Ultimate Omega 120 softgels

Nordic Naturals' Ultimate Omega contains over 70% pure Omega-3, and is purified through molecular distillation to ensure the absence of impurities, including heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs. Ultimate Omega is an excellent way to get your health promoting Essential Fatty Acids EPA & DHA from fish oil. Great lemon taste has been added for a burst of fruit flavor.

Ingredients: Purified deep sea fish oil, lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin E, natural lemon oil

Each 2 capsule serving provides:

EPA	700 mg
DHA	500 mg
Other Omega-3	200 mg
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)	11 IU

Suggested Use: Two capsules daily, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.

General Nutrient Support
Nordic Naturals' Ultimate Omega formula offers the same EPA to DHA ratio (3:2) as a study for bipolar disorder support. New "mega" dosing is good for joint support, heart health, mood support, and meeting our daily Omega-3 needs.

Ultimate Omega is a high concentration EPA & DHA formula ideal for meeting the American Heart Associations recommendation of 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA daily for people with elevated triglycerides.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids constitute the two families of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be produced in the human body, and therefore must be provided through the diet.

EFAs Aid in:

Maintenance of cell membrane fluidity and stability
Development and function of brain and nerve tissue
Oxygen transfer and energy production
Immune functions
Conversion into compounds involved in all body functions including local hormones governing inflammatory responses

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids
The increase in the prevalence of asthma has recently been linked to the altered consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Western diets contain almost 10 times more linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acids) than alpha-linoleic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) resulting in excess production of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid that increase levels of Th-2 immune cells, thus increasing the production of IgE. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent an asthmatic response by limiting eicosanoid production. Consumption of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) stimulates production of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which dilates the bronchioles and calms inflammation.

Metabolic Pathways of Essential Fatty Acids

A look at the metabolism of and interaction between Linoleic acid (LA) and Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) will provide insight for the significance of balancing EFAs.

LA of the Omega-6 family is found in most plant oils (corn, safflower, canola, sunflower), nuts, seeds, and soybeans. ALA of the Omega-3 family is found only in oil from cold water marine animals (cod liver oil, sardines, mackerel, anchovies) and flax oil.

Fish oil is the most concentrated source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. A secondary source is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil. However, only 10% of ALA ingested from food is converted into active EPA or DHA; much of it is simply burned for calories. Fish oil thus remains the most potent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Although flax seed has many benefits, it is not recommended as a source of Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Lifestyle and health influences that can inhibit the conversion include:

a diet high in LA (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids, and saturated fats
alcohol intake
deficiency of any of the vitamin and mineral cofactors ( vitamin B3, B6, C, zinc and magnesium)
diabetes
immune dysfunction

Prostaglandin Health
EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, a class of hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions, including governing cellular responses, immune function, and hormone synthesis.

Series 1 and 3 Prostaglandins (PGE-1 & PGE-3) are anti-inflammatory while Series 2 Prostaglandins (PGE-2) are pro-inflammatory. PGE-3 comes from Omega-3 essential fatty acids, PGE-1 comes from medicinal Omega-6 fatty acids and PGE-2 comes from cooking oils.

PGE-1 & PGE-3 have the following effects:

Reduce inflammation
Dilate blood vessels
Reduce blood clotting
Lower harmful LDL cholesterol level
Raise beneficial HDL cholesterol level

Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids support healthy heart function and reduce risks of degenerative disease. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower triglyceride levels, maintain ideal cholesterol levels, modify the inflammatory response, and prevent abnormal blood clotting, while keeping blood vessels healthy.

Warning: Do not use fish oil if you are allergic to iodine, are using blood thinners or anticipate surgery. Consult with your physician before taking fish oils if you are pregnant or diabetic. Keep out of the reach of children.

All Nordic Naturals products are doctor recommended, pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled, and third party tested to document the absence of all environmental pollutants (No PCBs, dioxins, pesticides or heavy metals). Our featured products are flavored using our patented processing with natural lemon and strawberry essence!

*These statements have not yet been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This page was last modified on Wednesday July 30, 2008