Welcome to Nordic Naturals

FAQs

GROUP 1 What are omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) & why do we need them?
GROUP 2 What’s the difference between fish oil and other sources of omega-3s?
GROUP 3 Questions about flavors, allergens, and safety profile
GROUP 4 Questions about the Nordic Naturals manufacturing process

What are omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) & why do we need them?

1. WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs), & WHY DO WE NEED TO TAKE OMEGA-3 EFAs?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fats that our bodies need but cannot produce. Therefore, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are two families of EFAs: omega-3 and omega-6, which need to be consumed in a balanced ratio. The body must receive a balanced supply of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs to ensure proper eicosanoids production. Eicosanoids are hormone-like compounds that affect virtually every system in the body—they regulate pain and inflammation, help maintain proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote fluid nerve transmission. The problem is that, in our modern industrialised food system, omega-3s have become largely absent from the food chain while omega-6s have become overabundant. Even the healthiest diets contain too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s. Decades of scientific evidence indicates that this EFA imbalance can contribute to chronic inflammation and a variety of chronic health issues. The most beneficial omega-3s that we’re missing are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Purified fish oil is the best direct source of EPA and DHA.

2. WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF OMEGA-3 DEFICIENCY?

• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Immune weakness
• Dry skin, eczema, or hair loss
• Heart problems
• Reproductive problems (men and women)
• Mood swings or depression
• Poor circulation

3. CAN WE GET ENOUGH OMEGA-3s FROM THE FOOD WE EAT?

Fish is the primary food source of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, but Americans simply don’t eat enough fish on a regular basis. Even those who eat fish several times a week aren’t getting enough EPA and DHA because much of the fish consumed today is farm raised and lacks significant amounts of EPA and DHA. Also, many people are increasingly avoiding fish due to growing concerns about environmental toxins in fish (such as mercury, dioxins, PCBs, etc.). In addition, there are several factors that can lead to a reduced absorption of EFAs—age, poor diet, alcohol consumption, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, some prescription drugs, compromised immune status, and a diet high in saturated and/or trans-fatty acids (meat, dairy, fast food, fried food, baked goods, and processed foods). Moreover, people with health challenges or those who are currently deficient often require a minimum of 2–4 grams a day of EPA and DHA, which is difficult to obtain from fish alone.

4. WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF BALANCING THE OMEGA-6:OMEGA-3 RATIO?

Over the past 100 years, changes in the food supply in Western nations have altered the type of dietary fatty acids we consume, leading to a dramatic increase in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. This increased omega-6:omega-3 ratio is known to influence inflammatory responses, contributing to higher incidences of many chronic diseases. To address this omega-6:omega-3 imbalance, current recommendations suggest increasing the consumption of pre-formed omega-3s EPA and DHA in fish and/or fish oils, increasing intake of ALA (an omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid found in vegetables, flax, fruits) and decreasing intake of LA (the omega-6 linoleic acid in meat, dairy, eggs, vegetable oils).

5. IF WE GET TOO MUCH OMEGA-6 IN OUR DIET, THEN WHY DOES NORDIC NATURALS OFFER PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN AN OMEGA-6?

Omega-6 fatty acids (LA or Linoleic Acid) are found mainly in corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oils and, although essential, these fatty acids are over consumed and out of balance with omega-3 fatty acids in the modern Western food supply. For these reasons, omega-6 supplementation is not needed for non-strict-vegan westerners. However, there is one type of omega-6 (named GLA or Gamma Linolenic Acid) that does require supplementation. GLA is found in few sources such as borage and evening primrose oils. Used in some Nordic Naturals formulas, GLA promotes the production of beneficial prostaglandins, supports healthy skin, brain function, mood, joints and cardiovascular health, and works best when taken along with the EPA and DHA in fish oil.*

6. DO PREGNANT WOMEN NEED OMEGA-3s?

It is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume DHA (one of the omega-3s in fish oil) because the developing baby is dependent on mom! DHA is an essential fatty acid—we must get it from diet or supplements, because our bodies don’t make it—and consuming enough DHA is critical for normal and healthy development of infant brain, eyes, and nervous system. Inadequate consumption of DHA during pregnancy has been linked to shortened gestational periods and premature delivery, and postpartum depression.* Experts recommend that women consume 300–600 mg of DHA daily while pregnant and breastfeeding. Nordic Naturals products for women all satisfy this dosage, each providing at least 450 mg DHA per serving. As with any supplement, it is best to consult your healthcare professional.

7. HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM SUPPLEMENTING WITH OMEGA-3 FISH OIL?

It will vary depending on the concentration of the fish oil, your current nutritional state, dosage, and current health. We often hear that our customers “feel better” and experience “clearer thinking” and “enhanced well being” within 2 weeks. For optimal results, we recommend you take our fish oil daily for at least two months to evaluate their benefits, and also reduce your intake of saturated, hydrogenated, and trans-fats.

8. WHAT ABOUT OTHER BENEFICIAL OMEGA FATTY ACIDS LIKE OMEGA-5s, OMEGA-7s, OMEGA-9s? DO WE NEED THOSE TOO?

All non-concentrated fish oils contain a myriad of other omega fatty acids besides the omega-3s EPA and DHA. The average fish oil contains 23 omega fatty acids. Any quality fish oil manufacturer should be able to provide a chromatograph listing the levels of all the omega fatty acids found in their fish oil. Often, when fish oil is concentrated, some of these other fatty acids will be removed in order to increase the amounts of EPA and/or DHA. You often hear the most about the omega-3s EPA and DHA because those are the fatty acids that have been shown, by decades of scientific research, to yield important health benefits for every cell, organ, and system in the body, and are considered the most functional omega-3s. And they are also drastically deficient in the food supply of Western nations, making it very difficult for us to get adequate amounts from our diet.

9. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT TO ENSURE HIGH QUALITY?

• Third-party test results for purity and freshness. A third-party certificate of analysis indicates the levels of purity from environmental toxins, and the oxidation level (or freshness) of the oil.

• Manufacturing standards. Is the fish oil manufactured according to international quality standards?

• Smell and taste. Does the fish oil smell or taste fishy? If so, the fish oil has most likely been exposed to oxygen and is becoming rancid. Rancid (oxidised) oils should be avoided, as they yield less-than-healthy effects. Avoid fish oils that have really strong flavourings added to them because they are most likely trying to hide the fishy flavor of rancid oil.

• Supportive scientific research to prove the efficacy of the fish oil brand.

• Sustainable fishing practices. Any environmentally responsible fish oil manufacturer should offer transparency into their fishing practices.

What’s the difference between fish oil and other sources of omega-3s?

10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND FLAX SEED OIL?

Omega-3 EFAs fall into two major categories: plant-derived (flax seed oil, containing alpha linolenic acid, or ALA) or marine-derived (fish oil, containing both EPA and DHA). The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by various conditions such as a diet high in omega-6, trans-fatty acids such as fast foods and baked goods, alcohol intake, certain health conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B3, B6, C, zinc, magnesium). Fish, on the other hand, is a direct source of EPA and DHA. The scientific consensus is that humans only convert about 15% of ALA to EPA, and it may not convert to DHA at all in many people.

11. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND KRILL OIL?

Recently, some companies have started selling krill oil supplements as a source of omega-3. Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are a crucial link of the marine food chain, and concerns about the ecological impact of increased fishing of krill has resulted in krill fishing being banned on the West Coast of the US and strictly limited in Norway and Antarctica. In contrast, fish oil supplements are predominantly produced from sardines and anchovies—species that are currently in abundant supply, fished well below mandated limits, and are considered ideal for sustainability, given their short reproductive cycles. Fish oil is not only a more sustainable source for omega-3 supplements, however—it also generally provides a higher concentration of omega-3, is much more stable, and is backed by much more science than krill oil. To date, there are only 3 published human studies conducted with krill oil, whereas fish oil—when manufactured according to international quality standards—has a proven record of efficacy, purity, safety, and sustainability that is backed by several thousand published studies.

12. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND EATING FISH?

Many people are justifiably concerned about mercury levels and other environmental toxins in fish, especially larger species. Nordic Naturals fish oils provide you with all the benefits of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, with no risk of toxicity. Our oils are routinely tested by third party laboratories for purity and freshness and deliver exceptional results. All products surpass the strictest international standards for purity and freshness. Certificates of Analysis are available upon request.

13. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH BODY OIL AND COD LIVER OIL?

Cod liver oil is extracted from cod livers, whereas fish body oil is extracted from the body flesh of fish. While both are good sources of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, they provide different ratios—cod liver oil generally contains about 9% EPA and 14% DHA, whereas fish body oil varies depending on the species. Fish body oil from anchovies and sardines generally contains about 18% EPA and 12% DHA. Fish body oil from salmon generally contains about 9% EPA and 10% DHA. Another difference is that cod liver oil also generally contains some vitamins A and D.

Questions about flavors, allergens, and safety profile

14. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO TAKING FISH OIL?

Generally, no, although we suggest that you consult with your physician before taking our fish oils if you are allergic to iodine, use blood thinner mediations, or anticipate surgery. Consumers typically report having more energy and greater mental clarity while taking EFAs. If you experience repeat (burping) or a bad taste, your supplement may be rancid (oxidised), or your body may not be manufacturing enough lipase, the digestive enzyme our bodies make to digest fats and oils. If you haven't ingested fish oils for a long time, it might take a week or so for your body to adjust and make more of this enzyme to digest fats and oils. Taking fish oil with food, especially fat, can also be helpful to digestion.

15. DOES FISH OIL CONTAIN MERCURY?

Raw fish oils contain environmental toxins like mercury that accumulate in a fish during its life span, but these toxins can be virtually eliminated with the use of high quality raw materials and advanced distillation technologies. Nordic Naturals fish oils are molecularly distilled, utilising a patented enzymatic process that removes any potential environmental toxins (such as heavy metals, dioxins, PCBs, etc.). Third party testing documents the absence of PCBs, heavy metals, and dioxins in our oils, and Certificates of Analysis are available upon request. While Nordic Naturals’ policy is to test competing products on an ongoing basis to monitor the overall quality level of the fish oil industry, Nordic Naturals has never found a competing product to match our freshness and purity levels.

16. WILL FISH OIL OR EFAs INTERFERE WITH MY MEDICAL CONDITION OR MEDICATIONS I AM TAKING?

Generally, no, but we suggest that you consult with your healthcare professional before taking fish oil if you are allergic to iodine, using blood thinners, taking high doses of aspirin, or anticipating surgery.

17. ARE THE VITAMIN A LEVELS IN NORDIC NATURALS COD LIVER OIL SAFE?

There has been some concern recently that cod liver oil has high levels of vitamin A. This concern stems from the fact that almost all cod liver oil products on the market are supplemented with added vitamin A (natural or synthetic). This is because many cod liver oil products are not made from cod livers! Many brands use fish body oil (from species such as pollock or haddock) as a less expensive source of oil, and then add vitamin A and D to mimic cod liver oil. This practice is allowed because the international production of cod liver oil is regulated by only one rule—the final product must match the specific EPA ratio (EPA to DHA) found in cod liver oil. These practices are not applicable, however, to the Nordic Naturals brand, and never have been. We have always used 100% Arctic cod livers in our CLO formulas, which have consequently always had low, healthy levels of naturally occurring, fat-soluble vitamin A. We have never used fish body oils or any synthetic additives of any kind in our CLO. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for adults (as established by the US Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science) is 3,000 IU for men and 2,300 IU for women.

18. WHAT ALLERGENS ARE PRESENT IN NORDIC NATURALS FISH OILS?

We are very sensitive to allergen issues, and do our very best to ensure responsible labelling in this regard. Potential allergens are always disclaimed on our labels. This information can be found just below the ingredients list. Whenever possible, we avoid ingredients containing allergens, especially the eight major allergens as outlined by United States FALCPA (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act): milk, egg, fish (e.g., bass, flounder, or cod), crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, or shrimp), tree nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, or walnuts), wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. We also always disclaim on our labels any use of equipment exposed to these allergens. Although some products may have been manufactured on shared equipment, extensive quality control procedures are in place to avoid the risk of cross contamination.

Soy Allergens
Most of our products contain Vitamin E derived from highly refined soybean oil, so we include the following responsible statement on the majority of our products: “Contains Vitamin E derived from refined soyabean oil.” As many soy allergy sufferers know, soy allergies result from exposure to soy proteins. Nordic Naturals ensures that our Vitamin E, verified by both a traditional analytical method and by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), contains either no soy proteins or undetectable levels of protein. Because of this, we feel confident that individuals allergic to soy can safely take our products.

Gummy Products
All of our gummy products are manufactured in a facility certified to be free of allergens derived from milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, or soy.

19. IF I AM ALLERGIC TO FISH, FISH PROTEIN, LEMON, STRAWBERRY OR OTHER FLAVOURS, CAN I TAKE NORDIC NATURALS FISH OIL PRODUCTS?

Fish Protein
In theory, fish proteins should be effectively removed in processing. However, it is certainly possible for fish oils to have small traces of protein. The fish gelatin that is used in our fish gelatin Omega-3 formula (not available in all countries), however, is derived from fish protein, and could be considered allergenic.

Strawberry
Our natural strawberry flavouring is NOT derived from strawberry or any other berry fruit, but rather from a combination of natural ingredients, which create an aroma perceived as strawberry flavour.

Lemon
Our natural lemon flavouring is derived from natural lemon oil, concentrated from the rind. Some people do have sensitivities to lemon flavouring. If lemon sensitivity is a concern, this flavour should be avoided.

Alternatives
The best choice for highly sensitive people would be to take our unflavoured products (not available in all countries). Anyone that is concerned about rosemary extract, which is used as a natural stabiliser and is present in minute amounts, can take our Pet products (not available in all countries) instead, as these products offer the same high quality fish oil, but only use Vitamin E as a stabiliser.

20. IF I AM TOPICALLY ALLERGIC TO LANOLIN, CAN I TAKE THE NORDIC NATURALS PRODUCTS CONTAINING VITAMIN D3?

The raw material (lipid) used to produce Vitamin D3 is separated from the lanolin, which has been separated from the wool fat. There are several purification steps from raw material to the pure vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and, because of this, the supplier believes that a person who is allergic to lanolin topically is not likely to be allergic when ingesting Vitamin D3. Also, we need to keep in mind that healthy digestive processes—gut pH, digestive enzyme action—are intended to digest, package, and transport nutrients, adding a degree of protection as well. But we always recommended that people with allergies confer with their healthcare practitioner before beginning a supplement regime.

21. ARE NORDIC NATURALS PRODUCTS GLUTEN-FREE?

All of our products (as of July ’09) can be considered gluten-free. If any products are manufactured on shared equipment with other ingredients containing gluten, this is disclosed on the product label.

22. CAN FISH OIL BE TAKEN WITH OTHER SUPPLEMENTS?

Yes, EFAs and fish oil can be taken with a wide variety of supplements—they are extremely well tolerated, natural, health promoting, and safe to use every day.

Questions about the Nordic Naturals manufacturing process

23. WHAT TYPE OF FISH DOES NORDIC NATURALS USE IN THEIR PRODUCTS?

Since our founding, Nordic Naturals has always been committed to harvesting only fish species that are flourishing and only from waters that are not threatened by overfishing. Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil products (not available in all countries) are made from 100% Arctic cod livers, from wild Arctic cod (Skrei) that are sustainably harvested from northern Norwegian waters. All other Nordic Naturals products are made from wild, sustainably harvested sardines and anchovies.

24. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE NORDIC NATURALS TO GET FROM FISH TO SOFT GEL OR BOTTLE?

A primary goal for Nordic Naturals is to optimise freshness levels in our fish oils. We strive to minimise the time from catch to processing, and ideally the fish is processed within hours of being caught. During processing, we consistently monitor freshness levels of the raw material using acidity levels (an accurate measure of freshness). Even though standard acidity allowance is 1.0, Nordic Naturals does not allow more than 0.1, and in many instances our acidity level measures 0.01. While complete processing may take days, our raw material is protected in a nitrogen environment at every stage of manufacturing to maintain optimal freshness in the final product.

