improving blood circulation. Omega-3s are known to reduce triglyceride levels, decrease blood viscosity, lower blood pressure, and improve endothelial function, all of which can contribute to better circulation. Most of the clinical research supporting these effects has focused on fish oil, but algal oil offers a plant-based, sustainable alternative source of DHA and, in some formulations, EPA. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids from algal sources can raise blood levels of DHA and EPA similarly to fish oil. While direct studies on algal oil and "poor circulation" are limited, extrapolation from studies on cardiovascular and vascular health suggests potential benefits. The American Heart Association recognizes the role of omega-3s in cardiovascular health, and algal oil is considered an effective alternative, especially for vegetarians and vegans. That said, the evidence is not as robust or direct for algal oil specifically in the treatment of poor circulation as it is for fish oil or omega-3s in general, which is why the evidence rating is 3 out of 5. More targeted research is needed, but the current scientific understanding supports its use based on its omega-3 content.
Other ingredients used for Circulation (poor)
acetyl l-carnitineajoene
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anthocyanins
arjun tree
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
astragalus
beet
bergamot
berry flavor
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blueberry
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
caffeine
capsaicinoids
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
celery
chen pi
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coleus forskohlii
cordyceps
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
dong quai root
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
hibiscus
horse chestnut
horseradish
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
kudzu
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
lovage
mackerel
magnesium
marine lipid
moringa
mustard seed
naringin
nattokinase
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oyster mushroom
pine bark
policosanol
pomegranate
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
rutin
safflower oil
sardines
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
spinach
tocotrienols
triphala
ubiquinol
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin E
seaweed
water
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
suma
jiaogulan
tangerine
gastrodia
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
inula racemosa
punarnava
commiphora
smilax
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
siler root
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
purslane
yerba mate
biota seed
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
yohimbe
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
2-(nitrooxy)ethyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Arjuna
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Autumn elaeagnus
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Angelica
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Arginine aspartate
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Adrenergic amines
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Asteracea
Arjunic Acid
Alliin
anthocyanosides
Allium tuberosum
Arginine silicate
Atractylone
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
berry
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Buckwheat
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coumarin
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carqueja
Calycosin
Capsinoids
Codonopsis
Capillary Artemisia
Cyanidin
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Catecholamine
Cowherb
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Coca
Chocolate
Curcuma
Chestnut
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Carthamus
cola nut
Currant
Diallyl sulfide
Diosmin
Dismutase
Danshen
Dong Quai
Date
Diosmetin
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
Elk antler
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Echium
Garlic
Mustard
Mistletoe
Pistachio
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by algal oil
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Circulation (poor)
Colitis
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strokes
Triglycerides (high)