Like many people, you might have questions about those ads you’ve seen on TV or in magazines for a prescription fish oil pill called Lovaza. Questions like: Do I really need a prescription for fish oil? And is Lovaza really better than a fish oil supplement I can buy at my health food store? The answer to both questions is a resounding no. In fact, an independent comparison found that there’s nothing in Lovaza that can’t be found in many quality non-prescription fish oils that are typically less expensive and certainly more convenient.

Here are the facts:

• Lovaza contains only 840mg combined of beneficial EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil—about 200mg less than the leading maximum-strength fish oil supplement.
• Lovaza costs approximately $180 dollars for 120 pills (a 1-month supply)—about $150 more than the leading maximum-strength fish oil supplement.
• The recommended daily dose of Lovaza is 4 per day. Many non-prescription fish oil supplements come in an easier one-a-day dose.
• Lovaza capsules are not enteric-coated. (In vitro studies show 3X more Omega-3 absorption with enteric-coated capsules when compared with non-coated capsules.)
• Lovaza does not include lipase, an essential fat-splitting enzyme necessary for complete oil digestion in the body.
• Lovaza soft-gel capsules are made from both pork- and beef-derived gelatin. Many leading non-prescription fish oil supplements use superior fish-derived gelatin capsules.
• Lovaza fish oil capsules are unflavored, while many non-prescription supplements include natural orange or lemon flavor to help lessen fishy aftertaste.
• Lovaza does not include any added beneficial ingredients such as vitamin D₃.

In fact, the only thing that sets Lovaza apart from the leading maximum-strength fish oil supplement is that it has been approved by the FDA to “treat a specific condition” (i.e. high triglycerides). However, the majority of premium non-prescription fish oils undergo strict purification processes to ensure purity, potency and freshness and are guaranteed safe and effective by International Fish Oil Standards.

About the Benefits of Fish Oil…

Experts like the American Heart Association agree that taking a daily fish oil supplement is one of the best things you can do for your body, since fish-derived Omega-3 fatty acids help to nourish active tissues in the body like those found in the heart, brain, eyes and joints. Not only that, but beneficial Omega-3s help with digestion and bowel regularity, and current research links a diet rich in Omega-3 fats with enhanced memory, mood, and even improved fat metabolism.

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Have you heard about enzyme supplements and wonder if you need one? Chances are you might—especially if you eat a lot of cooked and heavily processed foods. Without the natural enzymes obtained from raw, whole foods, the body has a hard time breaking down the food you eat and absorbing its nutrients. As a result, undigested or partially digested food in the intestines can ferment and cause gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion and other problems. The following quiz will help you determine if you may benefit from adding a natural digestive enzyme supplement to your diet. Put a 1 next to each question if the answer is Yes, 0 for No.

1. Do you experience stomach pain after eating a high-protein meal?

2. Are you excessively tired or fatigued after eating a high-protein meal?

3. Do you have thin, fine or brittle hair?

4. Do you have white lines or ridges in your nail beds?

5. Are you intolerant to cold temperatures or have a sensation of always being cold?

6. Do you have low muscle mass? 

7. Do you have occasional swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or knees?

8. Do you have high blood pressure?

9. Do you have skin issues such as dermatitis?

10. Do you have irritability or anxiety?

11. Do you heal slowly from wounds?

12. Do you have frequent abdominal gas, bloating or flatulence?

13. Do you have frequent belching?

14. Do you have abdominal discomfort or bloating after eating starches, vegetables, beans or grains?

15. Do you commonly have diarrhea?

16. Do you have dry skin?

17. Do you have brittle fingernails?

18. Do you suffer from occasional or mild depression?

19. Do you have greasy or oily stool?

20. Are you frequently constipated?

21. Do you have dandruff or an itchy scalp?

22. Do you have problems concentrating at work or school?

23. Do you have dry mouth or excessive thirst?

24. Do you have frequent urination?

25. Do you crave fatty foods?

OVERALL SCORE: If you scored 13 or more, you may benefit from a quality digestive enzyme supplement. Look for a formula with high amounts of Protease, Amylase, Lipase and Cellulase.

BREAKDOWN SCORE:

• A score of 5 or more for Questions 1 to 11 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of proteins. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of PROTEASE.
• A score of 3 or more for Questions 12 to 15 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of carbohydrates, starches and fiber. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of AMYLASE and CELLULASE.
• A score of 5 or more for Questions 16 to 25 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of fat. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of LIPASE.

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