Why omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for a functioning cell wall (and supplement uptake)

Omega-3 fatty acids are often associated with heart health, brain function and anti-inflammation. But one of their most fundamental and often overlooked functions is their role in cell wall structure and permeability. In this blog, we dive deep into the influence of omega-3 on the cell membrane, and why this effect determines the absorption of other nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins, curcumin or coenzyme Q10.

Table of contents

Why omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for a properly functioning cell wall
The cell membrane: gatekeeper of uptake
Why is this relevant to supplement uptake?
Scientific foundation
Authorized health claims
Commercial relevance: omega-3 as a base
How do you recognize a good omega-3 supplement?
Conclusion
On health claims and our limits as a brand
About the author: Jesse
Resources

The cell membrane: gatekeeper of uptake

Every cell in the body is surrounded by a lipid membrane, consisting of a double layer of fatty acids. This membrane acts as a selective barrier: it determines which substances enter the cell and which remain outside.

The composition of this membrane is highly dependent on our diet, especially the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) make cell membranes flexible and permeable.
Omega-6 fatty acids (in excess) can actually make the membrane stiffer and less permeable.

A flexible cell wall is essential for nutrient uptake via membrane transport, diffusion or endocytosis.

Why is this relevant to supplement uptake?

Many active substances in dietary supplements, such as curcumin, astaxanthin, ubiquinol and vitamin D, are lipophilic (fat-soluble). That means they do not easily dissolve in the aqueous environment of the gut, and their absorption depends on:

Fatty acid packaging (such as micelles or liposomes)
Functional transport mechanisms (such as cell membrane integrity and fluidity)

When the cell membrane is flexible thanks to sufficient omega-3, these substances can be absorbed and delivered to the intracellular environment more efficiently.

Scientific foundation

Below are three recent and relevant studies with that confirm the importance of omega-3 for membrane structure and uptake:

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) makes cell membranes exceptionally flexible and promotes the integration of membrane proteins (1).
Omega-3 fatty acids lower ******* and improve membrane fluidity, which positively correlates with metabolic health (2).
Supplementation with DHA increases the uptake of ******** * and * into intestinal epithelial cells via enhanced membrane structure (3).

Authorized health claims

The European Commission approved the following claim:

“EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function at a daily intake of 250 mg” (4)

This claim underscores the broader physiological value of omega-3 even apart from uptake promotion. Although membrane fluidity is not an allowed direct claim, it does represent an indirect mechanism of action that has been widely explored in scientific literature.

Omega-3 as a base

Omega-3 is thus more than a supporting ingredient; it is a structural foundation. If the cell wall is insufficiently permeable, even high-quality supplements (such as liposomal curcumin) will be less effective. Therefore, we view omega-3 as an “absorption facilitator” and essential basic supplement.

At Kala Health, we develop omega-3 supplements, with high purity, and in variants that serve both animal and plant sources. We strategically combine omega-3 with other formulations, for example, in combination with liposomes or phospholipids. Phospholipids are naturally part of cell membranes and can support even more efficient absorption, especially in liposomal applications.

How do you recognize a good omega-3 supplement?

Triglyceride form (no ethyl esters)
Phospholipids as a high-quality carrier form (e.g., in liposomal delivery)
At least 250 mg EPA/DHA per daily dose
Purity & origin (IFOS-certified, fish-free alternatives)

Conclusion

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the absorption efficiency of nutrients. By keeping cell membranes flexible and functional, they are a prerequisite for the action of many other supplements. Therefore, consider omega-3 not as one of many, but as a strategic foundation.

Want to know which omega-3 product suits your needs? Then check out our selection or contact us for no-obligation advice.

On health claims and our limits as a brand

Although many of our ingredients have been extensively researched, due to European legislation we are not allowed to mention on this website all the health benefits shown by scientific studies.
Would you like to know more about our products or formulas? We are happy to think along with you without any obligation.
Call us at (+31) (0)70 345-0290

About the author: Jesse

What I value most about my job is that every day I can contribute to promoting products that I fully support. The science and quality behind our nutritional supplements motivate me to make sure as many people as possible get to know them.

I have a BSc in Health Sciences from the University of Twente and a master’s degree in marketing. I use that combination to communicate transparently and substantively.

Resources

Stillwell, W., & Wassall, S. R. (2016). Docosahexaenoic acid: Membrane properties of a unique fatty acid. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Biomembranes, 1858(10), 2403-2413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.03.012
Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society Transactions, 45(5), 1105-1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474
Manna, P., & Jain, S. K. (2019). Effect of DHA on membrane fluidity and nutrient transport in intestinal cells. Nutrients, 11(9), 2104. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092104
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2012). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to EPA and DHA. EFSA Journal, 10(10), 2815. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2815