Essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids & Fish Oil Supplements FAQs

Q: Why should I take fish oil supplements?

A: Fish oil supplements supply the essential fatty acid; Omega-3. Omega-3 can only be obtained from the food and supplements we consume. The typical American diet is very low in omega-3s and it is very beneficial to supplement your dietary intake of omega-3 with fish oil supplements.

Q: What are the main benefits of taking fish oil supplements?

A: Essential to healthy digestion, Omega-3 oils help nourish the cells in the intestinal tract and provide the lubrication necessary for regular, healthy bowel elimination. They have also been shown to significantly improve overall health by supporting the nervous system, brain, heart and other organs.

Q: Do your fish oil supplements have enteric coating?

A: Yes, enteric-coated capsules deliver oils directly to the intestines for 3X better absorption than non-coated oils and no fishy aftertaste or 'repeat'. We have also added plant lipase (a natural fat-splitting enzyme) that helps the body digest and absorb the beneficial oils.

Q: Are your fish oil supplements truly burp-free?

A: Yes, our enteric-coated capsules not only deliver oil directly to the intestines for 3X better absorption than non-coated oils, but they also ensure that you will experience no fishy aftertaste or 'repeat'.

Q: How can I be sure your fish oil supplements are high quality?

A: Our fish oils are sourced from smaller, wild, cold-water fish that are naturally lower in environmental toxins such as mercury, PCBs and pesticides. The complete line of one-a-day oil formulas has earned a 5-star rating by the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program, proving that they meet or exceed all national and international standards for purity, potency and freshness.

Q: How do I know your fish oil supplements are fresh?

A: We use Fresh-Assure blue glass bottles and dark-colored capsules that help seal in freshness and shield the pristine oils from the harmful effects of light. We also use Oxygen-free processing from formulation to bottling which guarantees the absolute freshest oils available.

Q: I am a vegetarian, do you use animal gelatin?

A: No, we use fish-derived gel caps that are ideal for fish-eating vegetarians and others who wish to avoid animal-based soft gels.

Q. What are essential fatty acids?

A: They are good-for-you fats that the human body cannot make and we need to get them from food or supplements. Technically they are long chain unsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids are building blocks used in every cell in your body. From their cellular position, they direct and manage vital body functions, such as inflammation and proper heart, joint, eye, brain and immune function.

Q: Are there any side effects from taking fish oil supplements?

A: Our fish oil supplements provide nutrients your body needs daily and in general there are no side effects. It is advised that people taking blood thinning medications be under doctors' care when taking fish oil.

Q: If I'm allergic to fish, is it safe for me to take fish oil?

A: To be absolutely safe, it is best if you get your omega-3 from plant sources, such as flax seed oil.

Q: Should I take fish oil with food?

A: It's not necessary to take fish oil supplements with food, but fish oil is a fat (a good-for-you fat) and fat is digested better with other foods. It's preferable to take fish oil supplements with a meal or snack.

Q: Is fish oil safe?

A: Yes. Fish oil supplies Omega-3s, which are the "good" fats that support health and vitality, and that our bodies cannot make.

Q: Is it safe for children to take fish oil?

A: It is safe for children to take fish oil supplements, and it will benefit them developmentally.

Q: Are your products certified?

A: Yes, we are one of only a few companies that publishes the results of tests of our products by the International Fish Oils Standards program, which awards them the maximum of 5 stars for purity and potency by IFOS - the International Fish Oils Standards program: http://www.nutrasource.ca/ifos_new/index.asp

Q: Can I take fish oil with other vitamins?

A: We recommend taking fish oil as part of a healthy dietary and supplementation regimen. Anything that you can do to avoid nutritional deficiencies will greatly improve your health and wellness. It is always best to keep your physician informed of your dietary regimen.

Q: Fish oil has sometimes caused me to have an upset stomach. What can I do to avoid that?

A: Lower quality products that have not been purified and distilled can often cause an upset stomach, as well as capsules that have spoiled. If you see cloudy deposits in the oil inside your capsules, that can mean that they are rancid and should not be taken. By enteric-coating our capsules we deliver oils directly to the intestines for better absorption and no fishy aftertaste or 'repeat'. We have also added plant lipase (a natural fat-splitting enzyme) that helps the body digest and absorb the beneficial oils.

Q: Should I be concerned about toxins, heavy metals, pesticides or other pollution in fish oil supplements?

A: Most fish oil supplements are purified through a process called "molecular-distillation". This is a process by which all harmful materials - heavy metals, mercury, PCBs, and other toxins - are removed completely from the fish oil. So generally, there is no need for concern.

Q: What is omega-3?

A: Omega-3 is a sub-group of essential fatty acids. Flax seed and some plants provide an omega-3 fat (ALA), but seafood, fish and fish oil provide the two most biologically functional omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). Research shows that most Americans do not consume enough omega-3 and confirms that consuming adequate amounts of omega-3 from fish oil improves health and reduces risk of chronic conditions.

Q: What are EPA and DHA?

A: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two omega-3 fats found in fish and seafood. EPA and DHA have been extensively researched and are known to be beneficial for heart health, flexible joints, the immune system, good mood and mental health.

Q: Do fish oil capsules require refrigeration?

A: It is best if they are stored in a cool, dry place rather than in conditions of extreme heat or cold, but it is not necessary to refrigerate them.