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Frequently Asked Questions

PRODUCT QUESTIONS
How many pills per bottle?
What types of fish do you use?
Is it enteric coated?
How much Omega-3 does one pill have?
Is Omega-3 and Fish Oil the same thing?
Why do supplements have different levels of EPA and DHA?
Why is OmegaVia made with Ultra-concentrated fish oil?

SHIPPING & ORDERING QUESTIONS
What does shipping cost?
What is AutoShip
When will the order be shipped?
What are my shipping options?
Do you ship outside the United States?
Where does it ship from?
Which carrier do you use?
Will I get a tracking number?
Do you ship to PO boxes or Military APO/FPO addresses?
Will my order be taxed?

DOSAGE & STORAGE QUESTIONS
How many pills should I take?
When should I take OmegaVia?
Can I take more than one softgel at once?
If I miss a dose, can I double up the next day?
Do I have to take OmegaVia with meals?
Can I break open the capsule and consume the oil inside?
Is it possible to overdose on OmegaVia fish oil?
How should I store the product?
How long is the product good for?

QUALITY QUESTIONS
Is it made in China?
Is it IFOS tested and 5-star certified?
Is the product FDA certified?
Is OmegaVia mercury-free?
Is there cholesterol in OmegaVia?
How is the fish oil processed?
Where does the fish oil for OmegaVia come from?
Is OmegaVia environmentally sustainable?

MEDICATION, SIDE EFFECTS & ALLERGY QUESTIONS
Will Omega-3 interact with my prescription medications?
I take Lipitor. Do I still need a fish oil supplement?
Can I take fish oil with an anti-coagulant?
Is it OK to take Concerta (ADHD) with Omega-3?
Are there any OTC meds that I should NOT take with OmegaVia?
Is it OK to take beta-blockers with OmegaVia?
Is it OK to take Zoloft with OmegaVia?
Can fish oil supplements be taken with other supplements?
Do Omega-3 supplements have side effects?
I’m allergic to fish. Is it OK to take fish oil supplements?
I’m allergic to soy. Is it OK to take Omega-3 supplements?
I’m allergic to shellfish. Does OmegaVia contain any shellfish?
Is Omega-3 safe for everybody?
How much Omega-3 is safe to take in one day?
Can I overdose on Omega-3?

PRODUCT QUESTIONS

How many pills per bottle?

There are 60 capsules per bottle. –>Back to top

What types of fish do you use?

  • The fish used are Sardine, Anchovy, Menhaden, Pollock, and Mackerel.
  • Sardine, Anchovy and Mackerel  come from clean, cold Peruvian waters. Menhaden and Pollock comes from US.
  • The fisheries are sustainably managed and harvested. –>Back to top

Is it enteric coated?

Yes, OmegaVia is enteric-coated to reduce odor and aftertaste. –>Back to top

How much Omega-3 does one softgel pill have?

Each OmegaVia softgel has 1105 mg of Omega-3. Of that,

  • 780 mg is EPA Omega-3
  • 260 mg is DHA Omega-3
  • 10 mg DPA Omega-3
  • 55 mg is other essential Omega-3
  • Most retail fish oil supplements have about 300 mg Omega-3. –>Back to top

Is Omega-3 and Fish Oil the same thing?

  • Fish Oil contains Omega-3. Omega-3 is the most important nutrient found in fish oil.
  • Retail brand fish oils usually have 30% Omega-3. The other 70% are useless fat and oils.
  • Triple Strength fish oils typically contain 60-75% Omega-3.
  • Ultra-concentrated fish oils have 85% or more Omega-3.
  • On this website, “Omega-3” and “fish oil” are used interchangeably. –>Back to top

Why do supplements have different levels of EPA and DHA?

  • Fish oils naturally contain a mixture of EPA and DHA. Fish oils almost always have more EPA than DHA Omega-3.
  • When crude fish oil is first refined, it only has 25% to 30% Omega-3. The rest of the fish oil is a combination of saturated fats and oils. This is the “consumer” or “retail grade” oil that is sold in corner drug stores and many big retailers. In the trade, this oil is called “18-12” oil because it generally has 18% EPA Omega-3 and 12% DHA Omega-3
  • Recently, fish oil purified to 75% – 90% Omega-3 have become available. These oils are ultra-purified and have very little non-Omega-3 fats. –>Back to top

Why is OmegaVia made with this higher grade of ultra-purified fish oil?

Higher Omega-3 levels allows you to get a higher dose with fewer pills. This is the #1 reason why OmegaVia was founded. –>Back to top

SHIPPING & ORDERING QUESTIONS

What does shipping cost?

  • FREE SHIPPING for all USA orders
  • CANADA – please call customer service at 800-270-4010.
  • ALL OTHER COUNTRIES: $15 minimum for all other international orders (higher for large orders)
    • $20.00 flat shipping charge for up to 4 bottles.
    • We ship to 30 countries.
    • The list of countries will appear in the drop-down menu during the checkout process.
    • We strongly suggest that you not order more than 4 bottles at a time, as this may cause lengthy delays at Customs/border clearance. Back to top

What is AutoShip?

AutoShip is an automatic delivery plan. You don’t have to order the product online every time you run out.

You never pay for shipping and you pay much lower prices. You save time and money!

Learn more about AutoShip here!

7 out of 10 customers choose the AutoShip during check out.

How to Pick an AutoShip Plan

Your Daily Dosage Ideal AutoShip Plan
1 pill per day 1 bottle every 60 days
2 pills per day 2 bottles every 60 days
3 pills per day 3 bottles every 60 days (Most Popular Plan)
4 pills per day 4 bottles every 60 days

Learn more about AutoShip here!

Back to top

When will the order be shipped?

Orders are typically shipped within 24 hours or the next business day after your place the order. Currently, however, we are experiencing warehouse processing delays of an additional 3-5 days due to COVID-related precautions.  –>Back to top

How long will it be before I receive my order?

For standard shipping, you should receive your order within 4-5 business days. However, we are experiencing COVID-related carrier transit delays. USPS shipments are taking up to a week to be delivered. Please allow additional time (up to 3 weeks) for shipments to international addresses. –>Back to top

What are my shipping options?

Shipments to US customers will arrive by US Postal Service First or Priority Class. International orders may vary. –>Back to top

Where does it ship from?

Most orders ship from our Michigan office. Some ship from our California warehouse. –>Back to top

Which carriers do you use?

Most orders ship via US Postal Service First Class or Priority. Large orders may ship via Fedex or UPS. –>Back to top

Will I get a tracking number?

Yes, all online orders will be sent an email with a tracking number as soon as your order has shipped. –>Back to top

Do you ship outside the United States?

Yes, we ship to Canada and select countries in Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia. Please allow additional time for shipments. Please note that international shipments may be inspected and/or opened by customs. Customs duties/taxes/VAT/handling fee may be assessed depending on the value of the order.  These charges are separate from the shipping costs. –>Back to top

Do you ship to PO boxes or Military APO/FPO addresses?

Yes, we ship to both PO Boxes and Military APO/FPO addresses. Please allow additional time for orders shipped to these addresses. –>Back to top

Will my order be taxed?

Shipments to California residents will be taxed at 9.5%. Others pay no tax.–>Back to top

DOSAGE & STORAGE QUESTIONS

How many pills should I take?

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Research suggests that improving omega-3 fat intake from a concentrated source may help support a healthy mood. Some, but not all studies, indicate that 2,000 mg of omega-3 fats daily may offer benefit. Clinical research suggests the omega-3 dosage needed to help maintain healthy triglycerides is 2000-3000 mg per day when used as part of healthy diet and exercise regimen. Research suggests that omega-3 supplements with a higher concentration of EPA may offer distinct support for mood health.

When should I take OmegaVia?

  • OmegaVia is best taken with or just before a meal.
  • The Omega-3 in fish oil may be better absorbed if you take the pills with a meal that contains some healthy fats. –>Back to top

Can I take more than one softgel at once?

  • Yes. You may take 2 to 3 softgels at once. However, if you have not taken Omega-3 before, it is best to start with one softgel at a time to see how your body reacts.
  • If you are taking any prescription medications, especially blood-thinning medication, talk to your doctor before using OmegaVia. –>Back to top

If I miss a dose, can I double up the next day?

Yes, you may but it is not necessary. You may take up to 3 softgels a day if they are spread out through out the day. Do not take more than 3 softgels a day without talking to your doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist. –>Back to top

Do I have to take OmegaVia with meals?

No, it is not necessary to take OmegaVia with meals, but taking it with meals may increase absorption and benefits. –>Back to top

Can I break open the capsule and consume the oil inside?

You should avoid doing this. Here is why:

  • The oil used in OmegaVia is extremely concentrated and is not formulated to be taken as a liquid. It may taste unpleasant compared to low-potency, flavored liquid fish oils.
  • The oil is very sensitive to air exposure. It will begin going rancid when exposed to oxygen. This is why it is delivered in capsules in an air-tight, opaque container.
  • The oil inside the capsule will almost certainly squirt out in the process and begin to smell bad over time, as the oil droplets go rancid. –>Back to top

Is it possible to overdose on OmegaVia fish oil?

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

–>Back to top

How should I store the product?

  • Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
  • Refrigeration is not necessary.
  • But, if you are going to keep the product for more than a few months, it should be refrigerated or frozen. –>Back to top

How long is the product good for?

  • Check the side of the package for expiration date. The shelf-life is typically 3 years from date of manufacture.
  • OmegaVia contains anti-oxidants that increases the life of the product.
  • If you freeze OmegaVia, you may be able to extend the shelf life. –>Back to top

QUALITY QUESTIONS

Is it made in China?

  • No. No part of the product is made in China.
  • Softgel encapsulation and packaging is in California (USA) under stringent FDA approved conditions. –>Back to top

Is it IFOS tested and 5-star certified?

  • Yes, OmegaVia is tested at IFOS. All data, including Omega-3 and mercury content are tested three times after the oil has been put into the capsule.
  • First test is in our internal lab. Second test is at an FDA-approved third-party lab. Third test is at IFOS.
  • We also test for purity and cleanliness before the oil is encapsulated.

