Omega-3 Science

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids? Omega-3 PUFAs are also known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are deemed vital because they are needed throughout the life cycle. The three main components of long-chain Omega-3 PUFAs are EPA, DHA and DPA. While they are readily available at birth, Omega-3 PUFAs are deemed essential because they deplete steadily and must be replenished from our diets or dietary supplementation because our bodies cannot produce them.
2. Why seal oil Omega-3 PUFAs? Seal is one of the safest and freshest sources of Omega-3 PUFAs. The mammalian body of a seal is more complex than that of a fish. As a result, seals can "bio-filter" chemical impurities such as pollutants and dioxins with greater ease than fish. Omega-3 PUFAs yielded from seal blubber require less purification because the seal has already cleansed most impurities. Take a look at our purity tests
3. Do modern western diets provide enough Omega-3 PUFAs? Generally speaking, no. Modern western diets do not include enough foods rich in Omega-3 PUFAs. Marine foods (richest in Omega-3 PUFAs) are not eaten regularly, especially by children. To obtain ideal levels of Omega-3 PUFAs, experts recommend anywhere from 2 to 25, 3oz servings of fatty fish a week (Gebauer, S., et al., 2006).
4. Who can benefit from long-chain Omega-3 PUFAs? Clinical tests and countless studies have shown that almost anyone can benefit from an increased intake of long-chain Omega-3 PUFAs. It is especially beneficial for mothers, children and people who have experienced traumatic cardiovascular events like a heart attack.
5. Why choose OmegaVite?
   • Canadian-owned and operated
   • Proud sponsor of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and member of the Omega-3 Manufacturer's Association
   • Doctor exclusive company
   • Experienced, knowledgeable team of scientific advisors
   • Doctor's hotline to answer all questions
   • Offers a highly concentrated fish oil, rich in EPA / DHA and a naturally balanced seal oil
   • Products surpass all quality and purity standards set forth by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
   • High quality health products at reasonable prices
6. Don't fish and fish oils contain high levels of toxins and pollutants? It depends predominantly on habitat - is the fish farmed or wild? Farmed fish are raised closer to shore in enclosed areas and are more susceptible to pollutants from cars, factories and general human pollution. Wild fish reside in the ocean and are not restricted by enclosures close to land. They generally yield significantly less toxins and pollutants. All products are filtered and distilled to surpass all Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) standards.
7. What type of fish does OmegaVite use in their products? OmegaVite uses only wild fish. OmegaVite Plus is comprised of anchovy and sardines.
8. Why not flax or flaxseed oil? Flax, in any form, contains high levels of Omega-6 PUFAs - an EFA that is already high in modern western diets. In fact, almost any cooking oil, nut and even some fruits contain high levels of Omega-6. Many health experts feel that high levels of Omega-6 PUFAs, coupled with low levels of Omega-3 PUFAs can lead to an increase in such dietary disease as heart disease, stroke and arthritis (Simopolous, A.P. and Robinson, J., 1988). Flax has no long-chain Omega-3 PUFAs while marine sources have preformed easily digestible long-chain omega-3. "...studies using alpha-linolenic, which have addressed the question of bioconversion of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA, have concluded that in adult men conversion to EPA is limited (approximately 8%) and conversion to DHA is extremely low (<0.1%). In women fractional conversion to DHA appears to be greater (9%)". (Williams, C.M. et al. 2006)
9. Why not Omega-3-6-9 products? Our bodies do not need more Omega-6 nor Omega-9. Omega-6, though an essential fatty acid like Omega-3 PUFAs, are already abundant in modern western diets. They are, therefore, not necessary to obtain from supplements. In fact, many experts feel that excessive intake of Omega-6 can lead to inflammation (Okuyama, H., 2000). Omega-9 is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is found abundantly in nature and, in turn, the foods we already eat. In addition, unlike Omega-3 long-chain PUFAs which deplete steadily, oleic acid (Omega-9) is naturally produced by the human body.
10. Can people with fish allergies take fish oil supplements? Most fish oil supplements should not cause any kind of reaction because they do not contain fish protein - the cause of fish allergies. As always, consult a doctor before making any dietary changes.