Omega in your Body

Questions and answers (FAQ)

Omega-3 and essential fatty acids

Fish oil, olive oil and the balance products

Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance and the balancing products

The Balance test and test results

 

What is omega-3?

Omega-3 is a collective term for a group of long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids, having the first double bound  between carbon number 3 and 4 counted from the methyl-end (See also “Fatty acids and local hormones”). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, which means that the body cannot produce them itself so they have to be a part of your diet. The exception is females in a fertile age, which have the ability to produce small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. However, intake of omega-3 fatty acids through the diet is still recommended for females in this group. There are different types of omega-3 fatty acids; shorter chained omega-3 fatty acids from the plant kingdom and longer chained omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources. The long chained omega-3 fatty acids have the highest bioactive effect (see also “Fatty acids and local hormones”), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 omega--3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C 22:6 omega-3-3).

 

Following are the EFSA approved health claims for EPA and DHA (Commission Regulation (EU) 1924/2006 and 432/2012):

  • DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart (0.25 g per day)
  • DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure (3 g per day)
  • DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (2 g per day)
  • DHA contributes to maintenance of normal blood triglycerid levels (2 g per day in combination with EPA)
  • DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function (0.25 g per day)
  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision (0.25 g per day)
  • DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants (0.2 g DHA plus the daily reccomenden intake of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA for aduls which is 0.25 g per day).
  • DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the fetus and breastfed infants (0.2 g DHA plus the daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) for adults which is 0.25 g per day).

 

If you want to take a closer look at the EU register of nutrition and health claims, click here.

 

In what type of food can I find omega-3?

The long chained omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are mainly found in oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and salmon to mention some, while the shorter chained omega-3 fatty acid  alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are found in most vegetable oils.

 

Why should I take omega-3 supplements?

Marine omega-3 fatty acids are important to achieve a normal and good balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory components in your body (see also “Fatty acids and local hormones”). In addition omega-3 is important for a natural and healthy development and growth. A number of documented scientific studies show that omega-3 (EPA and DHA) are important for our cardiovascular health, fetus development, cognitive performance, mood and behavior, to mention some.

 

How much omega-3 do I need?

The minimum recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA differs between countries and organizations. Below are some examples:

 

  • EFSA (European Food Safety Authority); 250 mg EPA+DHA/day
  • American Heart Association; Two serving of fatty fish per week
  • ISSFAL (International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids); Minimum 500 mg EPA+DHA/day
  • WHO (World Health Organization); 200-500 mg EPA+DHA/day

 

Our  western diet contains a surplus of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it necessary to increase the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids up to 3 gram to achieve a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance (See also “Fish oil and health”).

 

What are essential fatty acids and in what kind of foods do I find them?

Essential fatty acids are necessary for building and maintenance of all cells in our body. The human body cannot produce essential fatty acids itself, and is therefore dependent on getting them through the food we eat. The essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA are mainly found in fatty  fish, while the shorter chained essential fatty acids LA and ALA are found in vegetable oils (see also “Fatty acids and local hormones”).

 

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a process exerting both positive and negative effects on our body. The acute inflammatory response is generally positive, as it is an important part of the body’s defense against invading bacteria, fungus and virus, and helps the body repair injuries. Symptoms of acute inflammation can include swelling, redness, pain and an increase in temperature in the affected area. However, if acute inflammation fails to resolve the problem, chronic inflammation may develop, and this is generally negative. Long-term chronic inflammation is known to play a critical role in driving most if not all the lifestyle related health problems which have increased rapidly, especially in the western world, the last 50-60 years. The reason is related to the major changes in our diet that have taken place in the same time period. Our diet have never had a higher content of pro-inflammatory components  such as omega-6, and as low content of anti-inflammatory components such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and polyphenol from olives, as it does today.  This unbalance is a driving force for the development of lifestyle related health problems.

 

What is extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is the naturally oil extracted from fresh olives using a mechanical cold pressing process. Before cold pressing the olives are crushed into a paste without the use of excessive heat or any form of additives or solvents. Extra virgin olive oil has a distinctive olive fruity aroma and flavor and a natural high content of bioactive polyphenolic compounds (see also “Olive oil and health”).

 

EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have approved the following health claim for bioactive polyphenols in olive oil (Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012):

  • “Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. The claim may be used only for olive oil, containing at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil”.

 

If you want to take a closer look at the EU register of nutrition and health claims, click here.

 

What is the main fatty acid in olive oil and what health claims have been approved for this fatty acid?

Over half of the fatty acids in olive oil are the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid (C18:1, omega-9).

 For unsaturated fatty acids  EFSA have approved the following health claim (Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012):

  • “Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. The claim may be used only for food which is high in unsaturated fatty acids, as referred to in the claim HIGH UNSATURATED FAT as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006”.

 

If you want to take a closer look at the EU register of nutrition and health claims, click here.

 

Are there saturated fats in the fish oil?

All oil and fats contains saturated fatty acids, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. However, the relative amounts varies from one oil to another. Fish oil is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA (omega-3), while extra virgin olive oil is rich in the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid (omega-9).

 

Where does the fish used in the balance oil come from?

The fish oils used in balance products are produced according to a specification that does not require a specific origin of the fish. Most importantly for the balance products are a fatty acid profile that safely and efficiently normalizes the Omega-6/Omerga-3 fatty acid balance in 120 days.

 

What part of the fish is used to produce the balance oil?

The fish oils from LYSI are normally derived from short-lived, small pelagic fish. The whole fish is used to produce the oil. The crude oil goes through a refining process to remove sensory- and environmental contaminants. The refining process makes the fish oil palatable.

 

Are there any heavy metals in the fish oil used in producing the balance oil?

High quality standards are used to produce fish oil for human consumption. The fish oil produced at LYSI comply with EU regulation, all major pharmacopoeias and the GOED monograph which is a quality standard for the industry. The fish oil meet all official regulatory standards with regard to environmental contaminants (heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins etc.)

 

Is there any genetically modified material in the fish oil?

No, there is no genetically modified material in the fish oil, as well as in the balancing products.

 

How can I achieve a healthy Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance?

It is difficult to achieve a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance through mainly eating a vegetarian diet, even if the content of the short chained omega-3 fatty acid   ALA (C18:3 omega-3) is high. Vegetable products, such as vegetable oils, contain a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids. To achieve a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance it is important to include foods that are rich in the marine fatty acids EPA and DHA in your diet. Alternatively you can use the balancing products as recommended. These products contain a significant amount of EPA and DHA, and you will be able to normalize your Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance in a safe and efficient manner.   

 

Why is it important to have a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance?

 

Our Western diet contains much omega-6 fatty acids and relatively small amounts of marine omega-3 fatty acids, which increases the unbalance between omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Such unbalance is a driving force for development of lifestyle related health problems. Both the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are precursors for hormone-like signaling molecules (eicosanoids) in the body. Eicosanoids derived from omega-6 are pro-inflammatory and supports chronic inflammation. Signaling molecules derived from omega-3 fatty acids have lower inflammatory potential, some are also anti-inflammatory. In many ways the eicosanoids fulfill each other, and that is why it is important to have a good balance between these. A normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance is fundamental for a good eicosanoid balance, while a high Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance supports chronic inflammation. Nordic Council of Ministers recommends that the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance in the diet is below 5:1 (see also “Fatty acids and local hormones”).

 

What is the difference between these balancing products and other omega-3 products?

The unique with these products is the balance between marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and polyphenols from olives. This balance is a condition in order to restore and maintain a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance in the body in a safe and effective way. Most omega-3 products only contain the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

 The balancing products combine the best from the Artic and Mediterranean diet. By daily recommended intake, the omega-3 levels in your body will increase, and the Omega-6/ Omega-3 fatty acid balance in your body will be normalized. We recommend combining the balancing products with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

 

Is the fish oil in the balancing products natural or concentrated?

