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Q. Where do the Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Optimum Omega come from?

A. The marine lipid concentrate in Optimum Omega is a mixture of four fishes - sardines, salmon, mackerel, and anchovies. 1. The bulk marine lipids is refined to remove the free fatty acids. 2. The lipids undergo a procedure to remove the stearine and other solid particles. 3. The lipids undergo another procedure to remove toxins, heavy metals, and other unwanted particles. 4. The lipids undergo bleaching, by using natural bleaching earth. 5. The lipids undergo deodorisation to make them smell less "fishy". Some heat is used during the processing of the marine lipid concentrate. The processing requires a balance of procedures that standardises the amount of omega-3s in the final product, and removes all unwanted particles. However, the end-product is guaranteed to contain the label amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Q. Does Optimum Omega contain any omega-6's or 9's?

A. The omega-3 fatty acids provide a balance to the typically large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids in our diet. Today the omega 6:omega 3 ratio in typical diets is at least 15:1, respectively. There should be a balance of 1:1 to balance inflammatory actions in the body. Optimum Omega does provide some omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, since they are naturally present in the fish oil. The omega 3/omega 6 ratio is 12:1 in Optimum Omega, respectively. More information about essential fatty acids can be found on independent web sites, such as www.tnp.com or www.supplementwatch.com.

Q.Who should take Optimum Omega?

A. Optimum Omega is recommended for anyone who would like to support their cardiovascular health, or who would like to add Omega 3 fatty acids to their diet. This product is formulated to be taken in addition to any member of the LifePak family.

Q.How does Optimum Omega work?

A. Omega 3 fatty acids are considered "essential fatty acids" because they are vital for health, yet cannot be synthesised by the body. They therefore must be supplied in the diet. Essential fatty acids are necessary for normal growth, healthy skin, arteries, nerves, and for keeping our metabolism running smoothly. Fish oils are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Two common omega 3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are both present in Optimum Omega.

Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil are highly unsaturated and may easily undergo oxidation. The vitamin E present in Optimum Omega has antioxidant properties that help prevent the pro-oxidant effects of fish oil, and also provides nutritional benefit. Odorless garlic oil is Optimum Omega's final beneficial ingredient to provide a combination product that supports the cardiovascular system.

Q. Why is Optimum Omega unique?

A. Optimum Omega not only provides high quality omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil, but also combines the benefits of vitamin E and garlic. Manufacturing standards are strictly followed to ensure the creation of a supplement with pharmaceutical-like quality. The ingredients in Optimum Omega are standardised with known content, uniform consistency, and omega 3 fatty acids are provided at clinically significant levels.

Q. How are the ingredients in this product manufactured?

A. The constituents in Optimum Omega are concentrated through scientific and analytical methods in a sterile environment to ensure that every capsule contains the prescribed level of constituents, every time. Other routine testing includes heavy metal content, full microbial testing and residual solvents.

Q. Is there anyone who should not use Optimum Omega?

A. If you are pregnant or lactating, or taking a prescription medication, consult a doctor prior to use. Keep out of reach of children. People allergic to sardines, salmon, mackerel, or anchovies should consult with a doctor prior to use.

Q. Is Optimum Omega safe?

A. Optimum Omega is very safe at the recommended dosages.

Q.Are there any known drug interactions with Optimum Omega?

A. People on high-dose aspirin therapy, or those taking anticoagulant drugs or other medications should consult a physician before taking this or other dietary supplements. As with any dietary supplement, you should consult with your physician prior to using Optimum Omega if you are taking any doctor prescribed medication.

Q. Are there any side effects associated with taking Optimum Omega?

A. There are no known side effects at recommended dosages.

Q. What is the shelf life of Optimum Omega?

A. The shelf life is three years (36 months). Expiration date and lot numbers are printed on the side of the bottle.

Q. How much allicin is in Optimum Omega?

A. Allicin is considered to be the active or marker ingredient in garlic. The garlic powder in Optimum Omega contains 8000 ppm of allicin. Therefore, Optimum Omega provides 16 mcg of allicin (2000 mcg x 0.8% = 16 mcg).

Q.Where do Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Optimum Omega come from?

A. A mixture of four fishes -- sardines, salmon, mackerel, and anchovies.

Q. What is the manufacturing process of Optimum Omega?

A. The marine lipid concentrate in Optimum Omega is a mixture of four fishes -- sardines, salmon, mackerel, and anchovies.

1. The bulk marine lipid is refined to remove the free fatty acids.
2. The lipids undergo winterization, where a cold temperature is used to remove the stearine and other solid particles.
3. The lipids undergo molecular distillation, where heat is used to remove toxins, heavy metals, and other unwanted particles.
4. The lipids undergo bleaching, by using natural bleaching earth.
5. The lipids undergo deodorization to make them smell less "fishy". Some heat is used during the processing of the marine lipid concentrate. The processing requires a balance of procedures that standardizes the amount of omega-3s in the final product, and removes all unwanted particles. However, the end-product is guaranteed to contain the label amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Q. Are there contaminants from the fish in this product?

A. These products follow the strictest quality control standards set by the FDA under the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These standards are established to protect the consumer from potentially harmful compounds. Our supplier derives its omega III acids from the body of the fish, not the liver. The liver is the filtering system for the entire body, and many possible contaminants will pass through this organ.

Q. Are omega-3 fatty acids good for skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis)?

A. Pharmanex products are not intended to treat medical conditions and have not been tested for medical claims. However, from a nutritional standpoint, there are certain things that can be done that may help reduce the frequency and/or severity of immune-related conditions in some individuals. Some conditions can be related to an overactive immune system.

The most obvious nutritional intervention concerns essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid that most people need to increase consumption. Omega 3 fatty acids are building blocks for immune mediators and provide balance in terms of anti-inflammatory mediators. Recent studies have identified that omega 3 fatty acids help alleviate symptoms of certain skin conditions. Optimum Omega is an excellent source of the omega 3 fatty acids we need to balance this fatty acid nutrition in favor of the anti-inflammatory immune scenario.