IFOS test results are here. –>Back to top

Is the product FDA certified?

  • FDA does not certify supplements because supplements provide nutrients that are already present in our foods.
  • FDA has inspected the facility and equipment used to make OmegaVia.
  • OmegaVia is manufactured and packaged in a facility that has the following quality certifications:
    • FDA-certified for Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
    • NSF-certified and registered for Good Manufacturing Practices.
    • Organic-certified by NAI. –>Back to top

Is OmegaVia mercury-free?

  • A purification process called molecular distillation followed by Heat-free Supercritical CO2 Extraction (SCE) Technology is used to remove mercury and other contaminants.
  • Also, the form of mercury found in seafood (methyl mercury) is soluble only in water and not oil. So, if mercury is present in fish, most of it is partitioned into the flesh/meat or fish meal, and not the oil.
  • OmegaVia is certified by a neutral third party testing lab to fully disclose mercury levels. –>Back to top

Is there cholesterol in OmegaVia?

  • Oil used in OmegaVia is so highly purified, virtually all traces of cholesterol are removed.
  • Less purified forms of fish oil, such as “retail grade” may contain more cholesterol. –>Back to top

How is the fish oil processed?

  • The fish oil used to make OmegaVia goes through a flash molecular distillation, followed by heat-free CO2 Supercritical Extraction and finally heat-free CO2 Chromatography.
  • These steps are patented because of the unique methods developed to produce the purest fish oil.
  • The most important step is the CO2 chromatography – this step is where the already pure fish oil is transformed into Ultra-concentrated Omega-3 and also where most of the impurities and contaminants are removed. –>Back to top

Where does the fish oil for OmegaVia come from?

  • The fish used in OmegaVia are harvested off the coast of Peru and United States.
  • The oil is then processed using a patented cold-process technology that preserves the Omega-3. –>Back to top

Is OmegaVia environmentally sustainable?

  • The fish used are harvested ONLY during a few weeks of the year, allowing the fish population to recover.
  • The oil used in OmegaVia come from fully-regulated, sustainable fishery.
  • This short fishing period is established by scientists, not fishing companies.
  • All fishing boats are monitored with GPS units to make sure that they only fish in clean, regulated fishing areas. –>Back to top

MEDICATION, SIDE EFFECTS & ALLERGY QUESTION

Will Omega-3 interact with my prescription medications?

  • In general, Omega-3 does not interfere with medications. Please talk to your doctor if you are already taking a medication.
  • If you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication, you should talk to your doctor about taking Omega-3 supplements.
  • Omega-3 are “good fats” that everyone needs. They are found in seafood, nuts and seed and is a natural part of a healthy diet.*
  • If you are using blood thinners like Coumadin®, taking high doses of aspirin, or anticipating surgery, talk to your doctor before taking Omega-3.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking Omega-3 if you have a blood clotting disorder.

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

–>Back to top

I take Lipitor®. Do I still need a fish oil supplement?

  • Always check with your doctor before changing your prescription drug routine.
  • Fish oil and Omega-3 fats do not reduce cholesterol like Lipitor or statin drugs.*
  • While Omega-3 from fish oil may support heart health, joint health, brain health, skin health, and mood health, Omega-3 is not an alternative for statin drugs.*
  • While Omega-3s do not generally interfere with most medications, please talk to your doctor if you are already taking Lipitor or statin drugs*.

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

–>Back to top

Can I take fish oil supplements while on an anti-coagulant?

  • If you are taking a blood thinner or anti-coagulant like Coumadin®, please talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
  • Some studies have shown that taking very high levels of Omega-3 (levels higher than those recommended on the label) can slightly increase bleeding times, although typically not to an unsafe level.*
  • Please talk to your doctor and monitor your clotting times if you are taking both an anti-coagulant and a fish oil supplement.*

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

–>Back to top

Is it OK to take Concerta® for ADHD with fish oil?

  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.
  • While Omega-3s do not generally interfere with most medications, please talk to your doctor if you are already taking medication for ADHD*

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

–>Back to top

Are there any OTC meds that I should NOT take with OmegaVia?

  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.
  • Do not combine the weight loss product Alli® with Omega-3 supplements. The active ingredients in Alli® can bind with the Omega-3 and flush it out of the body, wasting the benefit of both products.
  • Omega-3 supplements should be taken 6 hours before or after taking Alli®.*

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

–>Back to top

Is is OK to take beta-blockers with OmegaVia?

  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.
  • Always talk to your doctor if you are already taking a prescription medication. –>Back to top

Can I take Zoloft with OmegaVia?

  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.
  • Always talk to your doctor if you are already taking a prescription medication. –>Back to top

Can fish oil supplements be taken with other supplements?

Yes, fish oil may be taken with other supplements. Fish oil is well tolerated and Omega-3 are “good fats” that everyone needs and which should be a natural part of a healthy diet.* Individual tolerance may vary.

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

–>Back to top

Do Omega-3 supplements have side effects?

  • In general, negative side effects are rare, temporary and restricted to digestive discomfort.*
  • Some people notice burping, but that typically goes away with daily use or if the softgels are taken before a meal. Individual tolerance may vary.
  • If you take more than recommended levels, you may experience a slight blood-thinning effect. Please talk to your doctor if you are already on blood-thinning medication.

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

–>Back to top

I’m allergic to fish. Is it OK to take fish oil supplements?

  • If you are allergic to fish, do not take fish oil supplements.
  • Generally, when people are allergic to fish, they are reacting to the protein in fish muscle. Omega-3 is a type of fat and is not a protein. Individual tolerance may vary.
  • If you wish to be extra cautious, it is best to take plant-derived Omega-3 like Algae or Echium oil. Flaxseed oil is common but your body uses only 5% to 10% of the Omega-3 from flax. So you would have to take about ten flaxseed pills to equal one fish oil pill.*
  • If you still prefer the ease of fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor about possible allergic reactions.

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

–>Back to top

I am allergic to soy. Is it OK to take OmegaVia?

  • OmegaVia does not contain soy protein. However, the Vitamin E (tocopherol) used to preserve the freshness of the oil may be sourced from soy. –>Back to top

I am allergic to shellfish. Does OmegaVia contain any shellfish?

No. OmegaVia does not contain any shellfish. –>Back to top

Is Omega-3 safe for everybody?

  • The Food and Drug Administration considers Omega-3 to be safe. The FDA lists Omega-3 supplements under a class of products titled ‘GRAS’ or Generally Recognized as Safe.
  • If taken at the recommended doses, Omega-3 supplements are safe. Individual tolerance may vary.*
  • Omega-3 are “good” fats. All human beings and animals require Omega-3 to function normally.
  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.

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

–>Back to top

How much Omega-3 is safe to take in one day?

  • In clinical studies, when subjects were given 6 grams (or the same as 5 to 6 OmegaVia softgels) of Omega-3 per day, they had no negative side effects. Individual tolerance may vary.*
  • Most people don’t need to take more than the levels recommended on the label. Please consult with your doctor if you feel the need to take more than 3000 mg of Omega-3 daily. *
  • If you are on blood-thinning medication, please talk to your doctor before you begin taking Omega-3 supplements.
  • Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as fish oil, have the potential to interact with medications.*

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

–>Back to top

Can I overdose on Omega-3?

  • It is difficult to overdose with Omega-3 supplements. Doses higher than recommended on the label may cause temporary digestive distress. Individual tolerance may vary.*
  • Temporary stomach discomfort is the most commonly reported side effect at high doses.
  • As always, talk to your doctor if you are using blood-thinning medications or are about to have surgery. –>Back to top


Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Lipitor® is a registered trademark of Pfrizer Inc.
Concerta® is a registered trademark of ALZA Corporation
Alli® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

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

189 Comments

Join the conversation

  1. I have extreme difficulty swallowing large pills like most of the OTC fish oils and Niacin for example. Do you have fish oil pills that can be halved or another solution?

    Thanks,
    Sharon Slate

    • Hi Sharon – as of this reply (November 2012) we do not have a small pill. But we are working on launching an OmegaVia Mini in 2013. It should be very easy to swallow. In the meantime, I suggest you look into liquid fish oil or some of the smoothie type products made by Barleans or Coromega.

  2. Hi Vin… really appreciate the care you take to answer all queries so thoroughly and professionally! When will Omegavia mini be available? Thanks.

    • Hi Derek – thank you. OmegaVia Mini is scheduled for the middle to second half of 2013. If it were easy, we’d offer it tomorrow.
      – Vin Kutty

  3. Hi

    Just curious if there are any negatives to not taking fish oil one day, like forgetting to take it
    Thanks

    • Hi Kyle – if you miss a day of fish oil pills, no big deal. Put a note somewhere so you’ll remember to take it the next day.

  4. On trying GNC triple strength Fish Oil (1560/1000 Omega 3), the pill is coming out in stool. To us that means not breaking down/working. Do you feel yours would do the same?

    • Hi Kathy – the problem is not the pill. It is likely the antacids or other dietary components that’s causing a change in your gut’s acidity. Enteric coated pills are designed to stay intact in the stomach and fall apart as soon as it enters the intestines. The fact that your pills are not dissolving in your intestines means that your intestines are much more acidic than it should be. Are you taking apple cider vinegar or drinking a lot of lime or lemon juice? This is a not a good environment for probiotic bacteria to grow. You need to talk to an integrative medicine practitioner to find a solution.

      And yes, if you take OmegaVia, it will do the same: http://www.omegavia.com/why-enteric-coating-on-fish-oil-pills-fail/

  5. Hi mcgradyctx – I suggest checking with your doctor about exact dosages for ulcertive colitis and glaucoma. For dry eyes, you should be OK with 2 OmegaVia pills a day.

    I doubt that the enteric coating in the GNC triple strength fish oil had anything to do with its lack of effect.

    Please look into an anti-inflammatory or paleo type diet that is low in sugar and Omega-6-rich vegetable seed oils.