All balancing products contain the same fish oil in its natural form. Triglycerides are the main component in natural fish oil.

 

How can I know if I have a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance?

We advise everyone to check the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance in their body by using our Home Test. The test measures fatty acids in whole blood, which reflects the fatty acid profile in your daily diet (see also “The Omega Balance Health Concept”). From the fatty acid profile the Omega-3 level and Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance are calculated. If you have a balanced diet, your Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance will be lower than 5:1, preferably lower than 3:1. If you need to normalize your Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance we recommend balancing products combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

 

How often should I use the balancing products?

It is necessary to use the balancing products daily, as instructed on the product label, in order to restore and maintain a normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance.

 

How should the products be stored?

Unopened products can be stored at room temperature or in refrigerator, preferably dark and dry. For opened products, see the product label for instructions.

 

I'm on blood thinning medications. Can I take the balancing products?

It is advised that you consult with your physician before you take the balancing products if you use blood thinning medications.

 

How much blood should be provided on the absorption paper?

Experiences from the laboratories show that too little blood on the flaps with the absorption paper can give incorrect results on your analysis, including low AA, EPA and DHA values. It is therefore important that you provide 3-4 big drops of blood on each of the absorption paper flaps. The user manual included in the test kit best describes how this is done.

 

Why must I reply if I use omega products or not when I take the test?

The information that you provide about your age, gender, nationality and present use of omega products are important information to generate national statistics. This information contributes to a better understanding of the necessity to normalize Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance in your country and around the world. The statistical information are presented on the front page of this web site by clicking on the globe.

 

If i have a cold, influenza or similar symptoms when I take the test, will that affect my test results?

The results from the test give a picture of the fat content of your diet for the last 15-17 weeks. Thus, a short cold or influenza does not affect your test results. However, if you normal diet has been significantly changed for a prolonged period of time, your test result will be influenced by this change.

 

The arachidonic acid efficency have decresed from test 1 to test 2, why?

The indicator “Arachidonic Acid (AA) formation efficiency” reflects how efficiently the dietary linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) is converted into the important arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6) building block in your body. This indicator is measured as the ratio between AA and LA in percentage. We normally observe a reduction in the efficiency of this indicator when your Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance is normalized by using the balancing products. This effect most probably reflects a reduced need for your body to convert LA to AA when you are in balance.

 

My values are not as expected after 120 days, what can I do to acheive better results?

We have observed that there are a few individuals that do not react to our “ The Omega Balance Health Concept” within 120 days as most individuals do. We believe that this is somehow connected to the digestion of lipids and the distribution of lipids throughout the body, and also the use of medications. However, by following the procedure stated below, we have been able to help individuals to improve their situation.

 

The first thing to do is to check the standard control questions listed below:

 

  • Have you taken the correct daily dosage of the balancing products according to your body weight, as stated on the packaging?
  • Have you taken the correct daily dosage of the balancing products according to your body weight for 120 days?
  • Did you supply enough blood on the filter paper sent to analysis (3-4 drops on each flaps)?

 

If the answer is yes on all standard control questions:

  • Increase your daily dosage with 25 % for one month and take a new test, or try to switch from the shake/oil to the oil/shake for one month and take a new test.

 

If this action does not increase your Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) level in the right direction, “The Omega Balance Health Concept” will unfortunately not help you.  

 

Is there any difference in ages regarding test results, and the time needed for normalizing the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance?

Normally the average Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance, as well as the Omega-3 levels, improves by age. The reason for this remains unclear. However, we see no statistical differences in the time needed to get into balance for the various age groups. 

 

Is there any difference in genders regarding test results, and the time needed for normalizing the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance?

Normally the average Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance, as well as the Omega-3 levels, are independent of gender, and we see no differences in the time needed to get into balance.