Challenge for a vegetarian

Question

Hi Pure Souls. I have committed myself to become totally vegetarian for the rest of my life. However can I take Nutritional supplements which contains omega 3 which generally contains fish oil? Is taking up these medicine same as eating fish?

—Asha, India

Answer

Dear Asha,

There are alternatives to taking fish oil that many vegetarians find effective. If it is for the omega 3 fatty acids that you are taking fish oil, some effective alternatives are ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and soybeans.

My personal opinion is that if possible, it’s better as a vegetarian to refrain from taking supplements with fish oil as an ingredient, but many devotees who are vegetarians feel that they are okay with fish oil. My suggestion is to try the alternatives and see if they work for you.

In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba