Choosing the Right EFA with Genestra Brands
If you are considering taking an EFA supplement for the first time or already taking one but looking to optimize your choice, there are a few things you should keep in mind. EFAs are crucial for our overall health as they play a significant role in various functions, including being a source of energy and a structural component of our cells. However, not all EFA supplements are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in terms of effectiveness and benefits.
What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are nutrients the body requires for optimal health but cannot make on its own. They must be supplied from the diet but even the healthiest of diets does not generally meet the essential fatty acid recommendations for optimal health. While both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for our health, we usually obtain enough omega-6 through diet alone. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are often deficient in our diet, but the health benefits gained through supplementation are well-researched.
EFAs may be obtained from either plant or fish sources. Most plant sources provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is then converted in our system to DHA and EPA. ALA conversion is not an efficient process converting only about 8% to EFA and 5% to DHA. This conversion also relies on co-factors such as copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and some B vitamins. If we are deficient in one of the co-factors, this conversion rate is lowered. In certain circumstances, opting for a plant-based source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) is suitable, for instance, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle or if you are allergic to fish. However, fish oils - especially those derived from oily fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines - are a highly effective source of bioavailable EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements are an easy way to meet the daily recommended intake of omega-3.
Does form matter?
Very simply, YES! The human body is accustomed to processing the triglyceride form of EPA and DHA found naturally in fish oil. As such, the triglyceride form is significantly more bioavailable than the ethyl ester form. Genestra Brands’® NEO-3 natural enrichment process gently enhances DHA/EPA levels while preserving the delicate triglyceride form. No alcohol or chemical solvents are utilized and the potential for absorption is maximized. CRYO-3 processing allows for high-potency DHA/EPA supplements and minimizes the presence of the ester ethyl form ensuring over 90% triglyceride form.
Make sure you know how your fish oils are processed since not all fish oils are created equally. Other synthetic enrichment techniques manipulate the triglycerides, creating ethyl esters or augmented versions through chemical processing.
Are your fish oils clean?
It is imperative that fish oils are thoroughly tested to ensure that they are free from possible contaminants. Genestra Brands® adheres to and employs rigorous testing protocols that surpass both Canadian and international standards. Every batch is third-party, independently tested for environmental contaminants (dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, PCBs and heavy metals), oxidation, rancidity and microbial contaminants.
What are the benefits?
The health benefits associated with EFA supplementation are numerous and involve almost every system in our bodies. These benefits include but are not limited to, the support of mood and cognitive health, brain function, development of the brain, eyes, and nerves in children, maintenance of cardiovascular health, reduction of serum triglycerides, and the reduction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain. Genestra Brands® offers a wide range of EFA supplements to fit your unique needs. Speak to your healthcare practitioner about which option is best for you.
