Omega-3s are necessary for everyone from infants to adults. They're important for cell membranes and receptors throughout the body. They also play a major role in preventing and managing many different health conditions.

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids - ALA, DHA, and EPA. Your body needs all three to function well. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is in foods such as flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.

The body can convert some ALA into DHA and EPA, but not a significant amount. For this reason, you need to get the rest of your essential fatty acids from other sources.

Most people get DHA and EPA from fish and fish oil. For vegetarians, vegans, and those with fish allergies, however, these sources aren't ideal.

Algal oil provides a substitute for fish and fish oil. It's an oil made from certain types of microalgae. Usually, fish consume these microalgae and convert them into essential fatty acids that get stored in their tissue, which you eat. Algal oil skips the fish altogether.

You'll typically find algal oil in capsule form, but you can also find it as a liquid. You can take it by the spoonful or you can cook with it.