What are the most important health benefits provided by Bioactiv Ultra Purified Icelandic Fish Oil?

Our fish oil is an abundant source of two essential long chain fatty acids, known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). EPA and DHA are vital to our good health.

Clinical studies have proven that fish oil decreases the risk of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Research also shows EPA and DHA lowers elevated blood triglyceride levels and blocks production of compounds that cause inflammation. It can relieve joint pain and stiffness associated with inflammatory forms of arthritis as well as symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases.*

Emerging research also suggests fish oil enhances cognitive function, and may help with depression, bipolar disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is conflicting evidence about the ability of EPA and DHA to slow the progression of hardening of the arteries, reduce the risk for some forms of cancer, decrease insulin resistance in diabetics, or to lower mild hypertension.*

What is the difference between flaxseed oil and fish oil?

Most research praising the cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory health benefits of omega-3 gives credit to the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. Fish oil is a rich natural source of EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is a great source of another omega-3 fat called alphalinolenic acid, or ALA. The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but the process is slow and your diet can easily put the brakes on the conversion. For example, trans fatty acids from cookies, chips, cakes, popcorn, some types of margarine, and other prepared foods containing hydrogenated oil interferes with converting flaxseed ALA into EPA and DHA.

Fish and fish oil remain the best sources of DHA and EPA omega-3 healthy fats. Nevertheless, flaxseed oil supplies valuable levels of omega-3 to offset the unhealthy imbalance of omega-6 in our diet (see next question).

Should I take an Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplement?

Our diet typically contains far too many omega-6 fats and too few omega-3 fats. Components of omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory, and nutrition experts say Americans now get 20 to 40 times more omega-6 than omega-3 when the optimal ratio is roughly 2 to1. Research suggests our ongoing imbalance of omega-6 has led to increased cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and other afflictions. Bottom line: we get all the omega-6 (and omega-9) we need from food, so supplements for these fats are NOT needed.*

What dose of Bioactiv Ultra Pure Icelandic Fish Oil is recommended?

Based on your health goals, take the following quantity of softgels daily in divided doses with meals...
Cardiovascular protection: 1-2 softgels/day
Support memory and other cognitive functions: 2-4 sofgels/day
Promote relief from inflammation, joint pain and stiffness, or inflammatory bowel conditions: 4-6 softgels/day
Reduce level of triglycerides in the blood: 8-10 softgels/day

What precautions should be taken?

Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should only take fish oil supplements if recommended by a physician. Hemophiliacs and those taking warfarin (Coumadin) should exercise caution when using fish oil supplements because of possible blood thinning. Fish oil supplements should be stopped before any surgical procedure. Diabetics and those with glucose intolerance need to discuss the use of fish oil with their physicians and note if the supplements affect their glycemic control.

There have been no reports of serious adverse events among people taking fish oil supplements, even at doses up to 15 grams daily for prolonged periods of time.

Are interactions possible with drugs or other nutrition supplements?

Combining fish oil with aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbs such as garlic and ginkgo may thin the blood. On rare occasions, such interactions cause increased susceptibility to bruising, nosebleeds, hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematuria and blood in the stool. If these problems occur, the dose should be lowered or discontinued.