A: EPA/DHA are two of the most researched nutritional ingredients in the world and much has been learned about the benefits of EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid) and DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid).

The ability of these two Fatty Acids to lower both LDL (low density lipoprotein) and Triglyceride levels and increase HDL (high density lipoprotein) has been well documented. These proven activities, combined with research relative to the beneficial impact of EPA/DHA in disorders ranging from heart disease, arthritis, mental functioning, migraine headaches, blood platelet aggregation and a multitude of other chronic disorders, is expected to generate even greater awareness as the research community accelerates its studies to learn more about the benefits of these fascinating Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

More and more supportive but not conclusive researches show that EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are essential for keeping cell membranes flexible, supporting heart’s and brain’s healthy, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

A: No!

The majority of marine lipid concentrate supplements found in the market are in easy to swallow soft gelatin capsules and appear to be the same; however, it is important to realize that Fish Oil are commercially available in three (3) distinct forms.

TRIGLYCERIDE (TG): This is the most common form commercially available and is the form in which the vast majority of all Omega-3 Fish Oil are sold. It is also one of the lower potency Omega-3’s, containing only 30% EPA and DHA per gram.

ETHYL ESTER (EE): This Fish Oil is “esterfied” using the solvent Ethanol and represents approximately 15-20% of all Omega-3 Fish Oil sold. While providing approximately 50% EPA and DHA per gram, it is the most difficult to absorb into the blood plasma.

FREE FATTY ACID (FFA): Although more costly to produce, a unique patented process (U.S. patent# 4,792,418) has been developed that removes most non-beneficial components of the fish oil; thereby, providing a minimum of 60% EPA and DHA per gram. In addition, the FFA form, has clinically been proven to be more efficiently absorbed than the TG and EE form.

A:

Due to the chemical complexity of both the TG and EE forms, once ingested, the body must convert them into the FFA form. This requires the pancreatic digestive enzyme Lipase to separate (cleave) the Omega-3 molecule from the TG or EE molecule; thereby, creating the Free Fatty Acid form, which can then be absorbed into the blood.

Many individuals, including the elderly and those with less than optimum digestive systems, may have difficulty in this conversion process, resulting in them getting less than the full potential of Omega-3 EPA/DHA that is present. For people whose gall bladder is taken away, they lose the ability to digest any fat intake thus they can not absorb any Omega-3 if taking it in TG or EE form.

Flex Power Fish Oil 600, which is already in FFA form, does not need to go through this inefficient separation process. As a result, it is absorbed faster and more efficiently and allows for maximum absorption of EPA/DHA.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1988 Apr 15;152(1):328-35.
Human absorption of fish oil fatty acids as triacylglycerols, free acids, or ethyl esters.
Lawson LD, Hughes BG.
Murdock Pharmaceuticals, Springville, Utah 84663.

The transient rise in plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids after single-dose ingestion of fish oil as triacylglycerols, free acids, or ethyl esters with linseed oil as an absorption standard was used to determine the relative absorption of fish oil fatty acids in eight men. As free acids, the fish oil fatty acids were well absorbed (greater than or equal to 95%). As triacylglycerols, eicosapentaenoic acid (1.00 g) and docosahexaenoic acid (0.67 g) were absorbed only 68% and 57% as well as the free acids. The ethyl esters were absorbed only 20% and 21% as well as the free acids. The incomplete absorption of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids from fish oil triacylglycerols correlates well with known in vitro pancreatic lipase activity.

A: Unlike the traditional enteric coating which has to coat an extra grey layer outside the softgel, the breakthrough biotechnology renders the soft gelatin itselft enteric feature. Flex Power FFA Fish Oil 600 is the FIRST product in the world using this new Enteric Softgel (U.S. patent pending).

Typical delivery systems cannot mask the strong odor of fish oil. The FFA form of fish oil is of specific importance to consumers with elevated cholesterol and blood sugar as more common ethyl ester (EE) and triglyceride (TG) fish oil forms can impact blood glucose and cholesterol levels in these individuals. The Enteric Softgel offers superior acid and rupture resistance, uses GRAS ingredients, prevents FFA fish oil from interfering by gastric juice, and reduces uncomfortable fish odor.