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Ingredients

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid considered to be nutritionally essential to maintain optimal health. There are a number of known health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acid intake, with most current research focusing on the n-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). In the body, DHA is an important component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain and retina. However, the human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so these nutrients must be provided by the diet. By consuming the n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from sources such as flax seed, the body can convert ALA into EPA and eventually DHA, but the low rate of conversion supports direct dietary intake of DHA from foods and dietary supplements (1). The major food sources of DHA, as well as EPA, are algae and cold-water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (2). Dietary supplements containing significant amounts of EPA and DHA are typically fish oils derived from these fish. In addition, infant formulas often contain supplemental DHA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the use of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids as dietary supplements is safe, provided that the daily intakes of DHA and EPA do not exceed 2 grams per day from dietary supplement sources such as fish oil (3). A major safety concern is the possible presence of heavy metals and toxins, which can be found in relatively high levels in fresh fish and unpurified fish oils. When considering omega-3 DHA and EPA dietary supplements, it is important to look for fish oils that have been purified to reduce the levels of these contaminants.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
 

References

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005.

2. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

3. U.S.Food and Drug Administration. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108351.htm. 9-8-2004. 8-18-2009.
 

Last updated September, 2009

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Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid considered to be nutritionally essential to maintain optimal health. There are a number of known health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acid intake, with most current research focusing on the n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). In the body, EPA is an important component of cell membranes where it can be used to generate signaling molecules called eicosanoids or can be converted into DHA. However, the human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so these nutrients must be provided by the diet. By consuming the n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from sources such as flax seed, the body can convert ALA into EPA, but the low rate of conversion supports direct dietary intake of EPA from foods and dietary supplements (1). The major food sources of EPA, as well as DHA, are algae and cold-water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (2). Dietery supplements containing significant amounts of EPA and DHA are typically fish oils derived from these fish. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the use of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as dietary supplements is safe, provided that the daily intakes of EPA and DHA do not exceed 2 grams per day from dietary supplement sources such as fish oil (3). A major safety concern is the possible presence of heavy metals and toxins, which can be found in relatively high levels in fresh fish and unpurified fish oils. When considering omega-3 EPA and DHA dietary supplements, it is important to look for fish oils that have been purified to reduce the levels of these contaminants.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
 

References

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005.

2. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

3. U.S.Food and Drug Administration. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108351.htm. 9-8-2004. 8-18-2009.

Last updated September, 2009

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Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids generally refer to the nutritionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fatty acids are the building blocks of lipids, making them important sources of energy for the body and the main components of cell membranes (1). There are a number of known health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acid intake, with most current research focusing on the longer chain n-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA. However, the human body cannot synthesize n-3 fatty acids on its own, and so these nutrients must be provided by the diet (1). Food sources of ALA include flax seed, hemp seed, walnut, canola, soy bean, and dark green leaves, while the major sources of EPA and DHA are algae and cold-water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (2).
     Dietary unsaturated fatty acids are well absorbed through the intestine and into the bloodstream. The Institute of Medicine has established an adequate intake of 1.6 g/day ALA for men and 1.1 g/day ALA for women (1). The body can form EPA and DHA from ALA, but the low rate of conversion supports direct dietary intake of EPA and DHA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the use of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as dietary supplements is safe, provided that the daily intakes of EPA and DHA do not exceed 2 grams per day from dietary supplement sources such as fish oil (3). A major safety concern is the possible presence of heavy metals and toxins, which can be found in relatively high levels in fresh fish and unpurified fish oils. When considering omega-3 EPA and DHA dietary supplements, it is important to look for fish oils that have been purified to reduce the levels of these contaminants.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
 

References

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005.

2. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

3. U.S.Food and Drug Administration. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108351.htm. 9-8-2004. 8-18-2009.
 

Last updated September, 2009

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Formulation Ingredients

Kosher gelatin

Kosher gelatin

Kosher gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, usually from cow or pig skin and bones. In order for a food to be classified as kosher, the ingredients, preparation and processing facilities must all meet kosher standards. Gelatin is a commonly used gelling agent in foods and can also be used to form hard or soft gelatin capsules for oral products (1). Gelatin is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
 

References

References

1. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Washington, DC: Pharmaceutical Press and American Pharmacists Assn, 2006.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.
 

Last updated September, 2009

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Mixed tocopherols

Mixed tocopherols

Mixed tocopherols are organic compounds collectively known as vitamin E. Natural tocopherols exist as a mixture of d-alpha-, d-beta-, d-gamma- and d-delta-isoforms, each having antioxidant activities (1). Tocopherols are present in many foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts and grains. They are considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods (21CFR182.3890) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PhytoBurst^® nutritional chews
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
 

References

References

1. Yoshida Y, Saito Y, Jones LS, Shigeri Y. Chemical reactivities and physical effects in comparison between tocopherols and tocotrienols: physiological significance and prospects as antioxidants. J Biosci Bioeng. 2007;104:439-45.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.
 

Last updated September, 2009

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Natural lemon flavor

Natural lemon flavor

Natural lemon flavor is oil extracted from the flavoring constituents of lemons, primarily the peels. Its significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional (21CFR501.22).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
   •  PhytoBurst^® nutritional chews
 

References

References

  

Last updated September, 2009

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Purified fish oil concentrate

Purified fish oil concentrate

Purified fish oil concentrate. Commercial fish oils marketed as dietary supplements are typically derived from fresh, cold-water, oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (1). The use of fish oil supplements is intended to provide the body with the essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Concentrated fish oils tend to contain higher amounts of EPA and DHA. While consuming fatty fish can also provide these omega-3 fatty acids, most individuals do not consume the required servings. In addition, much of the available fish today is raised on farms rather than in their native water habitats, greatly reducing their concentrations of EPA and DHA. Furthermore, cold-water fish can contain dangerous amounts of environmental pollutants, such as mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins (2). A major safety concern is the possible presence of these polluntants, which can be found in relatively high levels in fresh fish and unpurified fish oils. When considering omega-3 EPA and DHA dietary supplements, it is important to look for fish oils that have been purified to reduce the levels of these contaminants. The most common molecular distillation and steam deodorization techniques use a combination of pressure and high temperatures to remove environmental pollutants from fish oil supplements so that they may pass global regulatory standards (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Essential Source™ omega-3
 

References

References

1. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

2. Mozaffarian D, Rimm EB. Fish intake, contaminants, and human health: evaluating the risks and the benefits. JAMA 2006;296:1885-99.

3. Environmental Defense Fund. How Safe Are Fish Oil Supplements. http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=19376. 1-20-2008. 8-19-2009.
 

Last updated September, 2009

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