What's new? Now includes lemon oil, which helps reduce or mask any fishy aftertaste that may occur.
Fatty acids are essential components of overall health and wellness. They play a role in membrane fluidity, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and healthy inflammation levels. Humans can synthesize saturated fatty acids from carbohydrates and proteins and convert some to essential omega-3 and omega-6. The process of converting fatty acids requires enzymes and cofactors and is not always an efficient process.
The source of your essential fatty acids matters because of the high potential for contamination when it comes to fish oil. Mercury toxicity is a concern when utilizing a fish oil supplement and most conventional fish oil supplements are not quality checked for mercury toxicity.
Product Information
This Omega formula includes 160 mg of GLA — a potent anti-inflammatory fatty acid sourced from borage oil — and 10 IU of Vitamin E for antioxidant support. The dynamic mixture of flaxseed, borage, and pacific fish oil provides 2,400 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DHA that are essential for a healthy immune system as well as cognitive and cardiovascular health.†
This nutraceutical supports the nutritional focus of the 5 Essentials®.
Supplement Facts
One Bottle: 60 Softgels
Serving Size: 2 Softgels
Number of servings: 30 Daily Servings
Case Pack: 6
Amount
% Daily Value**
Calories
25
Calories from Fat
21
Total Fat
2.4 g
3%
Total Carbohydrates
< 1g
0%
Protein
< 1g
1%
Vitamin E (as d-a-Tocopherol) 10 IU
4.5 mg
30%
Organic Flaxseed Oil (50% ALA)
800 mg
*
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
400 mg
*
Pacific Fish Oil (50% EPA/DHA)
800 mg
*
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
240 mg
*
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
160 mg
*
Borage Oil
800 mg
*
GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)
160 mg
*
*Daily Value not established **Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Other Ingredients: Gelatin (bovine), glycerin, purified water and lemon oil.
Contains: Wild caught Pacific fish (Anchovy, Sardine and Mackerel) from the pacific ocean, coastal Peru
Warnings: If you are pregnant, lactating, taking any medication or have any medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if seal is broken or missing. For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use Optimal Omega
Take 2 softgels daily with a meal or as directed by your qualified healthcare practitioner.
NON-GMO
DAIRY-FREE
GLUTEN-FREE
NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS
SUGAR-FREE
PEANUT-FREE
SOY-FREE
SALT-FREE
PRESERVATIVE-FREE
NO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Optimal Omega vs. Competitors
Optimal Omega
Competitors
Organic Flax Seed Oil offering 400mg of a-linolenic acid (ALA).
Most complete omega formulas don’t contain organic ALA from a plant source, forcing you to buy a separate product to meet this need.
Pacific Fish Oil Marine Lipid Concentrate offering 400mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
400mg of EPA/DHA in one serving is not industry standard. We also utilize a pure source of EPA/DHA that comes from small fish. Other suppliers source from large fish, which increases the risk of toxicity from mercury and other heavy metals.
Fructo-Oligsaccharides (FOS) from chicory root†.
Conventional products do not contain pure, unadulterated sources of these three ingredients. They are often laced with excipients and contaminants.
160mg of anti-inflammatory omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Most complete omegas contain less than 100mg of GLA, if any.
Ingredient Breakdown
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant that helps to preserve the freshness of the oils used in Optimal Omega.
Organic Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a plant based source for omega-3 a-linoleic acid (ALA).
Pacific Fish Oil
Pacific fish oil comes from Marine Lipid Concentrate that is 50% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is sourced from the Pacific Ocean off coastal Peru. Contains oil from Anchovy, Sardine and Mackerel.
Borage Oil
Borage oil is a plant based source for omega-6 gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
Gelatin
Gelatin is a component of the capsule from bovine sources.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is used to stabilize the oil in this formulation.
Scientific Support
Western diets contain excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. This is a drastic change from the diet that human beings evolved on along with the genetic predispositions established by this diet. The standard American high-stress lifestyle further contributes to this deficiency.
