Omega 3 capsules (merged)

[mariauk]

Hi

Would it be possible to start an Omega 3 oil/capsual hunt, as from what I can see there are quite a few people who by it for their children (including me) and have found it to be invaluable but also expensive. It looks like the haliborange brand seems to be the most popular, has anyone else got any ideas. Thanks

Maria

[sra]

Hi
just split this reply from the thread it was on to start a new thread.

I'm also going to move it to the health board. Although it's a suggestion about this site, I think you'll get more opinions and replies there :)

[frizz_head]

After reading a post on the discussions board, I decided to try the Haliborange capsules - after my daughter tried and hated the Boots Omega 3 Liquid. I paid £3.99 for 30 capsules in Boots, and as I was paying was given a couple of free samples with 50 points voucher attached for subsequent purchases.

My kids really like these, but at £3.99 for 30, this is only going to last me 15 days.

Someone told me ages ago that 'Savers' do Omega 3 capsules, but at the time, my daughter would not have swallowed a capsule, so I didn't look into it.

Have anyone bought any from Savers - can they recommend them? I don't think mine would be so keen if they weren't flavoured.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I'm sure that if you can persuade or otherwise bribe your children to try the Omega Juice from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk) you will save a lot of money. It's £4.95 a bottle and 360 ml is about 72 days supply. Not only is it probably cheaper is also probably far better value as it's EPA level for 5ml(tsp) is 900mg and the DHA level is 600mg. While I don't actually know the EPA/DHA levels of haliborange capsules I'd be surprised if they match ZIPVIT's. Perhaps frizz_head could tell us how many Haliborange caps you would need to get at least 558mg of EPA?

The Durham trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/) which showed the beneficial effects for dispraxia used level levels slightly below Zipvit's recommended dose so you can be sure a teaspoon of the Zipvit Omega Juice will be more than adequate and you could make do with a 3/4 teaspoonfull or a good halfteaspoon.

[zzzLazyDaisy]

LOL.... hello Ted! You just beat me to it!! I was just going to recommend Zipvit!


Daisy ;)

[frizz_head]

Perhaps frizz_head could tell us how many Haliborange caps you would need to get at least 558mg of EPA?



Just found your post Ted, hence the delay.

I'm shocked, just reading the pot, and it says that children over 3 take two Chewy Fruit Burst capsules a day. Thats means for both children, one pot will last 1 week.

Nutrition Information

Average Values Per 2 Capsules
Fish Oil 400mg
Providing Omega 3 Nutrients 260mg
of which DHA 200mg
of which EPA 28mg

They also contain Vits A, D, E and C.

So in answer to your question Ted, shed loads!!!!

Frizz

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I'm shocked, just reading the pot, and it says that children over 3 take two Chewy Fruit Burst capsules a day. Thats means for both children, one pot will last 1 week.

Nutrition Information

Average Values Per 2 Capsules
Fish Oil 400mg
Providing Omega 3 Nutrients 260mg
of which DHA 200mg
of which EPA 28mg

They also contain Vits A, D, E and C.

So in answer to your question Ted, shed loads!!!!

Frizz

I've done a bit more googling and I think these (http://www.mind1st.co.uk/scientific.asp) are the source of the Durham trials capsules however it's still far more than twice the price of Zipvit and not as good as although the high EPA is beneficial removing the DHA isn't a particularly clever move as that also has beneficial effects for some folk.

[Mumstheword]

I've tried the zipvit omega 3 juice, and think I'll get the capsules instead next time. It tastes awful so I'd rather take a few capsules!
I've tried it in pure orange juice, and that makes it acceptable, although it lies on top in a big globule (as you'd expect) unless you stir it, in which case it lies on top in small globules!!!
Has anyone tried this successfully in any other drinks?

[MARTIMAN]

Tescos are doing a BOGOF at the moment on 30 haliborange omega 3 orange flavour chewy capsules, worth stocking up on. Theyre 3.99 for 30 usually.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Tescos are doing a BOGOF at the moment on 30 haliborange omega 3 orange flavour chewy capsules, worth stocking up on. Theyre 3.99 for 30 usually.

But if you are hoping that they will provide a reasonable quantity of Omega 3 EPA then you will be wasting your money. You cannot give "Shed loads" of Haliborange capsules because they also include the vitamins and to obtain an effective dose of EPA 500mg as 2 Haliborange contain EPA 28mg 20 capsules=280mgEPA and 42 capsules=508mg EPA which is about the dose the Durham trial proved effective.

The point is that you cannot give a child 42 capsules of Haliborange in one go as they would overdose on the vitamins which are included so if you want an effective dose of Omega3 EPA to improve your child brain functioning the Haliborange capsules are IMO a waste of time and money, bogoff of not.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I've tried the zipvit omega 3 juice, and think I'll get the capsules instead next time. It tastes awful so I'd rather take a few capsules!
I've tried it in pure orange juice, and that makes it acceptable, although it lies on top in a big globule (as you'd expect) unless you stir it, in which case it lies on top in small globules!!!
Has anyone tried this successfully in any other drinks?

I agree it's not very appetising and took a while to get used to but I found I got used to it and now don't grimace at all. But I hope someone will come up with a clever way of disguising it.

[Mumstheword]

Yes, I think I could get used to it, just thought it was worth mentioning as I think the OP wants to use it for kids....
You would think that the manufacturers could come up with something more palatable.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

In an effort to come up with a more palatable way of consuming Omega Juice I thought I'd try some experiments over the next few days to see if it can be hidden reasonably.
So tonight I've just tried sprinkling a 1/2teaspoon of Omega Juice over a piece of toast and then put a normal serving of Orange Marmalade on as usual.

Seemed fine to me and much better than swallowing the OJ on it's own. I doubt anyone would notice but you may know better.

Omega Smoothie. 1/2 banana 1/2 plain youghurt 1 orange(juiced if they don't like bits) 1tsp OJ
Whizzed in liquidiser. Tasted fine. Those with a sweet tooth may like to add a bit of honey)

Omega Porridge. Stirred my OJ into my cooked porridge this morning with my usual portion of stewed fruit. Again I wasn't able to detect the OJ. The nutritional value of high omega oils is probably less if heated so the OJ went in after the porridge was cooked and the stewed fruit added and the temperature lowered.

(However as I'm used to having OJ on it's own perhaps I'm desensitised to it, Can someone else try out my suggestions and post back)

[MimiJane]

LOL.... hello Ted! You just beat me to it!! I was just going to recommend Zipvit!


Daisy ;)

Same here. :)

[Mumstheword]

1/2teaspoon of Omega Juice over a piece of toast and then put a normal serving of Orange Marmalade on as usual.

