FAQ
Please read on for answers to questions you may have about our product lines or our online store. If you’ve got an inquiry that we haven’t addressed, please use the Contact us tab.
Want to learn more about Simris and our omegas? Whether you are an expert, have deep-dove the internet for information or are just curious about omega-3s, you have come to the right place.
Q: Why should I get omega-3s from algae and not from fish oil?
A: Algae are the original source of omega-3s in nature. Fish only obtain omega-3s through the algae they consume in their diets. By going straight to the source, we get a pure and pristine, natural omega-3 product that is completely plant-based. Omega-3s sourced directly from algae are more sustainable for our oceans and the environment. They are also better for our health, since algae oils are free from heavy metals, PCB and dioxins which can be present in fish oils and fatty fish.
Q: What are the different types of omega-3s?
A: There are three main types of omega-3 essential fatty acids that we need to get in our diet: EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3s have profound roles in our bodies. The original source of omega-3 EPA and DHA in nature is marine microalgae. These algae are also the only plant-based (vegan) source of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are also found in marine organisms such as fish and seafood, which are commonly known dietary sources. However, they can also be obtained from supplements such as fish oil, krill oil or algal oil. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is a simple precursor to EPA and DHA. Contrary to EPA and DHA, ALA is produced by land-based plants and can be found in flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, etc. ALA needs to be converted to EPA and DHA in our bodies. However, this conversion is limited and dependent on both genetics and dietary status (see following answer).
Q: I am a vegetarian/vegan. Why do I need omega-3s from algae when I eat flaxseed oil or chia seeds that also contain plant-based omega-3s?
A: The omega-3 found in land-based plants and sources such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds and similar, is ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is great for ensuring a healthy omega-6/omega-3 balance. However, many important physiological functions in our bodies require omega-3 EPA and DHA. ALA is a precursor to EPA and DHA. Extensive research has shown that the conversion of ALA into the active omega-3 forms EPA and DHA in our bodies is rather inefficient at around just 5 percent. To ensure sufficient intake of these important fatty acids, vegetarians and vegans might want to consider taking a supplement with EPA and DHA from algae.
Q: What are the benefits of omega-3 EPA and DHA?
A: Omega-3 EPA and DHA are involved in so many different parts of our bodies and physiological processes that it is virtually impossible to showcase just a few specific benefits. They are simply essential for our health and wellbeing. Omegas are also the ultimate beauty superfood, and an important component in any performance-related diet. The profound health benefits of EPA and DHA have been shown in around 17,000 scientific studies, several of which are supported by national and international health agencies such as the FDA, WHO and EFSA. These include, for example, cardiovascular health (heart function, triglyceride levels, blood pressure), brain health, vision and joint health. It is important to notice that we believe in omega-3 EPA and DHA to complement a healthy lifestyle and general wellbeing, and not to treat or cure any diseases.
Q: Why do pregnant and nursing women need omega-3 DHA?
A: Omega-3 DHA is one of the building blocks in our brains and in the retina of our eyes. During pregnancy, the mother needs to get sufficient omega-3 DHA in her diet for the normal development of her child’s brain, eyes and nervous system. Omega-3 DHA is passed on to the fetus through the placenta throughout the pregnancy. It is also important for the mother to continue getting sufficient omega-3 DHA while breastfeeding. During this time, DHA is supplied from the mother to her baby through breast milk. Most infant formulas are fortified with omega-3 DHA, usually from algae.
Q: Is there a difference in the absorption of omega-3s sourced from fish compared to algae?
A: Omega-3s found in krill oil and algae contain a higher amount of phospholipids compared to those found in fish oil. Several scientific studies have shown that the uptake of omega-3s in phospholipid form might be more efficient than from the forms usually available in fish oils (triglycerides and ethyl esters). This is not surprising since phospholipids are the most common form that EPA & DHA take in our own bodies. However, the science is not sufficiently validated yet. For now, it is safe to assume that omega-3 EPA and DHA from algae have at least equal (although possibly better) absorption than from fish oil.
