Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are deemed "essential" because our bodies cannot make them and therefore they must be replenished from our diets or dietary supplementation. They are needed throughout the life cycle. The three main components of long-chain Omega-3 are EPA, DHA and DPA. While they are readily available at birth, long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids deplete daily as our bodies consume them to perform a number of vital functions.
2. Do modern western diets provide enough Omega-3 PUFAs? Generally speaking, no. Modern western diets do not include enough foods rich in long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Marine foods (richest in Omega-3) are not eaten regularly, especially by children. To obtain ideal levels of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, experts recommend anywhere from 13 to 26, 3oz servings of fatty fish a week.

   Fish	EPA + DHA mg per serving	Amount needed to get 500mg EPA + DHA/day	Amount needed to get 500mg EPA + DHA/week
   Cod	134	3.7	25.9
   Catfish	151	3.3	23.1
   Haddock	203	2.5	17.5
   Clams	241	2.1	14.7
   Shrimps	267	1.9	13.3

3. Who can benefit from Omega-3? Clinical tests and countless studies have shown that almost everyone can benefit from an increased intake of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Though everyone needs long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for optimum health, it is especially beneficial for mothers, children and people who have experienced traumatic cardiovascular events like a heart attack.
4. Why choose DPA LifeStyles
   • Canadian-owned and operated
   • Proud sponsor and member of the Omega-3 Manufacturer's Association
   • Experienced, knowledgeable team of scientific advisors
   • Offers naturally balanced seal oil
   • Offers luxurious skin care products
   • Offers in invigorating Chinese Cordyceps
   • Surpasses the higest quality and purity standards set forth by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
   • High quality health products at reasonable prices
5. Is Omega-3 safe for children? Generally speaking, Omega-3 is safe and beneficial for children. As always, consult a doctor before making any dietary changes.
6. Can people with fish allergies take seal oil supplements? DPA LifeStyles seal oil supplements should not cause any kind of allergic reaction because they do not contain seal or fish protein - the cause of fish allergies. As always, consult a doctor before making any dietary changes.
7. Can Omega-3 be taken with other supplements? Yes, long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids are safe for daily use with nearly all health supplements. As always consult a doctor before making any dietary changes.
8. Why not flax or flaxseed oil? Simply put, flax has short-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies have to convert short-chain into long-chain Omega-3 for healthy results. Our bodies cannot do this efficiently so most of the fatty acids are lost. Omega-3 from plant sources always needs to be converted and this process rarely works.
   You would need to take roughly 10500 mg of flax to get the equivalent of 400 mg of seal oil.
   Also, flax contains high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids - also an essential fatty acid (EFA) but one that is already common in modern western diets. In fact, almost any cooking oil, nut and even some fruit contain high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids. Many health experts feel that high levels of Omega-6, coupled with low levels of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to an increase in such dietary disease as heart disease, stroke and arthritis.
9. Why not Omega-3-6-9 products? Our bodies do not need more Omega-6 or Omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-6 is already abundant in modern western diets; therefore, it is not necessary to supplement. In fact, many experts feel that excessive intake of Omega-6 can lead to inflammation. Omega-9 is a monounsaturated fatty acid found abundantly in nature, in our food, and our bodies naturally produce it. Omega-3 fatty acids do need supplementation because our bodies cannot replenish it and our diets lack it.