25. HOW IS THE MERCURY (AND OTHER TOXINS) REMOVED FROM THE FISH OIL?

Molecular distillation removes impurities (heavy metals, dioxides, etc.), saturated fats, and other undesirable organic compounds. Molecular distillation is gentle with exceptionally low heat residence time and is performed in a vacuum to further reduce heat requirement. All time and temperature specifications are proprietary, but we can assure you that no trans fats are created during any of our distillation processes. Any potential impurities and saturated fats are distilled out of the oil, leaving only the key beneficial components of the fish oil. Flash distillation accomplishes the same thing as molecular distillation, but utilises steam rather than a vacuum. Which process is used depends on the intended concentration of the fish oil. Molecular distillation is used for our concentrated fish oils and for our Arctic Cod Liver Oil. Flash distillation is used for our non-concentrated fish oils. Third-party test results consistently show that these patented processing techniques deliver superior quality and freshness. Certificates of Analysis are available upon request.

26. DOES NORDIC NATURALS’ MANUFACTURING PROCESS DAMAGE THE FISH OIL OR REMOVE BENEFICIAL COMPOUNDS? DOES IT USE HIGH HEAT?

Molecular distillation (used for our concentrated fish oils and for our Arctic Cod Liver Oil) removes environmental toxins (like mercury and other heavy metals, dioxides, etc), saturated fats, and other undesirable organic compounds, leaving behind only the key beneficial components of the fish oil. It is a gentle distillation process with exceptionally low heat residence time, and is performed in a vacuum to further reduce the heat requirement. Flash distillation (used for our non-concentrated fish oils) accomplishes the same thing as molecular distillation, but utilises steam rather than a vacuum.

All fish oil‚ regardless of the kind of manufacturing process used‚ needs to be processed in order to remove contaminants and pass minimum laws and standards. This process always requires the use of heat. However, heat itself does not cause oxidative damage to the fish oil‚ it can only affect the rate of oxidation. Without the presence of free radicals or oxygen, there is no oxidation to speed up. This is also why nitrogen-flushed fish oils can handle being shipped, delivered, and stored in even the hottest climates and still taste great.

Third-party testing for TOTOX values will reliably show the total oxidation to which the oil has been exposed, and will thereby reliably assess the quality of any processing technique. (For more information on TOTOX values, see question below.) Perhaps even more important is the absence of a fishy taste. It has been verified that the most significant and sensitive pieces of equipment that measure oxidation in oils are still not nearly as sensitive as the human palate [From the AOCS meeting 2007]. The aldehyde byproducts of oxidative damage to fish oils have a high vapor pressure (thus the fish burp) and the distinctly disagreeable taste and smell of rancid fish.

27. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLECULAR DISTILLATION AND CO2 PROCESSING?

Molecular distillation removes impurities (heavy metals, dioxides, etc), saturated fats, and other undesirable organic compounds, leaving behind only the key beneficial components of the fish oil. It is a gentle distillation process with exceptionally low heat residence time, and is performed in a vacuum to further reduce the heat requirement. Flash distillation accomplishes the same thing as molecular distillation, but utilises steam rather than a vacuum.

CO2 extraction or fractionation starts with oil that has previously undergone either molecular distillation or flash distillation to remove impurities. It uses a combination of pressure and heat to concentrate the amount of omega-3s (EPA and/or DHA) in the oil, extracting the ethyl esters from the fish oil in order to increase their concentration.

Nordic Naturals does not use CO2 extraction because it has not been shown to provide a superior quality product. Third-party test results consistently show that our existing patented processing techniques deliver superior quality and freshness.

28. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLECULAR DISTILLATION AND COLD-PRESSED FISH OIL?

Please see questions above for information about molecular distillation. All fish oil‚ regardless of the kind of manufacturing process used, needs to be processed in order to remove contaminants and pass minimum laws and standards. This process always requires the use of heat. This includes so-called “cold-pressed” fish oils. Cold-pressed oil also must also use heat during processing to turn the raw material into oil and remove impurities to pass minimum laws and standards.

Nordic Naturals does not use “cold-pressed” processing because it has not been shown to provide a superior quality product. Third-party test results consistently show that our existing patented processing techniques deliver superior quality and freshness.

