Essential Fats
WHY EVERY BODY NEEDS OMEGA-3S
Your body is made of trillions of cells. Each one contains important omega-3 fatty acids that help it function normally, and that your body needs to stay healthy. But the body can’t produce omega-3s on its own, which is why we rely on two main sources to get adequate omega-3s: plants (like flax) and green vegetables, and cold-water fish or algae. Both are beneficial, but the marine sources are far superior. Here's why.
Flax contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which converts to the two primary fats that have been shown to benefit health, EPA and DHA. Research shows that even under optimal lifestyle and health conditions, only about 5% of ALA converts to EPA, and just 1% converts to DHA. Simply put, a 10-ounce bag of flax-meal from your local grocery store has the equivalent EPA+DHA as a single serving of Nordic Naturals fish oil.
OMEGA-3s: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
One of the first questions from anyone interested in omega-3s is also one of the toughest because there’s no universal answer. A recommended daily amount for omega-3s has not been established the way it has for nutrients like vitamin C or calcium. Health experts suggest daily intakes based on a person’s stage of life, health status, nutritional profile, and what the research shows. But one thing is certain: omega-3s are essential for health across the lifespan.*
MAINTENANCE
Research suggests 500 mg EPA+DHA to reduce the risk of deficiency.
PROACTIVE
A growing body of research suggests between 1000 and 1500 mg EPA+DHA daily for proactive support.
HIGH-INTENSITY
Research suggests more than 1500 mg EPA+DHA daily for high-intensity support.
MANUFACTURING STANDARDS
Most concentrated fish oils on the market today are formulated for cost-savings. The manufacturing process is cut short, and they end up with omega-3s as ethyl ester molecules—synthetic fats with only about 30 years of history in the human diet.
Not at Nordic Naturals. All our omega-3 fish oil products are produced in the triglyceride form, the same form that omega-3s are naturally found in fish, and that your body most easily recognizes and absorbs.* Triglyceride-form fish oils require more manufacturing steps, and take longer to produce, but for us, there’s no other way.
OMEGA-3 SOURCE MATTERS
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Omega-3 fatty acids come from two main sources: plants (like flax), and cold-water fish or algae. People mistakenly think these two sources are equally beneficial. Both are helpful, but marine sources of omega-3s are far superior.
Flax contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which must be converted to the longer-chain omega-3s fats EPA and DHA. These are the two primary fats that have been shown to benefit health.*
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Importantly, research also shows that even under optimal lifestyle and health conditions, only about 5% of ALA converts to EPA, and just 1% converts to DHA. In simple terms, a 10-ounce grocery bag of flax-meal has the equivalent EPA+DHA as a single serving of Nordic Naturals fish oil!
Fish oil is the most reliable source of the omega-3s we need most.
Sustainable Sourcing
Since our founding, Nordic Naturals has always been deeply committed to the health of our oceans.
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Regulated Fishing
All our fish sourcing complies with the Norwegian fisheries management system
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Bycatch Prevention
We use responsible fishing gear to protect against bycatch
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Habitat Protection
We use line and net fishing methods that prevent seafloor and ecosystem damage
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Marine Pollution Prevention
Our coastal processing facilities are leaders in minimizing pollution and conserving resources
THE RIGHT RAW MATERIAL
Nordic Naturals starts with the very best raw material available. Our quality control begins in the ocean with our careful choice of fish species that are naturally low in toxins and high in omega-3 fats.
All our omega-3 products are made exclusively from three types of wild fish. None of the fish we use is endangered, and all are caught from some of the cleanest waters in the world. We respect important fishing regulations when sourcing our raw materials, including quotas, minimum catch sizes, fishing ground closures, and fishing methods.
RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING
Our business is based on natural resources. We know it’s up to us to use them responsibly. Nordic Naturals manufacturing plant in Arctic Norway is a testament to this belief. It’s powered entirely by unused biofuel that’s a byproduct of the fish oil manufacturing process, with surplus energy provided to neighboring businesses. Cutting-edge technologies allow us to use fewer raw materials to reach desired omega-3 concentration levels. And all the facility’s wastewater is thoroughly cleaned before being sent to the ocean.