EPA/DHA 720 - 60 Softgels

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are omega-3 fatty acids? 

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat our body does make on its own. They are essential fatty acids that provides a number of health benefits. Omega-3s are a key component to the structure of every cell wall in your body. They're also an energy source and help keep your organs such as the heart and lungs, as well as blood vessels, and immune system functioning properly.

We get omega-3 fatty acids nutrients from the foods we eat. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod, herring, trout, anchovies, halibut, oysters, and canned tuna are the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Other foods that are high in omega-3s include flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

2. What are EPA and DHA? 

The three omega-3 fatty acids are called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found in plant oils like canola, flaxseed, and soybean oils. EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in fish, shellfish, as well as some algae and plants that have been genetically engineered.

Your body needs EPA and DHA omega-3s in every stage of life. EPA and DHA affect cardiovascular function in a number of ways including inflammation, anticoagulation, peripheral artery disease, and major coronary events. EPA and DHA are also linked to weight management, better vision, fetal development, and cognitive function related to Alzheimer's disease. 

In sum, the research on omega-3s is supportive for your brain, eye, heart, and prenatal/maternal health.

3. What is the best ratio of EPA to DHA? 

EPA and DHA have been proven to provide a wide range of clinical benefits. Both EPA and DHA are mostly found in seafood, including fatty fish and algae. For this reason, they are often called marine omega-3s. Choosing a fish oil supplement that is richer in one of the two main omega-3s may help tailor the beneficial properties to your specific needs. 

Most fish oil supplements have a one-to-one ratio of DHA to EPA. If you want to reduce or prevent inflammation, swelling, aches, and pain, then standard fish oils or fish oil with more EPA may be desirable. However, if your goal is to improve brain function, then consider a fish oil with a higher concentration of DHA.

4. Do you need both EPA and DHA? EPA and DHA offer different benefits, so you need them both. ALA is the third component of omega-3s; it is a precursor of EPA and DHA.

• DHA is important for brain/neurological development, cognition, and preventing cognitive decline. DHA may also protect against heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions.
• EPA can reduce symptoms of depression and help reduce systemic inflammation and its associated conditions.

Studies have shown that higher levels of EPA and DHA, both separately and together, were associated with a lower risk of early mortality, especially death from cardiovascular disease.

The most important omega-3s are EPA and DHA, which are abundant in fish and other seafood. If you are not consuming enough foods rich in omega-3, supplements are typically recommended. 

5. When should you take EPA and DHA? 

Most of the benefits of fish oil are related to long-term use, so you can take it at any time of the day, although research has shown that fish oil is absorbed better during a meal. The omega-3s in EPA and DHA found in fish oil are fats. When consumed with dietary fats, this increases the bioavailability of fish oil. They just won't be absorbed as well if you take them on an empty stomach.

Because fish oil rises to the top of stomach fluids, it can cause indigestion in some people. Dividing your supplement into two smaller doses, one at breakfast and one at dinner time can help reduce acid reflux.

Establishing a daily routine to take your EPA and DHA supplement consistently will maximize its health benefits.

6. How much EPA and DHA should you have a day?

There is no recommended daily allowance for EPA and DHA. But many healthcare organizations agree that 250 to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA is enough for adults to maintain their overall health.

For athletes, an intake of 1 to 3 grams of EPA and DHA daily, including both dietary sources and supplements, has been suggested for optimal performance.

When used to treat specific health conditions, an effective dose of omega-3 fatty acids can range from 200 to 4000 mg. Taking up to 5000 mg of omega-3s per day is safe, although it is not necessary for most people.

To ensure that you’re getting enough EPA and DHA, consider how much EPA and DHA there is in a supplement, not just how much fish oil it contains.