Q. What is Omega-3 and what is it good for?
A.Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA), also known as a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). It is derived from both animal and plant sources, although Omega-3 from fish oil is the most common supplemental form. Fatty acids form the main useful fraction of fats and oils and are necessary for overall health. Because your body cannot manufacture essential fatty acids, you must get them from food or supplemental sources.  Plant sources such as Flax Oil contain the parent Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The human body hardly converts ALA to the longer chain fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are used for prostaglandin formation and other cellular needs. Fish Oil contains the desired Omega-3 fatty acids in their more useful EPA and DHA forms. ALA requires enzymatic conversion to generate EPA and DHA.

Q.What is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)?
A.ALA is a short-chain fatty acid that is converted by the body into the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Q.What is the role of ALA in the body?
A.ALA is known to be a source of energy for the body, and while it is converted into DHA and EPA, it is not yet definitively known how efficiently the body is at this conversion. Current research shows the body may only convert 5-10% of ALA to EPA and even less, only .01-5%, to DHA, so a person should not rely on ALA as a primary source of omega 3 fatty acids. No research has indicated a direct role in cardiovascular or retinal health from ALA, but it plays an indirect role in the conversion to the long-chain fatty acids. While some studies have even shown a potential link in the progression of late-stage prostate cancer and macular degeneration additional research has also suggested potential neuroprotective effects of ALA in in-vivo models of both global ischemia and KA-induced epilepsy.

Q.What is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)?
A.DHA is a long-chain fatty acid and and is found abundantly in the brain (comprising 97% of the omega 3 fats therein), the eyes (comprising 93% of the omega 3 fats in the retina), and the nervous system (and is a key component of heart tissue). It plays an important role in the structural integrity of these parts of the body and is required for their proper functioning. It is also found in breast milk, and is now included in many baby formulas and sold in supplements for pregnant women for this reason.

Q.What is the role of DHA in the body?
A.DHA is required for proper brain function and development as well as being necessary for visual acuity, and it is the primary fatty acid in the phospholipids in the brain and retina. Low levels of DHA in the blood have also been shown to be related to low serotonin levels in the brain, which can affect mood. DHA is especially important to developing children as the brain and other parts of the body grow and develop. Higher level of DHA have also been shown to reduce triglycerides as well as increasing the particle size of a person's Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. DHA is therefore a key component in the central nervous system as well as maintaining proper cardiovascular health.

Q.What is Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)?
A.EPA is another long-chain omega 3 fatty acid that is important for human health, however unlike DHA, it is not stored as well in the body and therefore must be consumed on a regular and ongoing basis.

Q.What is the role of EPA in the body?
A.Similar to DHA, EPA plays a significant role in reducing the triglyceride level in the blood, has mild blood thinning properties and may reduce the risk of blood clots. By moderating the body's immune response, EPA can also reduce chronic inflammation, which can lead to a reduction in pain and swelling of the joints. While some studies have indicated that EPA consumption may play a role in mental health, more studies are needed to draw any definitive conclusions, however preliminary studies have indicated a link between a lack of omega 3 consumption and depression.

Q.Why is your Omega-3 Fish Oil Molecularly Distilled?
A.The Omega-3 Fish Oil used in these products are from fish caught in either Norway or Peru and are generally processed utilizing high vacuum Molecular Distillation. This processing technique guarantees the production of high purity EPA/DHA triglyceride Omega-3 Fish Oils and minimizes the presence of impurities.

Q.What fish are used for producing the Omega-3 Fish Oil?
A.Sardines, Anchovies and Mackerel are the primary species used in the production of our Omega-3 Fish Oils.

Q.Are your Fish Oil products high in Vitamin A?
A.Omega-3 fish oils are made from the whole bodies of fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, rather than from fish liver oil. Omega-3 fish oils are body oils that undergo purification to remove these vitamins and provide EPA and DHA. Fish Liver Oils (such as Cod Liver Oil) usually do contain vitamins A and D along with small quantity of EPA and DHA.

Q.I regularly eat Fish, do I still need Omega3?
A.Yes, the fish available in India contain negligible quantity of EPA and DHA (Omega3) , Omega3 is highly concentrated in cold water Fatty fish (trout, mackerel, sardines, pilchards, herring, kipper, eel and whitebait )found in deep sea.

Q.Do I need a prescription to take omega-3 oils?
A.You do not need a doctor’s prescription to use Omega3.

Q.Can I take fish oil if I’m pregnant? Can children take fish oil?
A.Yes! Omega-3 oil can also be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. In utero and early childhood, clinical studies suggest that omega-3 oil improves motor coordination.

Q.What types of “blood thinners” should not be taken with omega-3 oils?
A.It is okay to take over-the-counter medications like a daily aspirin regimen; however, do not take with prescription medications like Coumadin without first consulting with your physician.

Q.Can I cook with fish oil?
A. Cooking with fish oil would be expensive and would not be effective as the fatty acids would rearrange their molecular structure at high temperatures.