Seemed fine to me and much better than swallowing the OJ on it's own.

Brilliant idea! Might even try that one. Bet kids wouldnt notice it in some jammy toast.

[mariauk]

Thanks everyone for your help so far :) I have got the Zipvit omega 3 caps but my 11 year old complains they repeat on him all day and are a bit big to swallow. Thank you also Ted for all your ideas with the juice, if I could use it as a dipping sauce for chips, he would have no problems with it :D

[Ted_Hutchinson]

my 11 year old complains they repeat on him all day

It's quite a common problem. [i[
Individuals with poor digestion may experience burping after taking this product. To avoid this, it is recommended to consume fish oils with meals.[/i] comes from a site selling similar omega capsules.

My partner takes her omega capsules about 1/2 hr before she has her breakfast to avoid this problem. I have mine immediately before I eat breakfast.

[Debbie1957uk]

[QUOTE=Ted_Hutchinson]I'm sure that if you can persuade or otherwise bribe your children to try the Omega Juice from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk) you will save a lot of money. It's £4.95 a bottle and 360 ml is about 72 days supply. Not only is it probably cheaper is also probably far better value as it's EPA level for 5ml(tsp) is 900mg and the DHA level is 600mg.

I can't seem to find the omega juice on the website could you please give me the product code?also are the capsuls on the site better than the haliborange ones?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

[QUOTE=Ted_Hutchinson]I'm sure that if you can persuade or otherwise bribe your children to try the Omega Juice from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk) you will save a lot of money. It's £4.95 a bottle and 360 ml is about 72 days supply. Not only is it probably cheaper is also probably far better value as it's EPA level for 5ml(tsp) is 900mg and the DHA level is 600mg.

I can't seem to find the omega juice on the website could you please give me the product code?also are the capsuls on the site better than the haliborange ones?

ZIPVIT Omega3 Juice Product code A216 360ml £4.95 has EPA 900mg DHA 600mg

ZIPVIT Omega3 Fich oilA39a 360*1000mg 180 EPA 120 DHA

The EPA level found effective in the Durham trial was 500mg daily. This is slightly over 1/2 tsp of the OJ or 3 Zipvit Omega3 fish oil capsules.

The Haliborange Omega capsules each contain 14 mg of EPA and you cannot scale this up as the tablets also vitamins You would need 35 Haliborange caps daily to reach 500mg EPA and therefore if your aim is to achieve the benefits listed in the Durham trial, it's pointless using the Haliborange for this as it's EPA is far too low to have any effect at all.

[hrafndot]

I'm sure that if you can persuade or otherwise bribe your children to try the Omega Juice from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk) you will save a lot of money. It's £4.95 a bottle and 360 ml is about 72 days supply. Not only is it probably cheaper is also probably far better value as it's EPA level for 5ml(tsp) is 900mg and the DHA level is 600mg. While I don't actually know the EPA/DHA levels of haliborange capsules I'd be surprised if they match ZIPVIT's. Perhaps frizz_head could tell us how many Haliborange caps you would need to get at least 558mg of EPA?

The Durham trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/) which showed the beneficial effects for dispraxia used level levels slightly below Zipvit's recommended dose so you can be sure a teaspoon of the Zipvit Omega Juice will be more than adequate and you could make do with a 3/4 teaspoonfull or a good halfteaspoon.


Thanks for this advice. I have been window shopping for EPA and strong GLA formulations for my partner's polymyalgia and my poor eyes and wonder how Zipvit make their formulation so potent and why the competition cannot match this ratio. We are already on fish oils (H&B) but the EPA is only 180. I would have thought that public interest in cognitive function improvement would have generated more potent products. Thanks Ted

[Quackers]

Well my Zipvit omega juice arrived on Monday. I originally got it for my children but all 4 of us have started taking it :D

And we cant be a fussy bunch either 'cos none of us mind the taste. 10year old has no problem taking it off the spoon each day. Have had to tell her its vit C juice as if i'd have put 'fish oil' and 'swallow'in the same sentence she wouldn't have wanted to even try it :rolleyes:

I haven't given it to my older daughter yet as she is epileptic and is on lots of medication. I've read on an omega tablet bottle that they were'nt suitable for epileptics for some reason :confused: so just want to double check with gp first. Not sure why this is - will have to look into it.

[abbiekins]

I agree it's not very appetising and took a while to get used to but I found I got used to it and now don't grimace at all. But I hope someone will come up with a clever way of disguising it.
I got some orange flavour omega3 oil from savers but it wasnt particularly pleasant and my son spat it out.
I managed to get him to eat it by spreading it on toast with marmalade on top.
He didnt even notice. :j

[abbiekins]

In an effort to come up with a more palatable way of consuming Omega Juice I thought I'd try some experiments over the next few days to see if it can be hidden reasonably.
So tonight I've just tried sprinkling a 1/2teaspoon of Omega Juice over a piece of toast and then put a normal serving of Orange Marmalade on as usual.

Seemed fine to me and much better than swallowing the OJ on it's own. I doubt anyone would notice but you may know better.

)
thatll teach me to read whole threads before posting !!

[Ted_Hutchinson]

W
I haven't given it to my older daughter yet as she is epileptic and is on lots of medication. I've read on an omega tablet bottle that they were'nt suitable for epileptics for some reason :confused: so just want to double check with gp first. Not sure why this is - will have to look into it.
Is omega-3 fatty acid deficiency a factor contributing to refractory seizures and SUDEP? A hypothesis. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15129839)The National Society for Epilepsy who published this research should know.
Diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids alleviates convulsion symptoms in epilepsy patients. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11879394)

[Vikingfan]

Walnuts and sardines are cheap if your kids will eat them

[shazrazmataz]

I buy haliborange omega 3 from Savers for £2.99 :j

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I buy haliborange omega 3 from Savers for £2.99 :j
You clearly either haven't read or haven't understood my post 10 in this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=319326&postcount=10)

[VixxAnn]

I give my kids the Eye Q liquid (citrus flavoured) and its quite often on 3 for 2 at Boots (like right now!) My older kids have just started taking the capsules as they can swallow them with a drink now - I'm not sure which works out cheaper, capsules or liquid.

Eye Q have just bought out a new formulation especially for kids that you can put in yogurt, ice cream etc but its terribly expensive.

Is someone going to tell me now that Eye Q is no good??!!

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I give my kids the Eye Q liquid (citrus flavoured) and its quite often on 3 for 2 at Boots (like right now!) My older kids have just started taking the capsules as they can swallow them with a drink now - I'm not sure which works out cheaper, capsules or liquid.

