Now DHA/ADH-500 - 90 Softgels

What is Omega-3 and what is it good for?

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA, also known as a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)) that is derived from bothanimal and plant sources, although Omega-3 from fish oil is the most common supplemental form. Fatty acids are the basis of fats and oils, and, despite popular belief, are necessary for overall health. These fatty acids are termed "essential" because your body cannot manufacture them by itself. EFA's must come from food or supplemental sources. They are also essential because they are a component of every living cell in the body, and are necessary for rebuilding existing cells and the production of new cells.

Plant sources such as Flax Oil contain the parent Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-linolenic acid that the human body normally converts to the longer chain EPA/DHA fatty acids for prostaglandin formation and other cellular needs. Fish Oil contains the desired Omega-3 fatty acids in their long chain EPA and DHA forms thereby offering us the health benefits of these PG3 prostaglandin precursors while saving our body the enzymatic steps necessary to process the Alpha-linolenic acid into the more biologically active forms

Why is NOW Omega 3 Fish Oil Molecularly Distilled?

The Omega 3 Fish Oil manufactured for this New Enteric Coated softgel is processed in Norway utilizing high vacuum Molecular Distillation. This manufacturing technique guarantees the production of high purity EPA/DHA triglyceride Omega-3 Fish Oils while minimizing the presence of all impurities.

The special Enteric coated softgels used to deliver this new higher quality Omega 3 Fish Oil is designed to inhibit the gastric juices from dissolving the softgel prior to clearing the stomach. This is a welcomed special feature that allows those with repeat problems to enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil supplementation without the undesirable experience of having the fish oil taste creep up their throat. The digestive enzymes and higher pH in the duodenum will cause the enteric-coated softgel to disintegrate releasing the precious Omega 3 fish oil for emulsification and digestion.

Are NOW Fish Oil products high in Vitamin A?

Omega-3 fish oils are made from the whole body of fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, rather than from fish liver oil. Fish Liver Oils such as Cod Liver Oil will usually contain some Vitamin A & D. Furthermore, the Omega-3 fish oils undergo purification processes that further limit the content of these vitamins. Fish Oils contain negligible amounts of Vitamin A and D

Essential Fats

Omega 3-6-9 oils are a combination of three types of essential fatty acids. "Essential" means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. The standard North American diet is deficient in essential fatty acids, especially omega 3s. Every cell needs essential fatty acids for its cell membrane where the fats make the important barrier that lets other molecules into and out of the cell.

Without the healthy fats cells become porous and chemical or nutrient imbalances can occur. The essential fats also produce chemical messengers, such as hormones, in the body thus, omega 3-6-9 oils help to optimize hormone levels in both men and women. Essential fatty acids have been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, menopause and PMS. They also improve hair and skin, prevent blood clots, improve memory and regulate hormone levels.

Some combination oils include fish oils derived from fish such as herring, cod, mackerel, tuna or salmon. These oils give the added benefit of containing docosahexanoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, two other types of omega 3 fatty acids. DHA is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development.EPA is an important fatty acid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammation. EPA is a precursor to a series of chemicals whose job it is to regulate the inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid. Too much arachidonic acid leads to pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Arachidonic acid also causes inflammation in arteries and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Deficiency of EPA can result in cardiac arrhythmias, high cholesterol and excessive aging. EPA has been used to treat heart disease, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Why are they Essential?

Omega-3s (and omega-6s) are termed essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are critical for good health. However, the body cannot make them on its own. For this reason, omega-3s must be obtained from food, thus making outside sources of these fats "essential."

Although the body needs both omega-3s and omega-6s to thrive, most people consume far more 6s than 3s. Hardly a day goes by, however, without reports of another health benefit associated with omega-3s. For this reason, many experts recommend consuming a better balance these two EFAs.