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Essential Fatty Acids FAQs
What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and why are they important?
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two families of EFAs. EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be manufactured in the human body, therefore they must be obtained through our diet on a daily basis for optimal health and wellness. The body must receive a constant and balanced supply of EFAs to ensure proper prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are beneficial hormone-like compounds that affect virtually every system in the body. They regulate pain and swelling, help maintain proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote fluidity in nerve transmission.
What are early signs of EFA deficiency?
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Where can I get a direct source of EFAs ?
Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are found in cold water fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies and cod liver. GLA, an Omega-6 fatty acid, is abundant in borage and evening primrose oil.
What type of fish does Nordic Naturals use in their products?
All of Nordic Naturals' fish oils come from sardines, mackerel, and anchovies, excluding our Children's DHA Formula and Liquid Arctic Cod Liver Oil which comes from virgin Arctic cod liver.
What’s the difference between fish oil and flax seed oil?
Omega-3 fatty acids fall into two major categories:- Plant derived (flax seed oil, yielding alpha linolenic acid)
- Marine derived (fish oil, yielding both EPA and DHA).
The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by various conditions such as a diet high in linoleic acid (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids such as fast foods and baked goods, alcohol intake, certain health conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B3, B6, C, zinc, magnesium). Fish, on the other hand, is a direct source of EPA and DHA. The general consensus is that only about 15% of ALA converts to EPA, and it may not convert to DHA at all.
How soon will I see results?
It will vary depending on the concentration of the fish oil, your current nutritional state, dosage, and current health. We often will hear that our customers "feel better" and experience "clearer thinking" and "an enhanced well being" within 2 weeks. For better results, we recommend you take EFAs daily for at least two months to evaluate their benefits and reduce your intake of hydrogenated and trans-fats.
Are there any side effects?
Generally, no. Consumers typically report having more energy and a greater mental clarity while taking EFAs. If you experience repeat (burping), your supplements are either rancid or your body may not be manufacturing the fat digestive enzyme, lipase, used to metabolize the oil. If you haven't ingested fish oils for a long period of time it should take about a week for your body to develop this enzyme.
Is it safe to take EFAs derived from fish? I’ve heard that fish oil contains mercury and other environmental toxins.
Fish oils may contain environmental toxins that accumulates in fish during its life span. Potential toxins can be virtually eliminated given the use of high quality raw materials and a technologically advanced refining process utilizing the very latest distillation technologies.
Nordic Naturals fish oils are molecularly distilled utilizing a leading edge enzymatic process, where any potential heavy metals and dioxins are removed. Third party testing document the complete absence of heavy metals and dioxins (where heavy metals are tested down to 25 particles per billion and dioxins down to 0.5 particles per trillion).
While Nordic Naturals' policy is to test competing products on an ongoing basis to monitor the overall quality level of the fish oil industry, Nordic Naturals has never found a competing product to match its freshness and purity levels.
Do pregnant women need EFAs?
It is especially important for a pregnant or lactating woman to get adequate amounts of DHA in her diet because the baby is drawing upon her supply. DHA is critical for healthy development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. There is evidence linking a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids to an increased risk of premature birth. Some experts recommend that women take 500-600 mg per day during pregnancy and lactation. As with any supplement, it is best to check with your health care professional.
What is the recommended intake of Omega-3 fatty acids?
ISSFAL Recommended Dosage Chart
| Category | Weight | Dosage |
| Infants (1-18 months) | 0-15 lbs | 32 mg/lb EPA+DHA |
| Children (1.5-15 yrs) | 15 mg/lb EPA+DHA | |
| Adults (15-115 yrs) | 650 mg EPA+DHA | |
| 220 mg EPA -minimum | ||
| 220 mg DHA -minimum | ||
| Lactating Women | 300 mg DHA daily |
Can we get enough EFAs from the food we eat?
Fish is one of the most abundant sources of EFAs, but Americans simply don’t eat enough fish on a regular basis. Even those who eat fish several times a week aren’t getting enough EFAs because much of the fish consumed today are farm raised (fed a diet of grains instead of fish meal) and lack a significant amounts of EPA and DHA. In addition, there are several factors that can lead to a reduced absorption of EFAs: Age, poor diet, alcohol consumption, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, some prescription drugs, compromised immune status, and a diet high in trans-fatty acids (fast food, baked goods).
Good fats vs. Bad fats?
The "bad" fats are trans-fatty acids and
saturated fats from animal products. Trans-fatty acids should
be avoided completely, this includes margarine, shortening,
and processed foods. Meat and dairy products contain high
levels of saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation.
The "good" fats include polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acids
(EFAs). EFAs are considered "essential" because they are
needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be produced in
the human body, and therefore must be provided through the
diet. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two
families of essential fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids include
corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oil. While it is
important that your diet include both of these essential fatty
acids, it is becoming clear that balance is the key to good
health.
What should I look for when purchasing fish oil?
1.
Investigate the manufacturing process.
How is the fish oil manufactured and what are the
manufacturing standards?
2. Smell. Does the fish oil smell fishy?
If it smells fishy, the fish oil has most likely been
exposed to oxygen and is becoming rancid.
3. Taste. Does the fish oil taste fishy? The freshest fish oils should not taste fishy. Avoid fish oils that have really strong fruit flavor added to them because they are most likely trying to hide the fishy flavor of rancid oil.
What is pharmaceutical grade?
Pharmaceutical grade/standard relates to the purity of an oil. Nordic Naturals' fish oils are tested, before and after production, for heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxin. The results are documented showing the absence of these environmental toxins. Only a true pharmaceutical grade/standard product will pass these standards.
Nordic Naturals' products test well below pharmaceutical grade/standard because they are solely based on the Norwegian Medicinal Standard, which is the only true pharmaceutical grade/standard to be revered.
Will EFAs interfere with my medical condition or medications I’m taking?
Check with your health care professional since EFAs can reduce blood viscosity and are not recommended if you are using blood thinners, taking high doses of aspirin, or anticipating surgery.
Can EFAs be taken with other supplements?
Yes, EFAs can be taken with a wide variety of supplements. EFAs are extremely well tolerated, natural, health-promoting, and safe to use every day.
Why doesn't Nordic Naturals test their products with "consumer labs"?
Consumer labs market themselves as being very objective when in fact they charge $5000 per product test plus an additional charge for a written report. We decided to do our own independent testing with a Third party in the United States and we offer our results to all consumers who request them.
How does the alginate in Nordic Naturals' detoxification products bind to environmental toxins?
Nordic Naturals' deNordic Naturals' detoxification products contain Fucus and Laminaria algae which has alginate in its cell walls. Alginate is documented to molecularly bind to heavy metals. Therefore, it only binds to heavy metals by molecular weight.
Does alginate interfere with nutrient absorption?
Alginate does not interfere with nutrient absorption because its binding is selective by molecular weight. It does not bind to minerals such as iron, calcium, etc.
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