Eye Q have just bought out a new formulation especially for kids that you can put in yogurt, ice cream etc but its terribly expensive.

Is someone going to tell me now that Eye Q is no good??!!
If this is what you are using Equazen Eye Q Liquid Citrus 200ml £8.99
and you compare a 5ml dose
The EPA is 186
DHA 58
GLA 20
VIT E 3.2
The
Omega Juice from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk/) you will save a lot of money. It's £4.95 a bottle and 360 ml is about 72 days supply. Not only is it probably cheaper is also probably far better value as it's EPA level for 5ml(tsp) is 900mg and the DHA level is 600mg.

The Durham trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/) which showed the beneficial effects for dispraxia used level levels slightly below Zipvit's recommended dose so you can be sure a teaspoon of the Zipvit Omega Juice will be more than adequate and you could make do with a 3/4 teaspoonfull or a good halfteaspoon.

According to the Durham trial site they used
558 mg of EPA, 174 mg of DHA and 60 mg of GLA.
which amounts to three teaspoons of the above product so a 200 ml bottle should last 13 days. at Boots special offer 3 for 2 price £19.98 this would give 40 days use so is about 50p a day for an effective dose.

Compare that with £4.95 for 72 days supply which will give more EPA/DHA than the trial (you could get the Durham dose with slightly smaller teaspoon and therefore make the bottle last longer) about 7p a day. I use Zipvit and have tried stirring it into yoghurt, smoothies, porridge and sprinkling on toast and they all work reasonably but I've got used to it now so don't only tried these other methods to be able to make reasonable suggestions to parents who are having problems getting their children accustomed to the taste.

[Sarahsaver]

Read about it on the site somewhere, looked at the astronomical prices of it in Boots. What cod liver oil/omega 3 formula is there suitable for a 5 year old? My son has behaviour problems, and I have tried just about everything - the fish oil is something that hadn't occurred to me until last week.
Does the bog standard cod liver oil taste totally vile?
Should I just feed him oily fish every day?

[Luis]

Are cod liver oil capsules worth trying - I use them with no probs. Don't taste of anything. :confused:

[elona]

Have a look at the thread on zipvit :):):) on health

[Sam_26]

Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules were only brough to light after Britain's Brainest Child TV program. Numark pharmacists over 30 capsules for £1.79. IF ANYONE DOESN'T HAVE A PHARMACY NEAR THEM WWW.NUMARKPHARMACISTS.COM, we can supply mail order

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules were only brough to light after Britain's Brainest Child TV program. Numark pharmacists over 30 capsules for £1.79. IF ANYONE DOESN'T HAVE A PHARMACY NEAR THEM WWW.NUMARKPHARMACISTS.COM (http://WWW.NUMARKPHARMACISTS.COM), we can supply mail orderBearing in mind the Durham trial used 500mg of EPA daily to demonstrate the effect of Omega3's on child behaviour and concentration, it will be interesting if you could highlight one of your products which is more cost effective than than OMEGA JUICE from ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.co.uk)
I'm not a betting man but
I've looked at your website and I can't find it.

[mariauk]

Read about it on the site somewhere, looked at the astronomical prices of it in Boots. What cod liver oil/omega 3 formula is there suitable for a 5 year old? My son has behaviour problems, and I have tried just about everything - the fish oil is something that hadn't occurred to me until last week.
Does the bog standard cod liver oil taste totally vile?
Should I just feed him oily fish every day?

Hi Sarah

Thanks to Ted and other posters I have just started my 11 year old on Omeaga Juice from Zipvit. He has no problems taking a 5ml spoonful everyday and its nicer than some capsuals which you have to take a few of and it tastes ok(it must do as he would never of agreed to take it so willingly!) It would be ideal for your littlun and one bottle will last just over a month at £4.95. www.zipvit.co.uk. Customer service is great to. Thank you Ted, you have been a great source of help and advice :A

[Poppy9]

Sorry to be stupid but which juice should I be ordering suitable for a 10 year old. I read in a magazine that its also benefical for skin complaints so I tried the Halibro (she loves the taste) but from Teds post see content useless.

I was going to look in H&B to see what they had.

Also I take Vit B complex, as someone told me it speeds up metabolism. Is this true. Do I need to take individual B vits or is ok to take all in one. They have had some effect on me and I should be lighter (if you get my meaning) but don't think I am :p
Finally will any of these interact with my Agnus Castus (I use Quest as highest amount per tablet).

[mikeashbee]

I have started buying st. ivel milk with omega 3 oil as I have been convinced by recent publicity. As son drinks up to 2 pints a day, I expect to come home to see him slouched over his homework instead of a computer game. However, does anyone know why 2 litres costs £1.45 wherever it is sold? They've been putting it in my cat's food for years (she's now doing her Masters) at very little, if any extra cost!

[broke_student]

Organic Milk Contains a high level of Omega 3.
You can visit www.omsco.co.uk for more info.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I have started buying st. ivel milk with omega 3 oil as I have been convinced by recent publicity. As son drinks up to 2 pints a day, I expect to come home to see him slouched over his homework instead of a computer game. However, does anyone know why 2 litres costs £1.45 wherever it is sold? They've been putting it in my cat's food for years (she's now doing her Masters) at very little, if any extra cost!St Ivel advance Product Formulation (http://www.omega3.co.uk/omega3/pages/omega3_product_formula.php) has the details of it's Omega content.
which is delivering EPA and DHA content of 113mg / 250 ml whole milk and 63 mg / 250 ml semi-skimmed milk. If your son is drinking 2pts of full a day that would be 452 mg of omega.
The Durham Research into Fatty Acids (http://www.durhamtrial.org/) used 558 mg of EPA, 174 mg of DHA and 60 mg of GLA. total 792 so perhaps you could still boost the total with a little ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com) to ensure a fully effective dose is received.
You'll find the Zipvit omega juice is a much cheaper way of obtaining a High EPA source of omega, however getting it through the milk may well be easier.

[carnet]

What's wrong with buying plain and simple Pure Cod Liver Oil ?

Superdrug is currently selling their own brand 300ml bottles 3 for 2, which works out at just under £1.33 per 300ml bottle - enough in each bottle to last two months at a 5ml teaspoon per day.

Even better would be to consume a small cheap can of sardines/mackerel/pilchards two or three times a week.

[Jet]

Hi,

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone on this thread. I bought some haliborange tablets for my 7 year old son but there doesn't seem to have been much effect. Now I know why!

I'm going to order some juice for him from zipvit and if he doesn't like the taste I reckon I'll be able to hide it in his food somehow.

