Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit Extract (Molecularly Distilled), 120 softgels

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

The body needs fatty acids to survive and is able to make all but two of them: linoleic acid (LA), in the omega-6 family and alphalinolenic acid (ALA), in the omega-3 family. These two fatty acids must be supplied by the diet and are therefore considered essential fatty acids (EFAs).

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are found in abundance in fatty fish and some marine mammals, as well as in the algae (seaweed) upon which they feed. Based on the multiple health effects of omega-3 fatty acids, including its effects on the heart, the importance of DHA and EPA cannot be over-stated. Life Extension's Super Omega-3 contains a patented EPA/DHA extraction process that results in a pure, stable and easy-to-tolerate fish oil extract. While most fish oil is distilled to decrease contaminants such as mercury and PCBs, the Super Refined® fish oil used in Super Omega-3 is produced with a patented method that purifies the oil with an intense two-step distillation process to reduce pollutants to virtually undetectable levels. The result is improved fish oil that exceeds the standards set by international rating agencies. (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are usually lacking in the typical Western diet that includes high amounts of omega-6 fats.7 EPA and DHA can be synthesized from ALA, but EPA and DHA synthesis may be insufficient under certain conditions.

While the polyunsaturated fats known as omega-6 fatty acids are essential to optimal health, most Americans and citizens of other Western nations consume far too many omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and not enough omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In fact, some Western diets consist of 20 parts of omega-6 to only one part of omega-3. For optimum health, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 1:1 and 4:1. This severe imbalance that occurs with most people contributes to the development of long-term health problems.

Benefits of fish oil supplements

Studies associate the Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and herbs, with lowered cardiovascular risk and increased life span.9-15 Other studies support omega-3's importance in cardiovascular health.16,17 In fact, the FDA states that supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract contains premium-grade fish oil with a unique 2.8 to 2 ratio of EPA/DHA. Research demonstrates that the addition of sesame lignans to fish oil supplements enhances its beneficial effects. Sesame lignans inhibit an enzyme (delta-5-desaturase) that causes dietary fats to be converted into arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor to the toxic inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4.

Polyphen-OilT Olive Fruit Extract is a proprietary, fortified extra virgin olive oil complex developed by Life Extension. The naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidants are typically lost in olive juice discarded during olive oil pressing. Polyphen-OilT is highly enriched oil with olive juice extract standardized with these naturally occurring antioxidants. The olive polyphenols in Polyphen-OilT help impede LDL oxidation, suppress free radicals, and stabilize cell membranes.

Only Life Extension's Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract contains the "healthy trio" of concentrated nutrients from fish oil, sesame seed oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract contains twice as much EPA and DHA as conventional fish oil capsules.

Standardized Olive Fruit

To emulate a Mediterranean diet, Super Omega-3 provides a standardized olive fruit extract to deliver the polyphenol hydroxytyrosol, a powerful antioxidant that protects normal LDL from oxidation and counters dangerous free radicals.18-21

Research shows that a combination of olive oil and fish oil supplements helps with inflammation better than a placebo or fish oil alone.22* An abundance of scientific research substantiates the wide-ranging health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil and monounsaturated fatty acids-polyphenols in olive fruit.23-31

Super Omega-3 provides an olive fruit extract standardized for hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein polyphenols. Brand-new research shows the value of oleuropein in favorably altering gene expression, delaying senescence in specialized skin cells, and helping maintain normal platelet activation.*

Sesame lignans enhance in vivo effects of fish oil supplements

The unstable nature of fatty acids like fish oil limits their biological efficacy in the body. Scientific studies show that when sesame lignans are supplemented with fish oil, the beneficial effects are augmented. Sesame lignans help guard against lipid peroxidation, thereby extending the stability of DHA in the body.* These lignans also direct fatty acids toward pathways which can help with inflammatory reactions.* Super Omega-3 provides standardized sesame lignans to enhance the overall benefits of the improved EPA/DHA fish oil blend.

Life Extension's Super Omega-3 is the only fish concentrate that provides a full-spectrum blend of synergistic nutrients to provide optimal effects.

Life Extension's Super Omega-3 contains a patented EPA/DHA extraction process that results in a pure, stable and easy-to-tolerate fish oil extract. While most fish oil is distilled to decrease contaminants such as mercury and PCBs, the Super Refined® fish oil used in Super Omega-3 is produced with a patented method that purifies the oil with an intense two-step distillation process to reduce pollutants to virtually undetectable levels. The result is an improved fish oil that exceeds the standards set by international rating agencies.

Super Omega-3 is certified to contain no detectable levels of mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals by the International Fish Oil Standards. This product meets or exceeds IFOS standards for PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants.

Those taking anticoagulant drugs like Coumadin® (warfarin) should inform their doctor that they are taking GLA, EPA, or DHA supplements, as the physician may want to adjust the dose of anticoagulant medication based on tests that measure coagulation factors such as template bleeding time.

Since GLA, EPA, and DHA interfere with blood clotting, those who suffer from any type of hemorrhagic disease related to excessive bleeding or blood vessel leakage should consult their physician before supplementing these fatty acids.