29. WHAT IS THE “GOLD STANDARD” OF NORDIC NATURALS COD LIVER OIL?

Nordic Naturals offers the only 100% Arctic cod liver oil on the market. No fish body oils or synthetic vitamins or additives are ever used. No other brand can honestly make the same claim.

Over the past decade, we have perfected our three-step Gold Standard system that allows Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil to test at 10 times lower than the limits set by the strict Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standard for purity and freshness.

First, we work with smaller boats and independent fishermen, rather than larger trawling vessels that spend much longer at sea. We have built a direct relationship with these fishermen over the years in order to ensure optimal raw and sustainable material quality. Since it is our mission to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, we work only with fishermen who utilise 100% of the Arctic cod for either human or animal consumption.

Second, we use nitrogen to minimise oxidation at every stage of manufacturing. The importance of this cannot be overstated: only by using nitrogen can we protect the oil from decomposition.

Last, since our processing facility is located right next to the harbor, transportation time is minimised. This means that a few short hours after being caught, the Arctic cod are delivered whole into our facility for immediate handling. Thanks to the short amount of time from catch to processing, as well as the processing method itself, we have been able to improve the freshness of our fish oil even more.

Vertically integrated from catch to finished product, we deliver the freshest cod liver oil in the world.

30. WHAT DOES “ANISIDINE VALUE” AND “TOTOX VALUE” MEAN?

Anisidine value (AV) is a measurement of past oxidation of the oil. More specifically, it is the measure of aldehyde production during oxidation of fats. AV essentially reflects how an oil has been handled and stored, versus peroxide value (PV), which measures current oxidation. For both AV and PV, a lower number is better. TOTOX (total oxidation value) is used to describe total oxidation to which the oil has been exposed. TOTOX = 2 x PV + AV.

Nordic Naturals fish oils typically range between TOTOX values of 5 and 14. Recent tests of Nordic Naturals fish oils report TOTOX values of 7.0. Certificates of Analysis are availbale upon request.

The established upper limits, as set by the current Voluntary Standards for Omega-3s* in the United States, are as follows:

• Peroxide value: Maximum is 5 mEq/kg

• Anisidine value: Maximum is 20 mEq/kg

• TOTOX: Maximum is 26 mEq/kg

*Council for Responsible Nutrition 2006 Voluntary Monograph

31. DOES THE COLOUR OF FISH OIL HAVE ANYTHING TO DO ITS QUALITY?

The colour of any fish oil results from the species of fish that is used to produce it. Fish species that have coloured flesh will produce fish oil of similar colour. The colour of the oil does not speak to quality. Only third party testing for purity and freshness will reliably show the quality of a fish oil product.

32. ENTERIC COATING OF FISH OIL SOFTGELS HAS BECOME POPULAR. IS IT IMPORTANT OR NECESSARY?

Enteric coating uses various compounds to coat the outside of soft gels in order to prevent them from being dissolved by stomach acids, so that the soft gel passes through the stomach to the small intestine where it will then dissolve. We believe the main reason why fish oil soft gels are enteric coated is to prevent repeat or burping. It is possible that enteric coating may be used to hide the fishy repeat associated with low quality/rancid oils with high TOTOX numbers. Fresh fish oil with low TOTOX values does not need to be masked. It is also important to note that consumers with sub-optimal digestion may not digest and absorb fish oil from an enteric-coated capsule.

33. WHERE DOES THE GELATIN IN NORDIC NATURALS SOFTGELS COME FROM?

The gelatin in Nordic Naturals products protects the fish oil from oxidative damage, yielding a fresh product over a long shelf life, as well as increasing compliance (and thus results). We source our gelatin from non-BSE approved countries only.

34. WHY DOES NORDIC NATURALS ADD VITAMIN D3 TO MANY OF THEIR FISH OILS?

There is growing concern in the medical and scientific community about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In response, we’ve created several fish oil + vitamin D3 formulas that deliver 1000 I.U.s of vitamin D3 per serving, in addition to the omega-3s EPA and DHA.

We use the D3 (or cholecalciferol) form of vitamin D in our products because it is the natural and most easily absorbed form, which the body makes from sunlight. Long known for its role in enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, vitamin D is also linked to a variety of other functions in optimizing health, including the regulation of the immune and neuromuscular systems, and the modulation of mood and circadian rhythms.