It just goes to show what a difference there is between different brands. No wonder they talk of ways to regulate the vitamin industry.

[Jet]

I ordered the omega juice from zipvit and my son hates it! I tried hiding it in orange juice but he still didn't like it. He's not normally a fussy boy but I think this might be a struggle.

I think putting it on his toast might work but he doesn't very often eat toast.

Anybody got any recommendations for tablets for children with a high omega 3 count? He really liked the haliborange ones but I know that they're not very high in Omega 3.

Don't worry - the omega juice won't be wasted - I'll be mixing it in with my own morning orange juice.

[Moorepart]

I woz told by my doctor,woz omega fish oil should be from fish flash NOT liver, like many products are mixer of both. E-mail them and find out 4 more Info:

orders@essenitalwellbeing.co.uk

[hrafndot]

I woz told by my doctor,woz omega fish oil should be from fish flash NOT liver, like many products are mixer of both. E-mail them and find out 4 more Info:

orders@essenitalwellbeing.co.uk

I think that cod liver may provide too much vitamin D for our liver to cope with in summer when we are getting Vit D from sunlight (particularly children). I take cod liver in the winter and fish oil in summer. Has Ted got any views on this?

[gravitytolls]

After reading a post on the discussions board, I decided to try the Haliborange capsules - after my daughter tried and hated the Boots Omega 3 Liquid. I paid £3.99 for 30 capsules in Boots, and as I was paying was given a couple of free samples with 50 points voucher attached for subsequent purchases.

My kids really like these, but at £3.99 for 30, this is only going to last me 15 days.

Someone told me ages ago that 'Savers' do Omega 3 capsules, but at the time, my daughter would not have swallowed a capsule, so I didn't look into it.

Have anyone bought any from Savers - can they recommend them? I don't think mine would be so keen if they weren't flavoured.

I buy omega 3 from savers for adults.... its about £3.99 for 90, though currently on special offer with 30 free:D .

I tried several varieties for children, the best so far is Morrisons fruit bombs, at £1.79 for 30, or two pots for £2.50(ish).

Anyhoo, the children like the taste and chew them readily. Thery detested the syrup versions, and soon became disenchanted with chewable orange.

We all take 'em to improve concentration, and hopefully stave off dementia as we age.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Omega 3 Fish Oils - 1000mg Our lowest price ever for this extremely high quality product. Rich in fatty acids, containing 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA.http://www.zipvit.co.uk/zipvit/images/saleprice.gif £9.75/360 (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart.cgi?cstart#A39a)

Zipvit is still cheaper than Savers for Omega fish oils.

Can't comment on the morrisons but for them to be effective they need to provide in total over 550mg of EPA. So if you check the contents and feed back the total amount of Omega in the Fruit Bombs we'll have a better idea of value for money.

[marylee]

Thanks for this Ted, I am using healthspan now. It seems that Zipvit is cheaper but are they any good sometimes cheaper can more expensive if the quality is inferior? I am saying they are but would like moneysaving expert members' opinion.

[aliasojo]

Just to confuse the issue even more.......it seems that it's not just the levels of EPA and DHA that are important, the ratio of these also plays a part.

The Durham trial used eyeq oils which is a different ratio to the Zipvit ones. Zipvit is a ratio of 3:2 whereas the eyeq is a ratio of 4:1.

http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=25

[gravitytolls]

I am getting confused... We tall take omega 3, but shouldn't we also be taking 6 & 9 as well?

And i also take vitamon B complex, which I think is improving my digestion, but is it really necessary? And it doesn't seem to be improving my mood.

What about cod liver oils etc? Are they necassary if we're taking omega oils?

[aliasojo]

Eyeq has 6 in it as well. Sorry....I'm beginning to sound like an advert, lol. :)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Thanks for this Ted, I am using healthspan now. It seems that Zipvit is cheaper but are they any good sometimes cheaper can more expensive if the quality is inferior? I am saying they are but would like moneysaving expert members' opinion.You can sometimes find online vouchers for Healthspan which bring the price down nearer to Zipvit's. ie CAR-KJY will allow £2 off £18 plus an extra £1 if order is placed online before 30.09.05
But Healthspan have to pay for their advertising, catalogue, and website all of which are far more expensive looking than ZIPVIT's. If you are taken in by glossy presentation and regard that as worth paying for it's your choice. The measurable quality markers such as the amounts of EPA and DHA are the same so I suspect that anyone who thinks Healthspan's are actually better are kidding themselves.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Just to confuse the issue even more.......it seems that it's not just the levels of EPA and DHA that are important, the ratio of these also plays a part.

The Durham trial used eyeq oils which is a different ratio to the Zipvit ones. Zipvit is a ratio of 3:2 whereas the eyeq is a ratio of 4:1.

http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=25I appreciate this but as DHA may be converted into EPA I suspect this may not be such a critical factor as the total overall OMEGA3 content. While if money were no object it would be worth spending on the EyeQ product for many Zipvit will be the most cost effective.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I am getting confused... We tall take omega 3, but shouldn't we also be taking 6 & 9 as well?A lot depends on what you are trying to achieve. But generally speaking we are consuming TOO much fat in total and TOO high a percentage of Omega 6. So for the most part advising everyone to reduce total fat consumption while increasing the amount of Omega 3 is the best option. See Healtheating club (http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/fats-chol/balance-of-fats.htm) where this is discussed in greater detail.

And i also take vitamon B complex, which I think is improving my digestion, but is it really necessary? And it doesn't seem to be improving my mood.There is a useful set of vitamin/supplement factsheets here (http://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Vitamin_and_Mineral_Supplement_Fact_Sheets.aspx)

What about cod liver oils etc? Are they necassary if we're taking omega oils?There is no point in taking Codliver oil as well as omega fish oil. I personally can't see why anyone takes codliver oil when fish oil provides a higher concentration of Omega3's for less money and fewer calories.

[loveabargin]

My family and I started taking omega-3 after hearing about it's benefits 6 weeks ago. We take MorEPA smart fats the EPA is 580mg and DHA88mg you get 60 softgels in a box. Although they are not cheap (I paid £94.94 for 6x60 boxes) from www.healthyandessential.com, I felt that this was the best option as they are suppose to be the best ones and you only need to take one a day. If anyone knows where I can get these cheaper it would put a smile on my face. I also went through rpoints to order these and got 10% of my bill back.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

While I did say in a previous post that should Cost not be a concern using Equazen Eye Q (http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=23) would be the best option and as MorEPA provides a similar amount of EPA this also is excellent, I'm not sure that it is necessary for the whole family.