  6. Hello there.
    Both me and my wife started taking OmegaVia. I’ve researched this topic extensively before resorting to OmegaVia as the best Omega 3 supplement for me.
    I would like my child , 3 years old, to start receiving the benefits of the Omega 3 supplementation. I understand that diet should be the primary source, but it is more often than not, not possible to get proper nutrition even from food. As far as the supplementation goes, can you suggest a product with similar superb quality as Omegavia that is suitable for a 3 year old?

    Thank you!

    • Hi Charlie – this is a subject that I’ve been meaning to write an article about. Look for a blog about it soon. In the meantime, I suggest one of the Barleans Omega Swirl or Nordic gummies. Cutting back on fast food, processed and packaged foods should be the first step. Secondarily, prepare foods at home with olive oil, coconut oil or grass-fed butter. Pastured eggs yolks are absolutely wonderful for growing children.

      • Thank you for the reply! I will be waiting for a blog about this!
        What is your opinion regarding EPA,DHA mg requirement per day for a younger kids (3 year old)? From what i’ve read, DHA should be primary focus. is that correct? Also, I’ve noticed, a lot of the products targeted for kids, also contain Omega 6&9. In your opinion, what should be safe Omega6&9 mg per serving per day when considering Omega 3 supplement? Nordic gummies seems to have less Omega6&9 than Barleans.
        I was really interested in Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA liquid product because it has quite a bit of Omega3 (DHA primarily). Not sure whether that much is safe for a 3 year old.

        Once again, thank you so much!

        • Hi Charlie – I’d say even 100 mg of DHA and EPA per day is a start. If your child got 300 mg combined DHA + EPA per day, that would be great. Yes, DHA should be the primary focus but do not neglect EPA. From conception to about age 3 is when kids need DHA the most, but they will continue to need steady quantities of it for several more years. There is no need for additional supplementation of Omega-6 – there’s too much of it already in our diets and too much causes several problems. Omega-9 is not essential – there is no need to supplement Omega-9 at all. So I prefer my supplement to have zero Omega-6 and 9.

          Nordic gummies are a good option but there is some sugar and you need to make sure your child does not choke. Barleans smoothies are very easy to take and taste OK. If your kid will accept Nordic liquid DHA, then that’s great – mine would not take it due to an odor issue.

          • Thank you!
            Just checked the Barleans smoothies. Looks great! Alas, most contain Omega 6 and 9.
            I will try Mango Peach with EPA: 437mg and DHA: 283mg which is not ideal ratio but perhaps good for a 3 year old anyways. Is 1000 overall Omega3 for that age too much?

            Thank you!

      • Hi Vin,

        I am back several years later:) Again looking for a suggestion for now my 5 1/2 year old child. Have you even come around to writing about this subject in your blog?
        You mentioned that DHA is still an important fatty acid for a growing child. What would you say the quantity and ratio of EPA/DHA should be?
        Is Nordic brand something I still should be perusing or now that the child is older, there more potent pill type products out there.

        • Hi Charlie – most of Nordic Naturals items are good. You can’t go wrong with them. At 5 1/2 years, a good bit of the brain development is done, but it will continue growing for a while more. I’m still comfortable with a little more DHA than EPA. But this is not something I worry about – if you give plenty of both EPA and DHA, your child will be fine. I regularly give my kids 500-1000 mg of total Omega-3.

  7. Hello there.
    Both me and my wife started taking OmegaVia. I’ve researched this topic extensively before resorting to OmegaVia as the best Omega 3 supplement for me.
    I would like my child , 3 years old, to start receiving the benefits of the Omega 3 supplementation. I understand that diet should be the primary source, but it is more often than not, not possible to get proper nutrition even from food. As far as the supplementation goes, can you suggest a product with similar superb quality as Omegavia that is suitable for a 3 year old?

    Thank you!

    • Hi Charlie – this is a subject that I’ve been meaning to write an article about. Look for a blog about it soon. In the meantime, I suggest one of the Barleans Omega Swirl or Nordic gummies. Cutting back on fast food, processed and packaged foods should be the first step. Secondarily, prepare foods at home with olive oil, coconut oil or grass-fed butter. Pastured eggs yolks are absolutely wonderful for growing children.

      • Thank you for the reply! I will be waiting for a blog about this!
        What is your opinion regarding EPA,DHA mg requirement per day for a younger kids (3 year old)? From what i’ve read, DHA should be primary focus. is that correct? Also, I’ve noticed, a lot of the products targeted for kids, also contain Omega 6&9. In your opinion, what should be safe Omega6&9 mg per serving per day when considering Omega 3 supplement? Nordic gummies seems to have less Omega6&9 than Barleans.
        I was really interested in Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA liquid product because it has quite a bit of Omega3 (DHA primarily). Not sure whether that much is safe for a 3 year old.

        Once again, thank you so much!

        • Hi Charlie – I’d say even 100 mg of DHA and EPA per day is a start. If your child got 300 mg combined DHA + EPA per day, that would be great. Yes, DHA should be the primary focus but do not neglect EPA. From conception to about age 3 is when kids need DHA the most, but they will continue to need steady quantities of it for several more years. There is no need for additional supplementation of Omega-6 – there’s too much of it already in our diets and too much causes several problems. Omega-9 is not essential – there is no need to supplement Omega-9 at all. So I prefer my supplement to have zero Omega-6 and 9.

          Nordic gummies are a good option but there is some sugar and you need to make sure your child does not choke. Barleans smoothies are very easy to take and taste OK. If your kid will accept Nordic liquid DHA, then that’s great – mine would not take it due to an odor issue.

          • Thank you!
            Just checked the Barleans smoothies. Looks great! Alas, most contain Omega 6 and 9.
            I will try Mango Peach with EPA: 437mg and DHA: 283mg which is not ideal ratio but perhaps good for a 3 year old anyways. Is 1000 overall Omega3 for that age too much?

            Thank you!

  8. Does the EPA 500 smaller pills deliver the same ingredients; meaning, does the prescribed quantity you must take per day of the smaller pills produce 780 mgs of Omega 3 EPA like the larger pill?

    • Hi Janis – taking one EPA 500 will not give you 780 mg of EPA. EPA 500 contains 500 mg of EPA per pill. If you took two EPA 500, then you will get 1000 mg of EPA.

  9. Does the EPA 500 smaller pills deliver the same ingredients; meaning, does the prescribed quantity you must take per day of the smaller pills produce 780 mgs of Omega 3 EPA like the larger pill?

    • Hi Janis – taking one EPA 500 will not give you 780 mg of EPA. EPA 500 contains 500 mg of EPA per pill. If you took two EPA 500, then you will get 1000 mg of EPA.

  10. Hi mcgradyctx – clotting problems with fish oil have been largely proven false. If any, it will be with extremely high daily doses – higher than 12,000 mg of Omega-3 per day.

  11. Hi mcgradyctx – clotting problems with fish oil have been largely proven false. If any, it will be with extremely high daily doses – higher than 12,000 mg of Omega-3 per day.

  12. Any plans on a mini pill that contains both EPA and DHA? We would like to take your ‘regular’ fish oil pill but it’s just too big…

  13. Any plans on a mini pill that contains both EPA and DHA? We would like to take your ‘regular’ fish oil pill but it’s just too big…

  14. Hi Curious – I have not seen data that showed an additive or synergistic effect from adding EPA to Resperidone…at least in humans. Unfortunately, most of the studies I’ve seen are in mice and there appears to be a connection. In humans, it is not uncommon for Omega-3, especially EPA, to help with mood disorder medications.

    Giving mice Resperidone along with an Omega-3 deficient diet causes some issue. Does this mean that humans deficient in Omega-3 are going to have issues with Resperidone? Don’t know. But it suggests a possible benefit with being generous with seafood or Omega-3 supplements.

  15. Hi Curious – I have not seen data that showed an additive or synergistic effect from adding EPA to Resperidone…at least in humans. Unfortunately, most of the studies I’ve seen are in mice and there appears to be a connection. In humans, it is not uncommon for Omega-3, especially EPA, to help with mood disorder medications.

    Giving mice Resperidone along with an Omega-3 deficient diet causes some issue. Does this mean that humans deficient in Omega-3 are going to have issues with Resperidone? Don’t know. But it suggests a possible benefit with being generous with seafood or Omega-3 supplements.

    • Wow, Bryan! Thank you for the heads up. I had no idea that they’d reviewed OmegaVia. I find their review incorrect because they found only 602 mg of Omega-3 per pill when the label says 1105 mg. This is why they ranked us so low for label accuracy…and why the quality ranking is so low.

      We have OmegaVia third-party tested by two different labs – IFOS and Covance, in addition to our own in-house lab. All show that OmegaVia exceeds the 1105 mg of Omega-3 per pill that is claimed on the label. You can check the results yourself here: http://www.nutrasource.ca/ifos/files/ifos%20innovix%20omegavia%20batch%20ov140277.pdf According to IFOS, there should be 1219 mg of Omega-3 per pill. That roughly twice that of 602 mg that Labdoor found.

      However, it is entirely possible that they thought the 1105 mg we claim on the label is the amount found in 2 pills…since it is very rare to have that much Omega-3 in one pill. If you multiply 602 times 2, you get 1204 mg. This math error on their part makes more sense.

      • Hi Vin,

        On October 31 I brought to your attention LabDoor’s rating of your fish oil, and noticed today that your fish oil isn’t rated at all by LabDoor now. Are you able to share any details about what has happened since October 31 with LabDoor’s rating of your fish oil, and why it’s not rated by LabDoor anymore?

        • Hi Bryan – thanks again for noticing and bringing it to our attention. Labdoor has removed about 20 products from their review and reports. OmegaVia was one of those removed products. We have had extensive discussions with Labdoor. We provided them with third-party certificate of analysis to prove that OmegaVia, indeed, contains what the label says it does. At first, they were somewhat dismissive of the third-party results we provided. So we had another third-party lab test the product. And another. And yet another. ALL THESE DIFFERENT LABS found the same amount of Omega-3 per pill – about 1150 to 1200 mg of Omega-3 per pill. Labdoor was only able to detect about 600 mg of Omega-3. We were able to provide overwhelming evidence to the contrary. We submitted all certificates of analyses to Labdoor and demanded that they immediately remove the false and erroneous review. All this occurred in November 2014. There are several other details that I am unable to share at the moment. However, I will share that fish oil products from VitaminShoppe, SAM’S Club, Life Extension, Country Life, Trader Joe’s, and Twinlabs were all ‘failing’ as well. I know that these high-quality brands also contain the correct amount of Omega-3 per label claims. So it is not surprising that their erroneous reviews were also removed from Labdoor.