The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids found in a Western diet promotes the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. When the ratio is corrected and levels of omega-3 fatty acids are increased, they can exert a suppressive effect on these disease processes.
Omega-3 a-linolenic acid (ALA) is converted to cardioprotective eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); therefore supplementation with ALA sources can boost serum levels of EPA and DHA.
Compared to populations without high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, those with very high lifelong intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are notable for low cardiovascular risk and less arterial atherosclerosis.
Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a-linolenic acid (ALA) may be a useful tool for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3s exert their cardio protective effects through multiple mechanisms, including reducing arrhythmias and altering production of prostaglandins, which reduces inflammation and improves platelet and endothelial function.
Omega-3 fatty acids are able to influence levels of neurotrophins, molecules that promote neuronal survival and growth. Among the neurotrophins, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are altered by dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. BDNF is associated with regulating neurogenesis and neuronal survival along with depressive illnesses. The association between omega-3 fatty acids and the regulation these classes of molecules suggests that omega-3 fatty acids simultaneously influence neurogenesis and depressive illness.
Research has shown that supplementation with omega-6 fatty acids in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome resulted in a further decrease in triglycerides and blood pressure and also in an improvement in insulin resistance and inflammatory markers, important components of metabolic syndrome.
Fatty acids play a critical role the in health of cell membranes. Western diets are more abundant in omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. A high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio can alter cell membranes properties and increase the production of inflammatory mediators. Increased omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in the diet can alter the CNS cell membrane fluidity and phospholipid compositions which can then affect serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission.
Gamma linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid produced in the body from linoleic acid by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase. It is possible to find preformed GLA in trace amounts in green leafy vegetables and in nuts. GLA is further metabolized to Dihomo Gamma Linolenic Acid (DGLA) which undergoes oxidative metabolism by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases to produce anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. GLA and its metabolites can affect expression of various genes that play a significant role in immune function and cell apoptosis.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
As with any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, anticipating surgery, take medication on a regular basis or are otherwise under medical supervision.
Heat sensitive product: We recommend shipping to your daytime location to ensure quality during hot summer months. Once product is delivered, we advise to not leave this product out in the heat for an extended period of time.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use higher levels of Omega 3’s compared to Omega 6’s?
Omega 6’s are increasingly abundant in our food supply and providing a product with higher levels of omega 3’s helps to balance the ratio. Omega 3’s play an important role in cardiovascular health, cognitive function, inflammation regulation and more.
What type of fish oil is used and where is it from?
Anchovy, sardine and mackerel from the Pacific Ocean.
What are the uses for ALA and GLA in Optimal Omega?
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an Omega-3 fatty acid found in plants and can be converted into EPA and DHA. The enzyme that converts Linoleic Acid (LA) to longer chain, inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids also converts ALA to beneficial Omega 3’s, EPA and DHA. Increasing ALA in the diet forces the body to focus on Omega 3’s rather than Omega 6’s. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) is an Omega 6 fatty acid that fights inflammation, unlike other Omega 6’s that promote inflammation.
What does Vitamin E in Optimal Omega do?
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and helps maintain a longer shelf life.
What type of softgel is used for Optimal Omega?
It’s a gelatin softgel from bovine origin. Oils are preserved better in this type of packaging. We decided to use bovine softgels because the fish oils have less of a chance to leak and oxidize in a sealed softgel than in a two piece capsule. Softgels prevent air from entering and they remain completely sealed.
Are the capsules flavored?
No, they are flavorless.
Is the Optimal Omega fish oil distilled (purified)?
Yes, the fish oil is molecularly distilled for impurities.
Have been using this for the past 6 months and have loved the lack of issues of being achy but feeling really great. Looking forward to my next set of blood work tests to see how my levels have changed with using this supplement properly.
I take this pill in the morning with my other supplements, and it always makes a feel good to know I'm getting the good omega balance that is hard to achieve without this support.