EPA is primarily for the functioning of the brain while DHA is more involved in the structure. So for younger children (>6yrs) with developing brains it may be arguable that the ZIPVIT omega juice with a higher ratio of DHA may be preferable.

It should also be pointed out the the Durham trial was for older children with particular difficulties. I obviously do not know what diagnosis each of the members or your, or anyone's, family have so while there may be a specific need for high EPA in your case it may not be the case if your children are not showing the particular behaviour patterns/functional problems associated with autism,adhd,dislexia/dispraxia/discalculia or whatever. The Durham trial also envisaged a lower dose following a period of high dose usage so maybe after your children have used the current supply a trial of the zipvit option could be adequate for the maintainance level.

For general adult use again I wonder if the High EPA is necessary or desirable? I'm perfectly satisfied with the Zipvit Omega Juice as an easy way of taking my omega though for those who regularly eat oily fish I don't know that is would be necessary.

In other words although the Durham trial may be right for older children with specific disabilities/problems it may not be the case that high EPA is necessarily best for younger children, for those with no signs of brain malfunctioning or for adults, in these cases supplementing with more general, but high strength fish oil product may be perfectly adequate.

[loveabargin]

Thanks Ted for your info and I will try Zipvit when we finnish the MorEPA. I did speak to a researcher about the dosage as I have a teenager that does not eat fish and his concentration span is not good so I thought this might help. She advised me that he should take 1000 mg a day for 3 months then lower his dosage to 500 mg and suggested 500mg for the rest of us. Am I right in beliving that you can not over dose on pure omega 3?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Am I right in beliving that you can not over dose on pure omega 3?I think you would know by body odour if your in danger of overdosing. The recommended daily intake of EPA plus DHA is about 650 mg rising to 1000 mg/day during pregnancy and lactation. Clinical trials have used anywhere from 1 g/day to 10 g/day, but little additional benefit has been observed at levels above 5 g/day of EPA and DHA combined. The benefits of therapeutic supplementation may become evident in a few weeks when blood parameters (triglycerides, fibrinogen) are involved, but may take 3 months or longer to materialize in degenerative diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. more detail here if you are particularly interested in one aspect of your health.

[bargainaddict]

I am completely confused (easily done these days!!) after reading all these posts. I got Omega 3 pure fish oil capsules from Superdrug on 3for2, think 3.99 for 30. 1000mg providing EPA 310mg, DHA 190mg, total omega 3 600mg. Is this a good enough level for 14yr old? Incidentally, my daughters teacher noticed a difference within her first week of taking them. She is really fussy and don't think the zipvit juice will be successful. They also do a bigger 90 day pack which is better value.

[chaliepud]

Out of interest, does anyone know how much EPA there is in the actual oily fish, my kids will both eat fresh salmon and my daughter will also eat tuna, I am currently giving mine the Boots omega liquid (162mg) as it is the only one we have tried that they will both take, figure it is better than nothing, they also have multivits and a fair diet.

H

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Out of interest, does anyone know how much EPA there is in the actual oily fish, my kids will both eat fresh salmon and my daughter will also eat tuna, I am currently giving mine the Boots omega liquid (162mg) as it is the only one we have tried that they will both take, figure it is better than nothing, they also have multivits and a fair diet.Hworlds' Healthiest foods Salmon (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=104)WHF's Tuna (http://%3Cb%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=112%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3Ehttp://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=112%3C/a%3E%3C/b%3E)
More ideas about getting more Omega3's in your diet here (http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=75)
WHF's Omega info (http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84#pubrecs)

However WHF site tends to support my view that what matters mainly is the amount of OMEGA3 in total rather than focussing on the EPA/DHA figures. These are available for fish are here (http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report/HTML/table_g2_adda2.htm)
More interesting information wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid#Biological_significance_of_omega-3_.28and_omega-6.29_fatty_acids)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I am completely confused (easily done these days!!) after reading all these posts. I got Omega 3 pure fish oil capsules from Superdrug on 3for2, think 3.99 for 30. 1000mg providing EPA 310mg, DHA 190mg, total omega 3 600mg. Is this a good enough level for 14yr old? Incidentally, my daughters teacher noticed a difference within her first week of taking them. She is really fussy and don't think the zipvit juice will be successful. They also do a bigger 90 day pack which is better value.310+190=500? These amounts are quite high for a single 1000mg capsule, are you sure they aren't quoting you the amount for two capsules a day?
However if you bought from capsules from ZIPVIT 360 are £9.75 so even if you had to take 2 instead of one Superdrug they would still be cheaper as Superdrug would be £15.98 for 180 (on offer)

experts recommended that people consume at least 2% of their total daily calories as omega-3 fats. To meet this recommendation, a person consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient omega-3-rich foods to provide at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.It's difficult to say without knowing what other omega rich foods your daughter may be eating through the week.
Adding linseed to cereal is an easy way of increasing the amount as would be changing to organic milk but making sure you have salmon, or tuna twice a week is also a good idea. If you check the links on my post 56 in this thread you will get more good ideas.

Edit: Popped into Superdrug today and the Fish Oil plus capsules are the strength quoted above and the arithmetic is Superdrug's own and not the poster's. Will try and find out where the extra 100mg Omega3 comes from tomorrow.
Edit: Spoke to Superdrug today and they've admitted it probably is a mistake and they will get it sorted.

[oh_heck]

Does anyone know the cheapest place to get these from please.

the haliborange ones preferably for children.......I'm sure I spotted a 3 for 2 offer but can't find where now


thanks for any help

[sammyy]

They are 3 for 2 at boots.30 capsules at £7.99 or superdrug do some 1/2 price at the mo now (http://www.superdrug.com/health.php) £1.49.My kids have the Haliborange .I don't know what the superdrug ones are like.HTH

[Ted_Hutchinson]

They are 3 for 2 at boots.30 capsules at £7.99 or superdrug do some 1/2 price at the mo now (http://www.superdrug.com/health.php) £1.49.My kids have the Haliborange .I don't know what the superdrug ones are like.HTHI don't understand why anyone buys Haliborange Omega Capsules. They contain only DHA 200 EPA 28 so a total of 228 Omega oil for 13.3p per 1 capsule
To get to the effective amount of omega used in the Durham Trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/default.aspx?pid=239) you would need to get over 550mg of Omega.
5 ml of ZIPVIT omega juice (http://www.zipvit.com) provides 600mg dha and 900mg of EPA a total of 1500mg of Omega for about 7p daily.

[black-saturn]

I have been giving my 2 daughters Omega 3 capsules for about 2 years now and I swear by them. My eldest daughter has ADHD which is kept on a controllable level by keeping the E numbers out of her diet and by giving her Omega 3 capsules. Since I've been giving them them both their teachers have noticed a difference in their work for the better. They are great.