          Bryan – I regret that Labdoor’s erroneous analysis and review of OmegaVia caused you (and many, many others) to question or wonder about OmegaVia’s quality and perhaps your decision to buy this product. The issue is still in the process of being resolved. I will have more information in January/february, but in the meantime, please know that all batches of OmegaVia are thoroughly tested by at least 3 different labs before they reach our customers’ hands.

          • Hi Vin,

            Thanks for your candidness and openness. I don’t know anything about LabDoor’s reputation, so I can’t put a lot of confidence in their review, however it is difficult to understand why there would be such a discrepancy that doesn’t seem to be resolved between the independent analysis that you provided and their’s. I’ve been using your fish oil for months and can testify that it works. Keep up the great work!

            • Hi Bryan – the discrepancy could be because of their testing methodology. They probably used a lab that is not proficient at fish oil analysis or the lab used a method that is not validated. Either way, it’s like a car mechanic who does not know how to use a wrench. It is highly suspect.

  16. Wow, Bryan! Thank you for the heads up. I had no idea that they’d reviewed OmegaVia. I find their review incorrect because they found only 602 mg of Omega-3 per pill when the label says 1105 mg. This is why they ranked us so low for label accuracy…and why the quality ranking is so low.

    We have OmegaVia third-party tested by two different labs – IFOS and Covance, in addition to our own in-house lab. All show that OmegaVia exceeds the 1105 mg of Omega-3 per pill that is claimed on the label. You can check the results yourself here: http://www.nutrasource.ca/ifos/files/ifos%20innovix%20omegavia%20batch%20ov140277.pdf According to IFOS, there should be 1219 mg of Omega-3 per pill. That roughly twice that of 602 mg that Labdoor found.

    However, it is entirely possible that they thought the 1105 mg we claim on the label is the amount found in 2 pills…since it is very rare to have that much Omega-3 in one pill. If you multiply 602 times 2, you get 1204 mg. This math error on their part makes more sense.

    • Hi Vin,

      On October 31 I brought to your attention LabDoor’s rating of your fish oil, and noticed today that your fish oil isn’t rated at all by LabDoor now. Are you able to share any details about what has happened since October 31 with LabDoor’s rating of your fish oil, and why it’s not rated by LabDoor anymore?

      • Hi Bryan – thanks again for noticing and bringing it to our attention. Labdoor has removed about 20 products from their review and reports. OmegaVia was one of those removed products. We have had extensive discussions with Labdoor. We provided them with third-party certificate of analysis to prove that OmegaVia, indeed, contains what the label says it does. At first, they were somewhat dismissive of the third-party results we provided. So we had another third-party lab test the product. And another. And yet another. ALL THESE DIFFERENT LABS found the same amount of Omega-3 per pill – about 1150 to 1200 mg of Omega-3 per pill. Labdoor was only able to detect about 600 mg of Omega-3. We were able to provide overwhelming evidence to the contrary. We submitted all certificates of analyses to Labdoor and demanded that they immediately remove the false and erroneous review. All this occurred in November 2014. There are several other details that I am unable to share at the moment. However, I will share that fish oil products from VitaminShoppe, SAM’S Club, Life Extension, Country Life, Trader Joe’s, and Twinlabs were all ‘failing’ as well. I know that these high-quality brands also contain the correct amount of Omega-3 per label claims. So it is not surprising that their erroneous reviews were also removed from Labdoor.

        Bryan – I regret that Labdoor’s erroneous analysis and review of OmegaVia caused you (and many, many others) to question or wonder about OmegaVia’s quality and perhaps your decision to buy this product. The issue is still in the process of being resolved. I will have more information in January/february, but in the meantime, please know that all batches of OmegaVia are thoroughly tested by at least 3 different labs before they reach our customers’ hands.

        • Hi Vin,

          Thanks for your candidness and openness. I don’t know anything about LabDoor’s reputation, so I can’t put a lot of confidence in their review, however it is difficult to understand why there would be such a discrepancy that doesn’t seem to be resolved between the independent analysis that you provided and their’s. I’ve been using your fish oil for months and can testify that it works. Keep up the great work!

          • Hi Bryan – the discrepancy could be because of their testing methodology. They probably used a lab that is not proficient at fish oil analysis or the lab used a method that is not validated. Either way, it’s like a car mechanic who does not know how to use a wrench. It is highly suspect.

  17. I would like to know in which form ar the fatty acids in the product, if they are as triglycerids or as ethyl esters, or as free acids. Thank you very much.

  18. I would like to know in which form ar the fatty acids in the product, if they are as triglycerids or as ethyl esters, or as free acids. Thank you very much.

  19. Nice blog with lots of interesting reads, I am learning a lot!!! Nice work Vin 🙂

    I have adult cystic acne on my chin, will Omega3 help? What is recommended dosage?

    What are your thoughts on sugar in our diet? I am desperately trying to kick the habit but I cant. I am wondering if I am addicted to deserts (fat + sugar)??? Other that the desert cravings after lunch/dinner, I am very healthy & fit. My doctor is amazed at how low my bad cholesterol is and asked me what I typically eat? 🙂

    Thanks
    Girly

    • Hi Girly – acne of all sorts are symptoms of inappropriate diet, inflammation and compromised gut health (leaky gut, poor probiotic status etc.). You can make a huge improvement by sugar-free, dairy-free and grain-free diet like Paleo. You need a lot of nutrients for healthy skin: Vitamin C, zinc, silica, Omega-3, Vitamin A, B-vitamins, Vitamin K2, probiotics…etc. Omega-3 is part of the collection of nutrients. It will also help reduce skin redness and inflammation. Omega-3 by itself won’t fix the problem. Fix your diet, heal your gut and then take Omega-3 on top of that for more effect. Low cholesterol is NOT a symptom of health. Skin health, however, is incredibly telling of what’s going on in your body and your overall health. It’s too bad most doctors don’t know how to read skin. Yes, your dessert addiction is contributing to the problem.

  20. Nice blog with lots of interesting reads, I am learning a lot!!! Nice work Vin 🙂

    I have adult cystic acne on my chin, will Omega3 help? What is recommended dosage?

    What are your thoughts on sugar in our diet? I am desperately trying to kick the habit but I cant. I am wondering if I am addicted to deserts (fat + sugar)??? Other that the desert cravings after lunch/dinner, I am very healthy & fit. My doctor is amazed at how low my bad cholesterol is and asked me what I typically eat? 🙂

    Thanks
    Girly

    • Hi Girly – acne of all sorts are symptoms of inappropriate diet, inflammation and compromised gut health (leaky gut, poor probiotic status etc.). You can make a huge improvement by sugar-free, dairy-free and grain-free diet like Paleo. You need a lot of nutrients for healthy skin: Vitamin C, zinc, silica, Omega-3, Vitamin A, B-vitamins, Vitamin K2, probiotics…etc. Omega-3 is part of the collection of nutrients. It will also help reduce skin redness and inflammation. Omega-3 by itself won’t fix the problem. Fix your diet, heal your gut and then take Omega-3 on top of that for more effect. Low cholesterol is NOT a symptom of health. Skin health, however, is incredibly telling of what’s going on in your body and your overall health. It’s too bad most doctors don’t know how to read skin. Yes, your dessert addiction is contributing to the problem.

  21. Hi Sam – you make a good point. There are some valid points to be addressed in some of the one and two-star reviews on Amazon.com

    While I cannot address each one-star review, if there is a trend, I will post a blog about it. Like this one: http://www.omegavia.com/fish-oil-supplements-fishy-burps/ But please note that the Amazon.com review process is a Wild West circus with trolls, competitors and review-for-hire services like Fiverr. There is a behind-the-scenes cottage industry of lawyers and lawsuits. I try to stay away from all that drama. But I am partial to folks who prefer to deal with us one-on-one on this site, like you’re doing.

    Regarding this particular review that you found ‘irksome’, I suspect it is from a competitor who sells triglyceride form fish oil. Or someone who has passionately believed some of the marketing language associated with triglyceride form fish oil.

    “Excellent marketing” – I’ve never thought of us as being good at marketing, let alone excellent. But I’ll take the compliment, I suppose.

    “Inferior absorption” – this is the standard objection from companies who exclusively sell triglyceride form fish oil. TG form fish oil is slightly better absorbed. But this difference virtually disappears if you take ethyl ester form fish oil regularly and with meals. I’ve written a lot about that here:
    http://www.omegavia.com/fish-oil-ethyl-ester-vs-triglyceride-revisited/
    http://www.omegavia.com/ee-fish-oil-vs-tg-fish-oil/
    http://www.omegavia.com/ee-fish-oil-vs-tg-fish-oil-2/

    “aggressive blog-like marketing team” – I have strong opinions about nutrition. People who know me personally, know that I can’t shut about about health and nutrition. I vent all my opinions on our blogs. I have answered almost 5000 blog comments. All that gets cached by Google and served up to people who search for it. My goal is not to be aggressive, but to inform…and to sell a good product to people who seek information along with their Omega-3.

    “Enteric coating is almost certainly unnecessary for the absorption of fish oil” – True. I won’t argue with this. The #1 reason why OmegaVia is enteric coated is to prevent burping. And burping is the #1 reason why people who don’t eat fish discontinue Omega-3 supplement use. If we have indicated anywhere that enteric coating improves absorption, we should/will delete that because the science is not as conclusive as I’d like.

    “It should be clear that this NOT the triglyceride form of fish oil, the most bioavailable form” – Incorrect. The most bioavailable form is free fatty acid (FFA) form. Then phospholipid form. Then comes triglyceride form at #3 position and EE at #4. FFA form is very unstable, expensive and goes rancid quickly. Phospholipid form is even more expensive and is impossible to concentrate, so you’d have to take dozens of pills per day. So you’re left with TG and EE forms if you want something practical. All OmegaVia labels state what form they are in. We don’t hide it. OmegaVia is currently in EE form. EPA 500 was recently changed to TG form.

