The benefits of omega-3 EPA and DHA
Omega-3 EPA fatty acids and DHA are among the most extensively studied nutrients in science. Their consumption is associated with several key benefits for health, officially recognised by the European authorities when taken in adequate doses.
- For heart function: EPA and DHA contribute to the normal functioning of the heart. They are key components of the heart’s cell membranes. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
- For brain function: DHA is an important structural lipid in the brain. It is essential for the brain to function properly throughout life. The validated claim is: “DHA contributes to the normal functioning of the brain”. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
- For the maintenance of vision: the retina is one of the tissues with the highest concentration of DHA in the body. Its presence is crucial for the structure of photoreceptors. The official claim is: “DHA contributes to the maintenance of vision under normal conditions”. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
Who are our omega-3 supplements aimed at?
Our Epax® omega-3 supplements are particularly recommended for:
- The vast majority of the population who consume oily fish less than two or three times a week and therefore do not meet the recommended daily intakes of EPA and DHA.
- Athletes whose cardiovascular system is regularly put under strain and for whom an optimal intake of nutrients is a cornerstone of performance and long-term health.
- Older people (seniors) for whom supporting brain, visual and cardiac function is a key challenge in ageing well and maintaining their independence.
Sources and recommended diet
To achieve optimal levels, the Mediterranean diet is generally the ideal model, prioritising foods rich in omega-3 such as salmon, sardines or mackerel. If you prefer plant-based sources of omega-3, you can opt for chia seeds, walnuts or linseed oil, although their conversion into EPA/DHA is limited. Following a recommended omega-3 diet is essential for balancing the ratio of fatty acids.
Why choose our Epax® omega-3s?
In the omega-3 market, the quality of the oil is the non-negotiable criterion that sets a good product apart from the rest. Here are our commitments to uncompromising quality.
- Patented Epax® quality: we have chosen Epax®, the Norwegian market leader, for its unrivalled concentration of EPA and DHA in the form of triglycerides, which is the most bioavailable form. The oil is extracted at low temperature to preserve the integrity of these precious fatty acids.
- Exceptional purity (TOTOX index < 7): the main enemy of omega-3s is oxidation (rancidity). A high TOTOX index indicates degraded oil. We guarantee a TOTOX index of less than 7 (the standard allows up to 26), one of the lowest on the market. This freshness is protected by natural antioxidants (rosemary extracts and tocopherols).
- Sustainable and clean fishing (Friend of the Sea®): our oil comes exclusively from wild-caught fish (sardines, anchovies, mackerel) caught in pristine ocean areas, far from sources of pollution. The Friend of the Sea® certification guarantees fishing methods that respect biodiversity and combat overfishing.
Omega-3: highly concentrated essential fatty acids
Omega-3s are part of what are known as essential fatty acids, as the body cannot produce them efficiently. However, two of them, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are fundamental building blocks of cells and play a key role in the body’s proper functioning.
The modern diet, which is often unbalanced, struggles to provide sufficient amounts of these valuable nutrients, which are found mainly in oily fish. That is why high-quality supplementation is a sensible strategy for ensuring optimal intake.
Our formula is based on wild fish oils featuring the Epax® patent, a global benchmark for purity, concentration and environmental sustainability, to provide you with the recognised benefits of omega-3s with complete peace of mind.
The role of omega-3s in heart health
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential components of the membranes of all cells, including those of the cardiovascular system. Their importance is such that the European authorities have validated one of the most widely recognised health claims in nutrition: “EPA and DHA contribute to the normal functioning of the heart”.
This claim, based on a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA, highlights the fundamental role of these polyunsaturated fatty acids in maintaining the balance of one of the body’s most vital organs.
Taking a pure, concentrated source of omega-3 daily is therefore a key nutritional strategy for supporting your long-term heart health, particularly for athletes and those concerned about their wellbeing.
DHA: a nutrient for the brain and eyes
Whilst EPA and DHA work in tandem to support the heart, DHA plays a particularly prominent role in two other key areas: the brain and the eyes.
- For brain function: the brain is an organ extremely rich in lipids, and DHA is its main structural fatty acid. It is essential for the fluidity of neuronal membranes, a key factor in communication between cells. Hence the official health claim: “DHA contributes to normal brain function”.
- For the maintenance of vision: similarly, the retina of the eye has the highest concentration of DHA in the entire body. It is essential for the structure of photoreceptors, the cells that enable you to see. The validated health claim is therefore: “DHA contributes to the maintenance of vision under normal conditions”.
For these two effects, the daily dose recognised as effective is 250 mg of DHA.
It is important to consider the daily omega-3 intake levels suggested by international organisations. Whilst the American Heart Association provides specific recommendations for cardiovascular health, an intake of 250 to 500 mg of EPA and DHA is generally considered adequate for healthy adults. The omega-3 bioactivity of our Epax® formula enables these requirements to be met with great efficiency.
At the heart of Epax® quality: purity, sustainable fishing and the TOTOX index
The quality of fish oils is a matter of purity, freshness and ethics. This is why we have chosen the Norwegian world leader, Epax®.
- Maximum purity and concentration: Epax® oil is sourced from wild-caught fish (sardines, anchovies) fished in pristine oceanic waters. It undergoes a patented purification process that removes contaminants (heavy metals, PCBs) whilst concentrating the oil to achieve high levels of EPA and DHA.
- The guarantee of minimal oxidation (TOTOX < 7): the main enemy of omega-3s is rancidity. The TOTOX index measures this oxidation. Whilst the standard is set at 26, we require our supplier to maintain a TOTOX level below 7 – one of the lowest on the market. This freshness is protected in every capsule by natural antioxidants (rosemary extracts and tocopherols).
- Certified sustainable fishing (Friend of the Sea®): our commitment to the planet is total. The Friend of the Sea® label guarantees that fishing is carried out responsibly, combating overfishing and protecting the marine ecosystem.
Triglycerides vs. ethyl esters: the form that makes all the difference
Not all omega-3 supplements come in the same form, and this has a significant impact on how well they are absorbed by the body.
- The natural triglyceride form (our choice): in fish, omega-3s are naturally present in the form of triglycerides. This is the structure that the digestive system recognises and absorbs most effectively. Our Epax® oil preserves this natural form, ensuring optimal bioavailability.
- The artificial form of ethyl esters (the market standard): many products on the market use a modified form known as ‘ethyl ester’. This process allows the oils to be concentrated at a lower cost, but the result is a molecule that the body absorbs less effectively. It requires a conversion process by the body, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
Choosing omega-3 in the form of triglycerides is, therefore, opting for the most natural and most bioavailable structure, ensuring that the valuable EPA and DHA you consume are utilised as efficiently as possible by your body.
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