Oh and theres 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment :D

[oh_heck]

I don't understand why anyone buys Haliborange Omega Capsules. They contain only DHA 200 EPA 28 so a total of 228 Omega oil for 13.3p per 1 capsule
To get to the effective amount of omega used in the Durham Trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/default.aspx?pid=239)you would need to get over 550mg of Omega.
5 ml of ZIPVIT omega juice (http://www.zipvit.com/) provides 600mg dha and 900mg of EPA a total of 1500mg of Omega for about 7p daily.
thank you for the excellant info,but does it taste good ..........if not he just won't take it

[black-saturn]

Yeh it tastes just the same as orange juice or you can use omega 3 fish oil which tastes just like oranges and is 3 for 2 in Boots also.

[Pam17]

Having followed Teds link to the Durham Trial (not having heard about it before) I was amazed to see the difference taking Omega 3 made to children with ADHD. I had heard previously heard that avoiding E numbers was advisable and so made sure my children, when they were younger, ate a little food with E numbers as possible although neither had ADHD. They are now 17 and 20.

With regard to supplements I have in recent years supplemented my own diet with "Super EPA fish oil capsules" from Holland and Barrett. I take 1 per day and they contain EPA 300 DHA 200.
I would recommend them for older children who don't have difficulty swallowing tablets/capsules as they are quite big. They are on offer at the moment 50% off at £5.49 for 90 capsules. The only down side is they can repeat on you.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Don't forget the Durham Trial used 556mg EPA so if you are using 300mgEPA capsules you would need 2 daily to get about the right amount.

The problem with burbing may be avoided if you take them before a meal. Perhaps half and hour before breakfast or possibly with food. You do get used to them and this problem lessens after a bit.

For many conditions the recommendation is 1.5g of Omega3 daily so this would mean 3 of these H&B Capsules which is while one teaspoon of the Zipvit may be more economical for some.

[shays_mum]

Great stuff guys, now where on the web can we get this stuff cheap?!?!

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Great stuff guys, now where on the web can we get this stuff cheap?!?!ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com)

[mysterymum]

I have just tried the new milk with omega 3 and my son has been drinking it for 2 weeks with out realising! He would NEVER take any of the other supliments, I tried them all. It is not very consentrated but it has to be better than nothing.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Are you able to say how much omega3 it has. I haven't yet seen any in the shops round here.

[HappySad]

Does anyone know if it is OK to take Omega 3 suppliments while you are trying for a baby or pregnant? Would I need a lower level of EPA & DHA?

I saw the SuperDrug Omega for Kids which is EPA 54 and DHA37 for children over 3years old. Is this level OK for a young child - £3 for a month supply. What level would a 2year old require (my son's age)?

From what I have read the SuperDrug "Omega3 High" with EPA 310 and DHA 190 would be no good. £3.49 for two months supply. So would you take two tables unstead of the recommended one tables a day.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

The recommended intake of EPA + DHA should be 1.4 g/daily with a 1:2.5 EPA-DHA. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15850143&query_hl=1)

Implications for Improving Mental Health Among Childbearing-Aged Women. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16040007&query_hl=1)

Similar results were obtained when analyzing separately for effects on the milk content of DHA. Dietary supplementation with 2.7 g LCPUFA(n-3) per day from week 30 of gestation and onward more than tripled the LCPUFA(n-3) content in early breast milk; supplementation limited to pregnancy only was much less effective.

From the research I've been reading not only will taking Omega throughout your pregnancy improve your chances of not getting depressed either during or after the event but it will reduce the chances of your having a premature delivery. It will also ensure the building blocks are there for the brain of the developing child.
As you can see from the quotes above there is some disagreement about how much you should take. For normal use 1.5g of OMEGA 3 is a fairly standard amount recognised in those countries where they have got their omega act together. You can get that amount from one teaspoon of the ZIPVIT Omega Juice (http://www.zipvit.com) If you chose to follow the last quote you would need two teaspoons daily. I take two teaspoons but I don't think it will affect my chances of getting pregnant. http://img.moneysavingexpert.com/icons/icon12.gif

Trials have shown that a higher maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake during pregnancy may be favourable for the visual and cognitive development of the offspring. The significant positive association between maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake during pregnancy and the children's mental processing scores at 4 years suggest that optimization of the docosahexaenoic acid status of expectant women may offer long-term developmental benefits to their children.

[flossy_splodge]

There was a discussion on the box recently that said supplements of Omega 3 are not very effective and the best way to boost intake of Omega 3 is through adjustment of diet. Something to do with the form it comes in when packaged in a bottle and the bodies ability to break it down easily and fully. Eat the salmon!!

[aliasojo]

I bought the Zipvit Omega Juice recently and it arrived extremely quickly. I can recommend this company for good service. Thing is, it's been sat in the fridge as I'm having to gee myself up to take it.

When I was pregnant with my middle child, I went overdue and was told by a friend (HA!) to take loads of castor oil mixed with orange juice to try to start my labour. I took a whole bottle over the course of an afternoon and I have NEVER forgotten the vile slimey taste of it to this day. (Son is 16 now) I have trouble drinking fresh orange juice without retching and any oil (like cod liver oil) I have taken up till now, has had to be by capsule.

I have to say though, the Zipvit stuff seems of a thinner more pleasant consistancy. I'll let you know about taste tomorrow, if my nerves hold out. :rotfl:

Alternatively I'll road test it on my 6 year old!

[Ted_Hutchinson]

There was a discussion on the box recently that said supplements of Omega 3 are not very effective and the best way to boost intake of Omega 3 is through adjustment of diet. Something to do with the form it comes in when packaged in a bottle and the bodies ability to break it down easily and fully. Eat the salmon!!While I would support the idea of regularly eating oily fish (eg salmon) from the research I've read I feel the consensus of opinion is that oily fish should be limited to a maximum of four portions a week or the benefits of real fish are outweighed by the potential risks posed by pesticides and mercury. This is why the safest route which has been proved consistently in the 245 research papers relating to Omega 3 and pregnancy at Pubmed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=Pager&DB=pubmed) is to use fish oil supplements.