    Regarding the addition of Vitamin D to OmegaVia, yes, it is possible, but it is a bad idea. We all need different amounts at different times of the year, depending on how much sun we get and how much Vit D is already present in our bodies. More here: http://www.omegavia.com/brenda-watson-omega-3-and-vitamin-d/

    Hope this helps.

  22. Hi Sam – you make a good point. There are some valid points to be addressed in some of the one and two-star reviews on Amazon.com

    While I cannot address each one-star review, if there is a trend, I will post a blog about it. Like this one: http://www.omegavia.com/fish-oil-supplements-fishy-burps/ But please note that the Amazon.com review process is a Wild West circus with trolls, competitors and review-for-hire services like Fiverr. There is a behind-the-scenes cottage industry of lawyers and lawsuits. I try to stay away from all that drama. But I am partial to folks who prefer to deal with us one-on-one on this site, like you’re doing.

    Regarding this particular review that you found ‘irksome’, I suspect it is from a competitor who sells triglyceride form fish oil. Or someone who has passionately believed some of the marketing language associated with triglyceride form fish oil.

    “Excellent marketing” – I’ve never thought of us as being good at marketing, let alone excellent. But I’ll take the compliment, I suppose.

    “Inferior absorption” – this is the standard objection from companies who exclusively sell triglyceride form fish oil. TG form fish oil is slightly better absorbed. But this difference virtually disappears if you take ethyl ester form fish oil regularly and with meals. I’ve written a lot about that here:
    http://www.omegavia.com/fish-oil-ethyl-ester-vs-triglyceride-revisited/
    http://www.omegavia.com/ee-fish-oil-vs-tg-fish-oil/
    http://www.omegavia.com/ee-fish-oil-vs-tg-fish-oil-2/

    “aggressive blog-like marketing team” – I have strong opinions about nutrition. People who know me personally, know that I can’t shut about about health and nutrition. I vent all my opinions on our blogs. I have answered almost 5000 blog comments. All that gets cached by Google and served up to people who search for it. My goal is not to be aggressive, but to inform…and to sell a good product to people who seek information along with their Omega-3.

    “Enteric coating is almost certainly unnecessary for the absorption of fish oil” – True. I won’t argue with this. The #1 reason why OmegaVia is enteric coated is to prevent burping. And burping is the #1 reason why people who don’t eat fish discontinue Omega-3 supplement use. If we have indicated anywhere that enteric coating improves absorption, we should/will delete that because the science is not as conclusive as I’d like.

    “It should be clear that this NOT the triglyceride form of fish oil, the most bioavailable form” – Incorrect. The most bioavailable form is free fatty acid (FFA) form. Then phospholipid form. Then comes triglyceride form at #3 position and EE at #4. FFA form is very unstable, expensive and goes rancid quickly. Phospholipid form is even more expensive and is impossible to concentrate, so you’d have to take dozens of pills per day. So you’re left with TG and EE forms if you want something practical. All OmegaVia labels state what form they are in. We don’t hide it. OmegaVia is currently in EE form. EPA 500 was recently changed to TG form.

    Regarding the addition of Vitamin D to OmegaVia, yes, it is possible, but it is a bad idea. We all need different amounts at different times of the year, depending on how much sun we get and how much Vit D is already present in our bodies. More here: http://www.omegavia.com/brenda-watson-omega-3-and-vitamin-d/

    Hope this helps.

  23. Hi There,
    just wondering much do i need to have of omega3 for improvement of brain cells and cognitive ?”EPA & DHA”
    if there is a specific product

    It would be greatfully appreciated

    cheers
    sam

    • Hi Sam – for most people, aim for 1000 mg of Omega-3 per day. Any combination of EPA and DHA will work as DHA accumulates slowly in the body versus EPA being used up much more quickly. As long as you continue to get both, I wouldn’t worry about how much of each or ratio.

  24. Hi There,
    just wondering much do i need to have of omega3 for improvement of brain cells and cognitive ?”EPA & DHA”
    if there is a specific product

    It would be greatfully appreciated

    cheers
    sam

    • Hi Sam – for most people, aim for 1000 mg of Omega-3 per day. Any combination of EPA and DHA will work as DHA accumulates slowly in the body versus EPA being used up much more quickly. As long as you continue to get both, I wouldn’t worry about how much of each or ratio.

  25. Hi, can Omegavia also sell the products through iherb? It would be greatfully appreciated for customers outside the US like me. Thanks.

    • Hi Wei – as of now, we are unable to sell OmegaVia through iHerb. If/when it becomes available on iHerb, we will make an announcement.

  26. Hi, can Omegavia also sell the products through iherb? It would be greatfully appreciated for customers outside the US like me. Thanks.

  27. Hi Vin,
    Is a single dose of lots of fish oil better or worse than consuming the same amount but in portions throughout the day? Thank you.

    • HI Wei – if you’re asking whether you should break up your dosage into smaller doses throughout the day or just take the whole thing in one dose, I’d say it makes no difference. If you take your daily dose once a day with a meal, you should be fine.

  28. Hi Vin,
    Is a single dose of lots of fish oil better or worse than consuming the same amount but in portions throughout the day? Thank you.

    • HI Wei – if you’re asking whether you should break up your dosage into smaller doses throughout the day or just take the whole thing in one dose, I’d say it makes no difference. If you take your daily dose once a day with a meal, you should be fine.

  29. Hi Rafik – thank you. Glad to hear that you’re happy with OmegaVia. Yes, you may give your wife OmegaVia as well. There are many functions for Omega-3, not just for managing triglycerides.

    I like Nordic Naturals because they make good quality products, but their Omega-3 concentration ranges from low to high depending on products. No, the other 45% will not raise LDL.

  30. Hi-I started taking Omega Via a couple of years ago for joint and mood support. Then the new EPA 500 came out and I switched to that. I am not that concerned about heart health at this point but figure it couldn’t hurt to do the most I can to keep it healthy. I’m wondering if I should switch it up and take some of each, maybe get a shipment once every 2 months of both supplements just to cover everything. Would they complement or work against each other? Also, does either supplement have natural vitamin D? Thank you! My joint is 100% improved! Also, my nails are extremely white and strong now. If this is a side effect, it’s one I’m very happy with!

    • Hi Cindy – glad to hear that you are happy with OmegaVia. You can take OmegaVia by itself and get most of the benefits you want. However, a lot of our customers who choose EPA 500 have trouble with the larger OmegaVia pill. So EPA 500 makes perfect sense for them. You can always combine the two to give yourself a higher EPA to DHA ratio. I do that sometimes. No harm in doing that at all.

      None of these products have added (or naturally present) Vitamin D. It is always a good idea to supplement with Vit D3 during Winter and Spring. And if you do so, make absolutely sure you get enough Vitamin A and K2 because A, D and K2 work together. We don’t make Vit A pills but we do make K2: http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-InnovixLabs-essential-Soy-free-Capsules/dp/B00T8NROWM/

      We occasionally hear from people who’ve noticed improvements in nail strength. It may be Omega-3-related, but usually, people who take our products are in the process of making several other health and diet/exercise improvements that it could be other things that you’re doing as well…like getting enough protein. I always joke that in a pinch, I can use my nails if I can’t find a screwdriver… 🙂

  31. Hi Cindy – glad to hear that you are happy with OmegaVia. You can take OmegaVia by itself and get most of the benefits you want. However, a lot of our customers who choose EPA 500 are specifically seeking help with mood, inflammation, and triglycerides…and they have trouble with the larger OmegaVia pill. So EPA 500 makes perfect sense for them. You can always combine the two to give yourself a higher EPA to DHA ratio. I do that sometimes. No harm in doing that at all.

    None of these products have added (or naturally present) Vitamin D. It is always a good idea to supplement with Vit D3 during Winter and Spring. And if you do so, make absolutely sure you get enough Vitamin A and K2 because A, D and K2 work together. We don’t make Vit A pills but we do make K2: http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-InnovixLabs-essential-Soy-free-Capsules/dp/B00T8NROWM/

    We occasionally hear from people who’ve noticed improvements in nail strength. It may be Omega-3-related, but usually, people who take our products are in the process of making several other health and diet improvements that it could be other things that you’re doing as well…like getting enough protein. I always joke that in a pinch, I can use my nails if I can’t find a screwdriver… 🙂

  32. Hi!
    I have been taking OmegaVia for one month now. I was most interested in the positive effects on mood so I know I need more EPA, however, I am also trying to become pregnant. Wondering if I will need to switch to DHA 600 for pregnancy or if original OmegaVia will be sufficient! Thanks!

    • Hi Elise – if you’re trying to become pregnant, you need a different approach – take the regular OmegaVia. Two per day. Once you get pregnant, add a DHA 600. In the meantime, take Folate, not Folic Acid. I suggest Jarrow B-Right. Many pregnant women are deficient in Vitamin D3, so get your level tested and supplement as needed. Most women are also low in Choline, Magnesium, and several vitamins and iodine. Eat eggs!

  33. Hi Melissa – get this book and read it cover to cover a couple of times: https://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Connection-Tired-Brain-Fogged-Overweight/dp/0316272868

    I know the author well. She suffered from Graves. IT CAN BE MANAGED, so get the information that you need to do that. There was also an online Thyroid summit that you may want to buy and watch. Get informed first.

    As far as OmegaVia, I think regular OmegaVia will work fine, if you can handle the pill size. If not, go with EPA 500. Aim for 2000 to 3000 mg Omega-3 per day. Curcumin and Probiotics as well – our sister company InnovixLabs makes those.

  34. Hi,

    I have been told OmegaVia will be switching to rTG from EE this month which is great. If this is still the case, when exactly?

    Will this apply to all products and will the website/images/labels be updated to reflect this change?

    I am ready to order but have but have been waiting for the rTG.
    Thanks!

    • Hi Leigh – all three OmegaVia formulas are now in the rTG form. Our EPA and DHA formulas have been in the rTG form for a while. The regular OmegaVia formula was switched to rTG very recently (July 2016). Images, label art, and website information will be updated shortly. Thank you for your patience.

