What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and why are they important? 

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two families of EFAs.  EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be manufactured in the human body, and therefore they must be obtained through our diet on a daily basis for optimal health and wellness.  The body must receive a constant and balanced supply of EFAs to ensure proper prostaglandin production.  Prostaglandins are beneficial hormone-like compounds that affect virtually every system in the body.  They regulate pain and swelling, help maintain proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote fluidity in nerve transmission.

What are early signs of EFA deficiency?

Where can I get a direct source of EFAs ?

Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are found in cold water fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and cod liver.  GLA, an Omega-6 fatty acid, is abundant in borage and evening primrose oils.

What type of fish does Nordic Naturals use in their products?

Nordic Naturals fish oils come from sardines and anchovies, except for our Children's DHA/DHA Junior and Arctic Cod Liver Oil products (in flavored liquids or capsules), which come exclusively from virgin Arctic cod liver in the fresh, northern Norwegian waters.

How soon will I see results?

It will vary depending on the concentration of the fish oil, your current nutritional state, dosage, and current health.  We often will hear that our customers "feel better" and experience "clearer thinking" and "an enhanced well being" within 2 weeks.  For better results, we recommend you take EFAs daily for at least two months to evaluate their benefits, and reduce your intake of hydrogenated and trans-fats.

Are there any side effects?

Generally, none.  Consumers typically report having more energy and greater mental clarity while taking EFAs.  If you experience repeat (burping) or a bad taste, your supplement may be rancid (oxidized) or your body may not be manufacturing enough lipase, the digestive enzyme our bodies make to digest fats and oils.  If you haven't ingested fish oils for a long time, it might take a week or so for your body to adjust and make more of this enzyme.

Is it safe to take EFAs derived from fish? 

I’ve heard that fish oil contains mercury and other environmental toxins.

Fish oils may contain environmental toxins that accumulate in a fish during its life span.  Potential toxins can be virtually eliminated given the use of high quality raw materials, and a technologically advanced refining process utilizing the very latest distillation technologies.

Nordic Naturals fish oils are molecularly distilled, utilizing a leading edge enzymatic process where any potential heavy metals and dioxins are removed.  Third-party testing documents the complete absence of heavy metals and dioxins (where heavy metals are tested down to 25 particles per billion and dioxins down to 0.5 particles per trillion).

While Nordic Naturals' policy is to test competing products on an ongoing basis to monitor the overall quality level of the fish oil industry, Nordic Naturals has never found a competing product to match its freshness and purity levels.

Good fats vs. Bad fats?

The "bad" fats are trans-fatty acids and saturated fats from animal products.  Trans-fatty acids should be avoided completely; this includes margarine, shortening, and processed foods.  Meat and dairy products contain high levels of saturated fat, and should be eaten in moderation.

The "good" fats include polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).  EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be produced in the human body, and therefore must be provided through the diet.  Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two families of essential fatty acids.  Omega-6 fatty acids include corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oil.  While it is important that your diet include both of these essential fatty acids, it is becoming clear that balance is the key to good health.