Edit: The Food Standards Agency MAXIMUM intake of fresh fish for those who are pregnant or hoping to become so, or breast feeding, is TWO portions of oily fish a week. FSA fish consumption recommendations (http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2004/jun/fishportionslifestagechart)

Women can safely commence omega 3 intake in early pregnancy to allow the full benefits to be incorporated into the body. Pregnant women should consider the intake of omega 3 oils and evening primrose oil throughout pregnancy in order possibly to prevent preterm delivery, promote an easier birth, assist the baby's brain and eye health and preprogram the baby's cell membranes for optimum lifelong wellness. Benefits to the mother may include prevention of postnatal depression and the comfort of knowing that she is giving her baby a healthy start in life.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I have to say though, the Zipvit stuff seems of a thinner more pleasant consistancy. I'll let you know about taste tomorrow, if my nerves hold out. :rotfl:
It's really not that bad though I don't actually like it, I don't wince when I take it any more. It's far better than taking the masses of capsules you'd need to get the equivalent amount of EPA and DHA. There are extra strong fish oil liquids but they are straight oil and so the fish oil flavour isn't masked at all. If you take it before breakfast and have a drink ready to wash it down you'll not notice it.

[aliasojo]

If you take it before breakfast and have a drink ready to wash it down you'll not notice it.

I'm just wondering if I could hide it in a drink. It's only a teaspoon so it wouldn't be like my caster oil fiasco. :confused:

Oh well, soon see. (aliasojo slinks off before someone shouts at her for being more childish than her child!)

Thanks Ted. :D

[Savvy_Sue]

Omega supplements on the Health Board are a bit like vinegar and bicarb over on Old Style, good for anything ... ;)

[shokadelika]

Try Healthspan St Clements Cod Liver OIL it does not taste fishy at all especially if you keep it in the fridge,does'nt repeat either maybe because it contains pure orange oil and lemon oil.£4.89 300ml www.healthspan.co.uk also this is the ONLY UK oil not to have synthetic Vitamins A+D (also very important to your heatlh) added after refining.Also came best on tests for lowest pollutants by MAFF.

[aliasojo]

*Stop press!*

Results of road test just in. I think my fridge is not working properly. :(

Seriously. I put the Zipvit stuff in the fridge when it arrived and I took it out this morning and it was lukewarm.

Anyway, I had my cup of tea at the ready and took my 5ml spoonful....and yes it was definately lukewarm. :rotfl:

As Ted says, it's really not that bad. Not nice exactly, but certainly not bad. It is repeating on me a little but that's ok as it's not like fish oil, more like Terry's Chocolate Orange. :D

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Stop press from Ted too.
Food Standards Agency fish consumption recommendations (http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2004/jun/fishportionslifestagechart) In a previous post I said the maximum fresh oily fish consumption was 4 portions a week. It is, but NOT for nursing mothers, or those pregnant or wishing to become pregnant and including ALL girls under 16 yrs old who should limit OILY fish to a MAXIMUM of 2 portions a week.
This is why it is my considered opinion that fish oil supplements are useful as a way of ensuring an adequate amount of omega 3 is available.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Try Healthspan St Clements Cod Liver OIL it does not taste fishy at all especially if you keep it in the fridge,does'nt repeat either maybe because it contains pure orange oil and lemon oil.£4.89 300ml www.healthspan.co.uk (http://www.healthspan.co.uk) also this is the ONLY UK oil not to have synthetic Vitamins A+D (also very important to your heatlh) added after refining.Also came best on tests for lowest pollutants by MAFF.Healthspan voucher CAR-LAU £3.00 off internet orders over £18 till 31-10-05 (http://www.healthspan.co.uk)

Those interested in knowing more about the importance of Vitamin D might like to read How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? (http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/wl/wlFeatured.html)In Boston, Detroit, and Chicago, for example, there’s enough sunshine only from April through October.
You may be as surprised as I was to see how far North the UK is in comparision with those cities Multimap (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=-7500000&Y=6000000&width=500&height=300&gride=&gridn=&srec=0&coordsys=mercator&db=w3&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&zm=0&scale=20000000&left.x=8&left.y=98) if you click the side arrow until you get to France you will see how much of the UK is deficient in Vit D in Winter.
This explains to some extent why folk who have ops in the winter take longer to recover, and also possibly why MS is more prevalent the further north you go.

[savings girl]

just to say to anyone with children with adhd or add like mine then please try the zipvit omega 3 juice, it has for me and my family a life saver.
my ds was emotional all the time coulndn't concentrate at all, very hard work always playing up causing trouble and fighting. now after taking the omega 3 juice from zipvit he is a different child he still has his moments as all children do! but even school have noticed a difference in his concentration.
just give it time to work it took a month before we saw a change. Now i wouldn't be without it. thanks ted for telling me about zipvit and the durham trials. :T

[fluffybunny]

ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com)
WWW.ZIPVIT.COM I THINK ARE THE CHEAPEST

[Ted_Hutchinson]

WWW.ZIPVIT.COM (http://WWW.ZIPVIT.COM) I THINK ARE THE CHEAPESTI do agree with you but I realise that not everyone does agree with me so if shokadelika or anyone else prefers to pay extra and buy from Healthspan voucher CAR-LAU £3.00 off internet orders over £18 till 31-10-05 (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/) they may as well get £3.00 off the price.
but perhaps fluffybunnyyou wasn't aware that my Zipvit Omega Juice (http://www.zipvit.com) was a link to WWW.ZIPVIT.COM (http://www.zipvit.com/)

[Suewre]

Thanks everyone - esp Ted. My son has been having Eye-q for the past two years. Now I have ordered some Omega 3 juice from vitfit after reading all the threads on this. He is in year 9 at school now, so some additional concentration would be good. By the sounds of it, they deliver quite quickly, so we should be able to try it soon.

[HappySad]

Where can I find out how much a woman who is pregnant should take?

[HappySad]

Did a search on google and found this.

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/expert/541094.html

""If you're not a big fish eater, you could take a fish oil supplement, but do make sure you choose one formulated specially for pregnant women."" This is because those that are not made especially for pregnant woman could be made from fish liver and would therefore contain vitamin A which of course you should not be taking when conceiving or pregant.

Look like I will be using Eye Q's pregnant woman Omega brand .. and they are very expensive!!! Does anyone know of any other special Omega brands that are especially for pregnant woman?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Maternal and infant nutrition (http://www.nutrition.org.uk/home.asp?siteId=43&sectionId=394&subSectionId=315&parentSection=299&which=1)British Nutrition Foundation information however this isn't particularly specific regarding the use of supplements.
They do say however No adverse effects of maternal n-3 supplementation have been observed and increased maternal intakes may be of particular importance in groups with a low habitual intake and in lower birth weight populations.
So in post #14 (http://showpost.html?p=991710&postcount=14) of this thread I've put the suggestion from two research papers. One of which suggest 2.7 g of omega 3 this would mean two teaspoons of Zipvit Omega Juice The other research paper suggest 1.4g of omega 3 which is one teaspoon of Omega Juice.