  35. I have subscription to the regular OmegaVia formula and did not realize the formula had been switched to rTG; I found out while reading a review on Amazon, and thought it was a typo. How do I know whether what I have is the rTG or EE formula?

    • Hi Bryan – pardon us while we update our website. In the meantime, if you look at the ‘Supplement Facts’ panel on the back of the bottle, you will see it noted as ‘Reported as triglycerides’ or ‘Reported as ethyl Ester.’ The back panel also has a bullet point that says ‘Triglyceride (rTG) form Omega-3.’ We are no longer selling the ethyl ester batches. I am told that Amazon.com no longer has any of the ethyl ester bottle left. There may be some ethyl ester bottles still in distribution in doctor’s offices and internationally.

      • Just out of curiosity, why the switch to rTG? It seemed like when OmegaVia used to be in the EE formula that you felt pretty strongly that the EE formula was just as effective as rTG. Personally, I am happy for the switch, but am just curious about what prompted it?

        • Hi Bryan – I’ve written several articles about this, so I might go overboard in my response.

          I published this blog 4 years ago: https://omegavia.com/ee-fish-oil-vs-tg-fish-oil/ In that blog, I show a graph of the true difference between Ethyl Ester and Triglyceride form fish oils. Most studies find little or no difference. Some studies found that TG was a tiny bit better absorbed. But only by about 10-15%. Really, it’s nothing significant.

          My strong opinion was and still is: there is no difference or advantage over the long term. DO NOT pay more for triglyceride form Omega-3. If you can find it at the same price as Ethyl Ester forms, fine, get it. But otherwise, you will unnecessarily pay a lot more for TG forms. You will note that we have not changed the price of OmegaVia at all. We are not going to issue a press release or start bad-mouthing EE form oils. That would be hypocritical.

          This whole ‘TG form is better than EE form’ debate was started by two or three individuals back in the late 1990s to provide a ‘sales story’ and advance the sales of their TG product in health food stores. I won’t name names for obvious reasons. Then the internet came along and gave validation to this nonsense.

          So why did we switch to TG? To sidestep this silly debate. It is not an admission that TG is better…because it is not.

          The debate was started by people who do not understand science and is being kept alive by people who do not understand science. We’ve generally tried to provide the highest quality product and over the years and we’ve tried to eliminate reasons why people choose not to buy OmegaVia. Those reasons include beef gelatin (we no longer use it and have switched to fish gelatin), soy (we used to use soy tocopherols as an antioxidant, we have now switched to a blend of sunflower tocopherols and rosemary extract), we have gone from larger fish higher up the food chain to smaller, algae eating fish that are lower on the food chain, we’ve switched to a sustainable and non-GMO glycerin, we’ve increased the thickness of the algae-based enteric coating so there are fewer complaints about burping. You get my point.

          If the switch to triglyceride form oils removes an irrelevant obstacle for the product, that’s great. We can now focus on health.

          PS: if you want to stir the pot and start another debate, tell people that Free Fatty Acids form (FFA) is much better than Triglcyeride form. 🙂 It is better absorbed and do not require any digestive enzymes. But FFA are inherently more prone to oxidation and go rancid much sooner.

  36. If I want to have a balanced EPA and DHA (for eye health, mood, skin and joints), should I take 1 softgel of OmegaVia Fish Oil and 1 softgel of DHA 600?

    • Hi William – you can either take one OmegaVia plus one DHA 600. Or you can take two OmegaVia. If your goal is cognitive health, then you will need a little more DHA than is present in one OmegaVia. So the combination will help. But for the rest of the effects you are looking for, two OmegaVia per day should be fine,

  37. I noticed my recent order the labels have changed. Fish not from China was removed and now it says tested in Europe. Also, it seems the fish only come from Chili and Peru. I recall my prior orders had listed fish also from the USA. The FAQ mentions Menhaden comes from the US eastern seaboard, but I don’t see this listed on the bottle. How are the fish handled when they are imported into the country? I noticed that fish caught in the USA was also dropped from the label. Any reason why the labels have changed?

    Does your process using the heat-free CO2 Supercritical Extraction and Chromatography remove toxins such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides ,etc?

    Regards,

    • Hi Rick – yes, the label language has changed a little bit. We always make small tweaks to clarify and address consumer concerns. We also update label language when we upgrade the formula, as we have recently. The fish source has been the same for at least 3 years now – Sardine, Anchovy, Mackerel from Chile and Peru and occasionally blended with Menhaden oil, on an as-needed basis, from US waters. Menhaden has not been removed from the formula.

      We still have a ‘no Chinese ingredients’ statement listed on the current product.

      The oil is usually transported at 40 below zero to Europe for processing and concentration. We produce and import oil only when we are ready to make another batch, so it goes straight into quality testing and capsule encapsulation immediately upon importation.

      As far as the formula upgrade, we have changed from ethyl ester form of Omega-3 to triglyceride form. Many people seem to prefer the triglyceride form.

      Yes, we use CO2 extraction/chromatography to purify

  38. Hi Vin,
    what’s the source of the fish oil please? is it from cold water fish or equatorial water?
    I read many companies were getting the oil from Peru. Are Peru coats considered as cold water? Thank you.

    • Hi Rafik – yes, it is BOTH tropical and cold. That might sound strange, but it is what’s unique about Peruvian and Chilean waters. There is a cold current that comes up from the Antarctic that brings nutrients that help algae (phytoplankton) flourish and the small fish that feed on this algae. The water off the coast of Chile and Peru is very cold. This is why even though coastal Peru is tropical, you will feel freezing cold if you stand on the beach. Peru and Chile supply most of the fish used in dietary supplements.

  39. Hi Vin,

    I’ve been taking Omega Via for a while and really like it. However, it’s not unusual to feel bloated, and I think it may have to do with the pills being enteric coated and therefore taking longer to break down. Recently to confirm my theory I decided to switch to a non-enteric coated pill for a week to see if I notice a difference. During that week I did not experience any of the bloating, and the bloating seemed to occur when I started taking Omega Via again. Any plans on making a non-enteric version so people have a choice? I truly believe Omega Via is a superior fish oil, but would prefer a non-enteric coated version. Thanks!

    • Hi Bryan – I am very sorry to hear that you’ve been having digestive issues. It is very rare to experience side effects with Omega-3, other than fishy burps, but when you do, it is usually bloating and digestive distress. From previous communication, I know you’ve been taking OmegaVia for a while – is this a new development or have you always experienced bloating after taking it?

      As for offering a non-enteric version, we do not currently have plans to do so. OmegaVia (the regular version) gives you a whopping dose of Omega-3 in one shot. So it’s possible that you are experiencing the bloating because of the sheer volume of oil. There are a couple of options. First is to try the smaller EPA 500 or DHA 600. Having smaller oil volumes, they will have less of an impact on your system. If the smaller pills do not bother you, you have a new option. Second, you may want to try taking the regular OmegaVia with a lipase supplement. If you find that lipase solves the issue, you have additional info about what’s going on in your body. There may be some digestive enzyme issues.

      I hope one of the solutions above work for you.

  40. Hi Vin,
    if I want to improve joint health and optimal benefits of fish oil for my 14 year old, what would be the recommended dosage?

    • Hi Melissa – start at 1000 mg Omega-3 per day. But if you are starting at a deficient level, you may need to go up to 2000 or 3000 mg per day for a while at first.

  41. Hi Vin,
    I have a 14 year old boy who doesn’t eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. What kind of supplement do u recommend ?

    • Hi Anlee – you cannot outrun a bad diet with supplements. There is no way to REPLACE vegetables with supplements. You can fill in some minor gaps in diet with supplements but there is simply no way to replace vegetables.

  42. Hi Rafik – HDL is affected by total fat consumed (more healthy fats = higher HDL), but Omega-3 by itself does not have a big effect on HDL. Lower fat consumption, less activity, more starch/sugar can lower HDL. As much as I’d like to say it’s because you stopped using OmegaVia (:-) it is unlikely to be the cause.

  43. Hi Vin,

    I really enjoy your products and have been taking the OmegaVia Fish Oil supplement for several years. Last week I had the flu which lead to vomiting, but what happened had me surprised when the supplement that I consumed almost 11 hours ago was intact. The pill mentions that it has a coating, but the amount of time that has elapsed shouldn’t the pill have already been digested already or somewhat broken down; at least softened? How long does it take for the supplement to dissolve and does that change for each person? Thanks

    Regards,
    Rick

    • Hi Rick – thanks for sharing this with us. It takes food (or pills) 2-3 hours to pass from the stomach to the upper intestine. OmegaVia has an enteric coating. This means that the pill will not soften, dissolve, or fall apart in the stomach. This feature is determined by the acidity of the stomach. As long as the pill is present in an acidic stomach, it will not dissolve because the enteric coating remains intact in acidic environments. But when the pill passes into the upper intestine, it falls apart in about 15 minutes because of the neutral or non-acidic conditions there. Enteric coating is used to prevent fishy burps that people complain about. Once the pill is in the intestines, you cannot typically burp it up, so that discomfort is avoided. In your case, the pill appears to have remained in your stomach without much gastric emptying (moving on down the digestive tract). I don’t know why this may have occurred. Perhaps it had something to do with your flu and nausea. Several illnesses can cause a delay in gastric emptying. Nausea and delayed gastric emptying is closely connected. Typically, the pill will move into the intestines and dissolve in about 3 hours. If you are concerned or have additional questions, please discuss with your doctor. In the meantime, I hope the above information helps.

  44. Hi Vin,

    I am 47 years old and I really want to try the Omega-3 from your company. But I have a question. Normally, before taking a natural product, I do some research. I did some research and I couldn’t find any article on Omega-3 with 3:1 Epa:Dha ratio. Can you please provide me with some scientific information so I can better understand. I would really appreciate if you could give me some scientific articles so I can read them myself.

    Thanks,
    John.

  45. Hi Vin,

    Is there an ideal time to be taking OmegaVia with a meal (i.e. before, during, or after)?

