Ortho Molecular Products
Overview
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential cornerstones of human nutrition. They are deemed “essential” because we need them for proper health, but cannot produce them on our own. We must consume these fats through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development. These long-chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. In nature, omega-3 fatty acids occur as alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found mostly in plants, and as long-chain EPA, DHA and DPA, which primarily originate from cold-water fish. The body is able to slowly convert the shorter chain ALA to the more active long-chain, EPA, DHA and DPA. Conversion is limited in humans, making a higher dietary intake of EPA, DHA and DPA necessary. In addition, major changes in modern diet over the last century have led to a
decrease in the general consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Since omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit cardiovascular health, support healthy brain function and cognition, and maintain a healthy inflammatory response, achieving the proper balance of omega-3s has become an important health strategy that requires supplementation for most people.1 The American Heart Association recommends that those concerned about blood lipids take up to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.2
Fish Oil Delivery –
Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters
While the amount of EPA, DHA and DPA provided in a fish oil product is important for efficacy, the type of fish oil delivered is another significant factor in defining fish oil effectiveness. While ethyl esters allow for higher concentrations of EPA, DHA and DPA, their unusual structure is resistant to the digestive enzymes (lipases) that enable fat breakdown. In a study comparing EPA and DHA digestion in both forms, five common digestive lipase enzymes were shown to more readily digest fish oil in the triglyceride as compared to the ethyl ester substrate when there is a low enzyme to substrate ratio and therefore a low rate of hydrolysis.3 A recent study, conducted by fish oil research pioneer Dr. Jorn Dyerberg, demonstrated that omega-3s in the re-esterified triglyceride form are more efficiently digested and therefore 70% more absorbable than omega-3s in the ethyl ester form.4
Ortho Molecular Products Orthomega Liquid
$58.40
Ortho Molecular Products Orthomega Liquid
Orthomega Liquid is a molecularly distilled fish oil sourced from the cold, fresh waters off the Chilean coast. These waters provide the cleanest, most sustainable source of fish in the world. Orthomega Liquid includes 1.3 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 850 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving as triglycerides, the preferred form. The bioidentical, triglyceride form found in Orthomega Liquid allows for enhanced absorption and better assimilation in the body. The Orthomega Liquid formulation is a convenient method of achieving optimal omega-3 levels in the body. The natural mango-flavored liquid is the ideal alternative to encapsulated fish oil supplements.Overview
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential cornerstones of human nutrition. They are deemed “essential” because we need them for proper health, but cannot produce them on our own. We must consume these fats through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development. These long-chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. In nature, omega-3 fatty acids occur as alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found mostly in plants, and as long-chain EPA, DHA and DPA, which primarily originate from cold-water fish. The body is able to slowly convert the shorter chain ALA to the more active long-chain, EPA, DHA and DPA. Conversion is limited in humans, making a higher dietary intake of EPA, DHA and DPA necessary. In addition, major changes in modern diet over the last century have led to a
decrease in the general consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Since omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit cardiovascular health, support healthy brain function and cognition, and maintain a healthy inflammatory response, achieving the proper balance of omega-3s has become an important health strategy that requires supplementation for most people.1 The American Heart Association recommends that those concerned about blood lipids take up to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.2
Fish Oil Delivery –
Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters
While the amount of EPA, DHA and DPA provided in a fish oil product is important for efficacy, the type of fish oil delivered is another significant factor in defining fish oil effectiveness. While ethyl esters allow for higher concentrations of EPA, DHA and DPA, their unusual structure is resistant to the digestive enzymes (lipases) that enable fat breakdown. In a study comparing EPA and DHA digestion in both forms, five common digestive lipase enzymes were shown to more readily digest fish oil in the triglyceride as compared to the ethyl ester substrate when there is a low enzyme to substrate ratio and therefore a low rate of hydrolysis.3 A recent study, conducted by fish oil research pioneer Dr. Jorn Dyerberg, demonstrated that omega-3s in the re-esterified triglyceride form are more efficiently digested and therefore 70% more absorbable than omega-3s in the ethyl ester form.4