Q: Do I really need supplements? Can’t I just eat a healthy, balanced diet instead?
A: People who eat a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of fatty fish do not need omega-3 supplements. However, with most modern diets, it is hard to obtain the sufficient amounts of omega-3s that our bodies need. Considering their profound importance for our health and wellbeing, an omega-3 supplement might therefore be a good choice to optimise your diet.
Q: Will I receive a confirmation that my order was placed?
A: Yes, once you have placed your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email or SMS sent to the address/number provided. If you have not received this email, check your spam folder. If you still haven’t received it within 24 hours of ordering, please contact us.
Q: Can I track my order?
A: Yes, after we have prepared your order for shipment, you will receive either an email or an SMS with a tracking number for your shipment.
Q: When will I receive my order?
A: Products in stock are normally delivered within the time frame of your chosen delivery method.
Q: How can I make changes to an order I’ve already placed?
A: Please contact us if you’d like to make changes to an order that you’ve already placed and we will do our best to make the desired changes.
Q: Where do you ship?
A: We ship to all countries in the EU as well as to Switzerland. If you are visiting us from a country outside of these, check out our US-based site at www.simris.com for a more extensive list of countries to which we ship.
Q: What shipping options do you offer?
A:
For orders within Sweden, the following shipping rates apply:
DHL Express (1-2 business days) - free for orders over 500 SEK
DHL Express (1-2 business days) - 49 SEK for orders less than 500 SEK
For orders within the EU and Switzerland, the following shipping rates apply:
DHL Express (1-2 business days) – free for orders over 1000 SEK
DHL Express (1-2 business days) – 89 SEK for orders less than 1000 SEK
Q: Will I pay taxes for international shipping?
A: Depending on the local import regulations in your country, additional costs such as taxes and duties may occur. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for taxes and duties nor for any brokerage, delivery or return postage fees that are applied to international shipments. Also, restrictions on the private import of food items and supplements may apply in your country. We advise you to check with your local customs authorities if you are unsure.
Q: How long will my order take to get to me?
A:A: Your order should take anywhere from 1-2 business days for delivery.
Q: What if I receive a defective order?
A: If you receive an order that is defective or damaged in any way, please contact us immediately and we will send you a replacement as soon as possible.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: At Simris, we are committed to indisputable quality and customer satisfaction, and hope you'll love our products as much as we do. Should you for any reason not be happy with our products, we will accept returns within 14 days of receiving the product. Before shipping your return, please be sure to contact us with your name, address, email address, order number and reason for wanting to return the product. We will get back to you ASAP with a return authorization (RA) number and further instructions. Please note that all returns must be approved by us and have an RA number. We will be covering the shipping costs for your return.
Q: When can I expect to receive my refund?
A:Once your return is received in accordance with our instructions, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. Within 14 days, a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment.
Q: What if I want to withdraw my order?
A: You may withdraw your order by notifying us within 14 days of receiving the ordered products. You must then send us a withdrawal notification containing your name, address, e-mail address, order number and a specification of which products the withdrawal concerns. This can be done by using the Contact Us form here. You must then also return the withdrawn products to us at our expense within 14 days of the date of the withdrawal notification. You are responsible for the condition of the products during shipment back to us; therefore, we strongly recommend that you send these well-packaged, in good condition and in their original box and/or packaging. For more details on our withdrawal policy, please visit our Terms & Conditions page.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We currently accept payment by credit card, PayPal and Klarna.
Q: Which currency do you charge in?
A: We charge in Swedish kronor on our European and Swedish sites (the one you’re currently using) and US dollars on our US site.
Q: Do you sell gift cards?
A: A: We currently do not sell gift cards. However, if you are gifted one of our products that you would like to return, you’ll receive a voucher for the value of the return.