    • Hi Bryan – no, it makes no difference as long as it is 10-15 minutes before, during or after. Now that OmegaVia is in triglyceride form of Omega-3, taking it without a meal is an option too. When it was in ethyl ester form, it would have been better to take with a meal. But now, in the triglyceride form, it makes no difference when you take it.

  46. Hi Vin. I read many answers from you about grains and their contributions to raise TGI. Is it a rule or depends on everyone’s body? And what do you think please about Carlson Lab?

    • Hi Rafik – some people can handle grains better than others, but excessive grain consumption will raise triglyceride levels in everyone. Carlsons Labs is a good brand.

  47. Hi Vin,

    It seems like coconut oil has become one of the latest health trends, based on how much of it is available, and wanted to get your thoughts on it? Is it worth buying and remembering to take, or is it just a fad or perhaps something that doesn’t make a significant difference? Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always!

    • Hi Bryan – I think of Coconut oil as just another fat. Nothing magical or health about it other than that it is rich in medium chain fats which are easily burned as energy. Now, there are people putting it in their coffee, which I find unnecessary at best and offensive at worst. Some people with one or two copies of ApoE4 may want to use olive oil instead of Coconut oil, but others should be find with it. Based just on ApoE4 perspective, I’d say that Coconut oil is a perfectly good fat for 75% of Americans.

  48. Hi Russ – this was big news in 2013 because a study raised some concerns. That got a lot of media attention. However, what did not get any media coverage was that the same authors came under fire from the scientific community for the poor quality of their data interpretation and that a year or two later, the authors published another study that found no link between Omega-3 and prostate cancer. At this point, I can confidently say that the science shows no link. There is no proof that Omega-3 prevents prostate cancer either. More on this here: https://omegavia.com/how-omega-3-can-improve-prostate-health/

    • Hi Rafik – there is no Polysorbate used in this product. There is no need for it because Polysorbate is an emulsifier and there is no emulsification needed in oil-only products.

      As far as problems with the ingredient, yes, there are some associated with consumption of high levels.

  49. Hello,
    I have been reading about the leaking of radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Many articles claim that it is still leaking. According to one article (just Google radiation in fish), “As of June 2015, the radiation in the Pacific Ocean reached the US West Coast.” Has your fish oil been tested for radiation contamination? How can we, the consumer, be certain that the fish oil we take is not contaminated with radiation? Thank you for your response.

    • Hi Pam – there was some concern that radiation from Fukushima would impact fish oil supplies. So far, this has not proven to be the case. Regardless, to put our minds at ease, OmegaVia is tested by IFOS for radiation contamination. We have not seen anything of concern yet.

  50. How do you ensure the capsules are protected from oxidation. I understand you don’t use heat during the making/processing stage. But what about the time spent on shelves, in warehouses of third-party resellers and transportation?

    • Hi Krish – oxygen, light, heat, and metals are the key drivers of oxidation of oils. The gelatin and enteric coating prevent exposure to air. The bottle prevents exposure to light. As long as the product/pills are not exposed to temps higher than room temp, heat-induced oxidation will be minimal. There is no metal exposure to oils. So, most of the factors that contribute to oil oxidation or rancidity are covered. The other factor is time – we make a fresh batch of product every few months, often a couple of years before the 3-year expiry date. So, products on the shelves are fresh and recently made.

  51. Thank you Vin! That was helpful. One follow up. Would you know if your product sold on Amazon stays for a long time in warehouses thus increasing the chances of heat exposure? Not sure if their warehouses are temp controlled and don’t know how long they keep your product.

    • Hi Krish – the product we send to Amazon stays in their warehouse for a few months. Usually about 6 months. Given that the shelf life is 3 years, 6 months is not much. Some Amazon warehouses are temperature controlled, but there are so many new ones that they may not all be. Warehouse storage is not an area of oxidation concern for us. The weak link is the raw material source. We test that and have tight limits for acceptance. If the oil we buy is clean, it will stay clean during warehousing. On the flip side, if the raw material oil is poor, then, no amount of warehousing will protect it.

  52. EPA 500 says “Always take with a meal” but I read above that it doesn’t matter.

    Please clarify. Thank you.

    • Hi Brent – when the EPA 500 product was originally formulated, it was in a form that’s called ‘Ethyl Ester.’ That form is best absorbed with meals. Now, the formula is in a slightly better absorbed form called rTG or Re-esterified Triglycerides. The rTG form can be taken with or without a meal. But all in all, absorption and chances of any side effects are probably improved when taken with a meal. This is why we still suggest you take with a meal, although the current, updated formula allows you more freedom about when you take it.

  53. Ethyl Ester vs. Triglcyeride

    Hi,

    The comment sections here and on your other website for the Innovix branded fish oils have lots of conflicting information about which products are EE vs. TG. I know that many of the posts are like 3 years old, so can you please break down which of OmegaVia’s products and which of Innovix’s fish oil supplements are EE and which are TG.

    Thanks!

    -Rafi

    • Hi Rafi – sorry about the confusion. Many of the original posts and comments (like these) are 8 to 9 years old, so the old posts are not going to reflect OmegaVia brand’s change from ethyl ester to triglyceride form oils.

      All OmegaVia products are in Triglyceride form and have been for a few years.

      InnovixLabs Triple Strength and Pharma Grade Omega-3 are in Ethyl ester form. InnovixLabs Omega-7 is in Triglyceride form.

      Hope this helps.

  54. Hi Vin,

    When purchasing for a pharmaceutical grade fish oil, what is the recommended amount of EPA & DHA it should have? I also notice OmegaVia has DPA & Other Omega 3’s. Is that naturally occurring or do you add those back in after the purification process?

    Thanks.

    • Hi Shameer – the term ‘pharmaceutical grade fish oil’ does not have an official definition. It is more of a casual term that means higher in Omega-3s than regular strength fish oil. In my opinion, any oil that is about 80 or 85% Omega-3 qualifies. How much EPA and DHA depends on each product and how the oil is made. DPA is not added – it is part of fish oil, but we concentrate it to higher levels than found in other concentrated oils because DPA appears to have some benefits unique to itself.

  55. For several years I’ve used the Omegavia EPA 500 capsules daily without any side effects ever. However, I recently added to my regimen 1 Omegavia DHA daily with dinner meal. I haven’t changed anything else, just added 1 DHA 600 DHA with dinner. However, I have noticed that I am having a lot of gas and bloating……which I’ve never had. I do not have any GI medical issues. I recently read that Algae based DHA is easier for some individuals to digest. I’ve also read that 300 mg. DHA a daily is an ample dose. I believe your DHA is not Algae based but I’m uncertain. Could you clarify the source? It seems since adding DHA 600, gas has become an issue for me. The Omegavia EPA 500 has always agreed with me. Thank you for your feedback!

    • Hi Liz – I’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing some issues. If you suspect it is the DHA, I recommend stopping it for a few days to see if the symptoms improve. If it improves, reintroduce DHA to confirm whether the symptoms return. If you do this a couple of times, you can be certain if it is the DHA or something else that you ate along with the DHA. As for dosage, most people are fine with 300 mg as you state. But new research shows that Cognitive health starts at 600 to 800 mg DHA per day.

      No, our DHA is not algae based. It is made from fish.

  56. Hi I’m thinking of getting your fish oils for low mood, I’ve been taking My Protein Super Omega 3 which has 530mg EPA , 90mg DHA & 140mg Other Omega 3 Fatty Acids , I think I’m getting 440mg of unopposed EPA in each pill , I take 3 per day all in one go however if I include the 140mg of “Other” omega 3 fatty acids then I’m only getting 300mg unopposed in each pill thus under the 1000mg a day .
    What’s your opinion on this ?

    • Hi Chris – I would not worry about the ‘other Omega-3s’ as some of them, like SDA can convert to EPA. What you need to focus on is the total amount of unopposed EPA. Get that closer to 2000 or so. Mind you, EPA is not a cure for depression. There are many potential causes for mood issues – trauma (physical and/or emotional), nutritional deficiencies (it’s often a combination of deficiencies in Omega-3, B-vitamins, magnesium and Vitamin D3), chronic inflammation, gut microbiome imbalance (which is tied to fiber and vegetable consumption), poor sleep and activity level, stress etc. There are so many angles to address. With that big picture in mind, EPA is just a small piece of the puzzle and you cannot outrun all those other potential root causes with EPA alone. To truly address the issue, you will need to work with an Integrative Medicine MD.

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

  57. Hola, deseo saber si congelando o refrigerando cualquiera de los productos que Omegavia ofrece ¿disminuiría la posibilidad de oxidación de los comprimidos? Qué recomendaciones me darías para que el producto se mantenga en las mejores condiciones posibles, o ya simplemente con destapar el producto empieza la oxidación. Gracias.

    • Hola Jean Carlos – la oxidación no comienza al exponer las cápsulas al aire. Pero si compra muchas botellas a la vez, puede congelar las botellas que no está usando para extender la vida útil. Esto no es necesario, pero la congelación detendrá el proceso de envejecimiento.

  58. I want to give COROMEGA Kids Omega 3 Supplement, 30 Count to my 4 year old boy. So I have to consult to doctor or i can give him.
    How many supplements daily i can give .
    Is there any side effects?
    Can I give it to my wife 6 month of pregnant?
    Thanks

  59. Hi I’m from China and fell you product is great. Whether the site has been authorized(www.omegavia.com.hk),Is its product credible?

  60. Hi Vin,

    I’ve been taking a dose of 3 pills (at once) per day and noticed a slight stomach discomfort (goes away after an hour or two) upon taking the pills. Is this normal at this level of dose?

    • Hi Shameer – taking 3 pills at once typically is well tolerated. We have not received questions or concerns from our customers with that dosage. Perhaps splitting up the dosage with separate meals may help.

  61. Im taking 2 pills per day for mood health. My question is, should I take 2 pills at once with meal or 1 pill two times a day? Wich will promote greater benefits. I’ve read it doesn’t matter and also read that its best to spread out for the body to absorb better. Please advice thank you.

  62. Hi, seen this comment -” we used to use soy tocopherols as an antioxidant, we have now switched to a blend of sunflower tocopherols and rosemary extract.” The product page for the DHA still says it’s using soy, while the regular does not. So are the product pages out of date, or does this comment not apply to all products.

    • Hi Angela – as of now (November 2018), OmegaVia and EPA 500 do not have soy tocopherol. DHA 600 still contains soy tocopherol. Sorry for the confusion. That comment was likely written before the DHA 600 product was introduced.

    • Hi Angela – we do test our products for gluten. Current batches are being tested. However, there is NOTHING in the formulation that is derived from gluten-containing grains. I’m the formulator of the product and my son is severely allergic to gluten…and I give him OmegaVia almost daily.

    • Hi Shameer – whenever you increase polyunsaturated fats into your diet (Omega-3 or Omega-6), you increase the risk of oxidative stress. Nothing new with that concept. If you combine pro-oxidant factors like oxygen, UV, or metals (like iron, in this case), you increase the risk of oxidative stress. Looks like the study found greater stress with Omega-6, which is also not surprising. Given that both Omega-3 and 6 are essential, the key takeaway (for me) is that you consume just what you need and no more. I’d start with a concerted effort at lowering Omega-6 consumption down to essential levels. Then you need less Omega-3.

      Keep in mind that this is a rat study – based on this, I do not see how one can say that eggs or meat + Omega-3 is a bad idea.

  63. Hi Vin. I’m a Breastfeeding mother, and I’m wondering if I should take Omega via Alone, or Omega via and your DHA product. Also can you shed some light on innovix lab’s omega 7 product? My husband’s lipid panel is always borderline on everything and I’m looking for natural ways to improve this. We already have a largely healthy diet – whole grains, eggs, some legumes, dairy and lots of vegetables and fruits.

    • Hi Harinie – I’d strongly suggest you combine the regular OmegaVia with DHA. Possibly one OmegaVia and two DHAs.

      As for a healthy diet, I do not consider whole grains healthy at all because they can increase blood glucose tremendously. There is NOTHING in whole grains that you cannot find in a variety of fresh vegetables. Replace the base of the food pyramid from grains to vegetables and you’ll be fine. That’ll reverse your husband’s borderline lipids, if combined with an exercise plan. Omega-3 and Omega-7 combined with the above may helps as well.

  64. Hi Vin,

    I notice more health conscious people are looking into supplements that are free of magnesium stearate as well as other additives. It is one of the most controversial ingredients in the supplements and is commonly referred to by other names, such as “vegetable stearate” or derivatives like steric acid, dioxides, sulfates and so on. These additives are used as a lubricant to help speed up the manufacturing process to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the equipment. Are your products free of these fillers and bulk additives? Thanks

    Regards,

    • Hi Rick – softgel capsules (like OmegaVia) do not typically need magnesium stearate as a lubricant due to the way they are made.

      Pardon me – I feel a rant coming on…

      You are much more likely to find magnesium stearate in hard shell capsules and tablets. Having said that, the fear of magnesium stearate is completely unfounded.

      There is no science that shows that magnesium stearate is harmful to humans in amounts that are found in pills. None. Zero. The internet is mostly responsible for this false phobia. Once something is mentioned by a vocal thought leader or influencer, regardless of whether they are right or wrong, it will spread quickly. The source of this fear originates from a study where B-cells and T-cells from mice were drowned in magnesium stearate in a petri dish. Not surprisingly, the cells down regulated their immune response. This is a normal cellular response.

      What’s happened now is that supplement companies have stopped fighting the fear and have joined the bandwagon in hating magnesium stearate. Many brands now proudly claim that their products are magnesium stearate free. A consumer who was not aware of the situation will simply assume magnesium stearate must be ‘bad’ and that a product that claims to be free of it must be of good quality. This marketing approach is easier and it probably helps sales.

      The thing is that magnesium is essential and stearate (or stearic acid) is abundant in meat, butter, cocoa, and most natural foods. We are freaking out about two substances (magnesium and stearic acid) that are already abundant in our diet. You can thank the internet for this.

      There you have it. Rant over. Sorry.

  65. I recently purchased the Omegavia Fish Oil softgels from Amazon and as per the label they are in Ethyl Ester form, did you guys switch to this form recently and is it better than rTG form?

    • Hi Pankaj – yes, it is a temporary (3 months) switch to Ethyl Ester form due to disruption caused in crude fish oil supply by pharmaceutical companies buying up raw material used in our production. If you take Omega-3 regularly with meals, there is virtually no difference between EE vs rTG in absorption or incorporation of Omega-3 into cell membranes. This is an article we published about 6 or 7 years ago when OmegaVia was in Ethyl Ester form. It may answer some questions. Sometime around 2016, we switched to triglyceride (rTG) form due to consumer demand and market competitiveness (it has little to do with science.) https://omegavia.com/fish-oil-ethyl-ester-vs-triglyceride-revisited/

      The key is to keep your Omega-3 index at or above 8% while maintaining a low AA:EPA ratio. It’s easy to increase your Omega-3 index with supplement or fish, regardless of the form of Omega-3 in the supplements. However, keeping a good AA:EPA ratio will require reduction in the source of AA (Arachidonic acid) and fats that turn into AA (meats and seed oils). I am not suggesting you stop eating meat – that would be counter-productive. But rather moderate meat intake and dramatically reduce seed oil (corn, soy, peanut, etc.) while you increase your Omega-3 from food and supplements.

  66. I really like your porduct, your vast knowledge and how you handle and answer question of every customer. I have been doing alot of research for fish oil and i have decided to try OmegaVia for myself and my parents.

    I would like to sign up for an auto-shipment.
    However, I do not live in US but every few months i do fly into different US cities for work.
    Is it possible to sign up for auto shipment lets say every 4 monts but have the product being deliver to different hotel address for every shipment? Can i change the address of auto shipment delivery when every 4 months is almost due to let your company knows where to deliver the product?

    Thank you for your respond.

    Jasica

    • Hi Jasica – we are not equipped to ship each autoship order to a different address. Sorry. But what you may want to consider is ordering a larger number of bottles every few months as a one-time order. You may get a price that is almost as good as the subscription price. Please contact our customer service team at service at omegavia.com for more help.

  67. Hi Vin,

    Are you aware of a new pharmaceutical known as Vascepa. My understanding is that it’s just 4g of a highly purified form of EPA which has been to shown to greatly reduce CVD risk in recent clinical trials.

    https://mbclinicalacademy.com/tag/vascepa/

    What are your thoughts on this? Is it possible to achieve the same outcome via over-the-counter fish oil products?

    • Hi Shameer – Vascepa is a pharmaceutical drug. As such, I suggest you discuss the matter with your physician. This is per FDA regulations.

      Over-the-counter fish oils are not indicated for triglyceride reduction. However, combining Omega-3 supplementation with a healthy diet and exercise plan can help maintain healthy triglyceride levels.

  68. Hi, I am wondering why on certain batches of OmegaVia (e.g. OV190486) and your DHA product , IFOS has omitted the radiation testing? Also you mention on the website that the bq/kg is usually <2 bq/kg, but IFOS usually tests the batches to be higher (7-30). Is it something to do with sensitivity of the equipment when levels get that low, or are levels really around this range?

    • Hi Jay, excellent question. You helped us catch an oversight. Thank you.

      As a matter of policy, we always have IFOS test the radioactivity on ALL batches of OmegaVia products. Once, a new employee in our Quality Control team forgot to ask for that test. Other than that, we’ve tested it every time. And on occasion, IFOS leaves it out of the report (by human error) that they post on their website. With the most recent DHA product, the latter appears to be the case. We’ve asked IFOS to update their website. Their detailed certificate of analysis for the batch says ‘<30 bg/Kg,' which is what most of the batches test at.

      Having discussed this with IFOS, they claim that radioactivity is not a concern with ANY fish oils. We were concerned after the Fukushima disaster that radioactivity would be an issue and that is why we began testing for it several years ago. Per IFOS, they've not found levels higher than 30 in our or other brands.

      Also, as you mentioned, there may be some testing method variability or sensitivity issues. Whenever you see 'less than' or the '<' symbol, it is a good sign that we're operating at levels that machines struggle to quantify.

  69. Hi, even though IFOS allows TOTOX level up to 19.5, I’ve been told that if a TOTOX value if a fish oil product is above 10, it is already going rancid regardless of IFOS allowing higher levels. Is this correct?

    • Hi Shameer – yes and no.

      Given this argument, you could say that the oil is starting to go rancid at 1 or 5 because you’d be right…oxidation is well on its way even at 5. Is 10 oxidized? A little perhaps.

      So, why arbitrarily draw the line at 10? Or 19.5? IFOS’ line in the sand of 19.5 is somewhat random. I’ve never asked them why they picked that number. Perhaps I should. One possible reason is that GOED, the industry group and watchdog, draws its line in the sand at 26 and I’m certain IFOS wanted to be stricter.

      Oxidation is not a black or white situation. It is a gradually worsening condition on a spectrum. It is not reasonable to expect zero TOTOX. And even though IFOS allows up to 19.5, we start getting upset if our raw material is at or around 10. We’re happy if it’s around 5 or less. If the TOTOX is around 10 or below, you can bite into a softgel and not be disgusted. Once TOTOX is around 15, it starts to become somewhat unpleasant. Even though TOTOX of 19.4 would pass IFOS testing, I would not want to bite into a softgel that oxidized.

      This is why I have 1000 pills of each and every batch of OmegaVia softgel cores (cores are the pills before they are enteric coated) sent to my home. The whole family, including my kids, bites down on the pills, popping them in our mouths. I watch everyone’s facial expressions. I can gauge TOTOX by the look on my kids faces. 🙂 This really is the ultimate non-quantitative test. You guys swallow the enteric coated stuff. Not me. I swallow the cores. This also gives me an idea of how much or how offensive fishy burps are post-swallowing. I want to know how rancid this stuff is. If my kids make an ugly face, we don’t sell it. That’s never happened.

      We recently released a chewable formula and that is around 5 TOTOX. At that level, there is no off flavor at all. But then again, the Chewies are made under argon and nitrogen. That oil never runs into any oxygen molecules.

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