If your username implies you may be prone to mood changes and thus possibly at risk of depression it may be worth your while opting for the higher rather than the lower amount. I have seen research papers where up to 8g a day of Omega have been used so 3g is well below this and will cost only 14p a day.

Edit: I've now read your link which suggests a maximum of 3,3mg so I don't have to change my recommendation. I'll ring Zipvit tomorrow and try to find out if Omega Juice is made from fish liver or fish oil. I think if it was fish liver oil they would say and there would be something about the vit a content.

[HappySad]

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pfitness/0,,3vz2,00.html

They recommend that you don't take suppliments when you are trying and pregnant because you cannot guarantee the contents and that is it is better to each two fish rich in Omega 3 a week.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pfitness/0,,3vz2,00.html

They recommend that you don't take suppliments when you are trying and pregnant because you cannot guarantee the contents and that is it is better to each two fish rich in Omega 3 a week.I have read what the American Nutritionalists say but I stick to my view. The majority view is that the potential benefit from taking up to 3g of omega 3 on the days you are not eating oily fish is greater than the potential risk from pcbs/mercury in the fish oil. The problem of mercury in American Waters stems from their overuse of solid fuel. Zipvit's fish is from North Sea waters and it less likely to be contaminated.

Edit: If you are still worried about the possibility of environmental pollutants in fish or fish oil may I suggest you increase your Selenium intake. Selenium in pregnancy: is selenium an active defective ion against environmental chemical stress? (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15261784&query_hl=1)suggest that selenium has an active role in the mother's defense systems against the toxicity of environmental pollutants and the constituents of cigarette smoke.
WHF Selenium information (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=95#summary)

[shokadelika]

Healthspan voucher CAR-LAU £3.00 off internet orders over £18 till 31-10-05 (http://www.healthspan.co.uk)

Those interested in knowing more about the importance of Vitamin D might like to read How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? (http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/wl/wlFeatured.html)In Boston, Detroit, and Chicago, for example, there’s enough sunshine only from April through October.
You may be as surprised as I was to see how far North the UK is in comparision with those cities Multimap (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=-7500000&Y=6000000&width=500&height=300&gride=&gridn=&srec=0&coordsys=mercator&db=w3&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&zm=0&scale=20000000&left.x=8&left.y=98) if you click the side arrow until you get to France you will see how much of the UK is deficient in Vit D in Winter.
This explains to some extent why folk who have ops in the winter take longer to recover, and also possibly why MS is more prevalent the further north you go.

I too was shocked to find the host of diseases related to vitamin D deficiency we live to far North to generate any in our skin in Winter months plus think about all everyone who uses sunscreen make up etc.
Could also explain why there are more heart attacks ,falls in the eldery,depression,SAD,cold and flu and skin cancer see www.cholecalciferol-council.com or www.bmj.com type in vitamin D in the search box.
Scientists are now thinking we need about 1000iu to 2000iu (compared to 400iu) Vitamin D a day elderly more saying as we cannot get this from sunlight we have to obtain it through diet.
Cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamin A+D (if it has not been added back after refining) plus you get your Omega 3 too.

[shokadelika]

I do agree with you but I realise that not everyone does agree with me so if shokadelika or anyone else prefers to pay extra and buy from Healthspan voucher CAR-LAU £3.00 off internet orders over £18 till 31-10-05 (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/) they may as well get £3.00 off the price.
but perhaps fluffybunnyyou wasn't aware that my Zipvit Omega Juice (http://www.zipvit.com) was a link to WWW.ZIPVIT.COM (http://www.zipvit.com/)
Hi I take cod liver OIL ( after much searching !Healthspan) for the Vitamin D content it is very high in this because it is not taken out of the oil and added back as a synthetic later I think its Cheap at £4.85 free P+P I take 10 ml (twice the reccomended dose) and am getting roughly 2g of Omega 3 into the bargain and 1000iu of the important vit D it also came out best in MAFF tests for PCB+Mercury some brands were recalled off the shelves!I used to buy Seven Seas but this contains synthetic Vit A+D and they make it for nearly everyone else.

TED is the expert on OMEGA's and what he posts is always spot on.

If you are trying planning to get pregnant you need OMEGA 3 even the HORIZON program the other week stated that women who had more OMEGA 3 in their diet had healthier children who were more advanced at an earlier age than those who did not.

[shokadelika]

There was a discussion on the box recently that said supplements of Omega 3 are not very effective and the best way to boost intake of Omega 3 is through adjustment of diet. Something to do with the form it comes in when packaged in a bottle and the bodies ability to break it down easily and fully. Eat the salmon!!

If you eat farmed Salmon there is very little OMEGA 3 in it only wild salmon has large amounts.Also farmed salmon are given dye in their feed if you are a salmon farmer you even get to pick the shade of pink or red you would like your fish to have.Wild salmon is naturally pale unless it is red salmon.
Supplements are not effective if you do not take the correct strenght see all Ted's posts.

[shays_mum]

I'm a bit confused,are these the same things? or do you need to take them both?, currently my 3 yr old is taking halibo omega 3, after reading the postings here will be changing to zipvit orange drink. Thing is she can be bribed to take the capsules as sweets, not to sure if she will swallow the juice, do they do capsules?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I'm a bit confused,are these the same things? or do you need to take them both?, currently my 3 yr old is taking halibo omega 3, after reading the postings here will be changing to zipvit orange drink. Thing is she can be bribed to take the capsules as sweets, not to sure if she will swallow the juice, do they do capsules?If you give your 3yr old 2 Haliborange capsules you will be Providing Omega-3 Nutrients 260mg of which DHA 200mg EPA 28mg 2capsules approx 20p daily.

If you provide your 3 yr old with one teaspoon of Zipvit Omega Juice 900mg EPA 600mg DHA.approx 7p daily.

If you wanted to get drunk would you get drunk quicker drinking low alchohol shandy or full strength whisky?

The Durham Trial which is frequently referred to as the evidence showing that omega improved behaviour concentration etc used 550ish mg of EPA. but this used children over 6. As DHA is one of the main structural ingredients in the brain and as the brain keeps growing until the child is 6 it is important that those under 6 get plenty of DHA as well. You could if you wanted just use half a teaspoon of Omega Juice that would still be considerably better than the Haliborange product which is about as much good for providing EPA as a low alcohol shandy would be for someone intending to get drunk.

[HappySad]

Sorry to ask this but I feel I must. How come you know Ted so much about Omega 3. I am bascially checking you out. Are you a nutrisionist or Dietitian?




Another point. I went on the Brisish Dietetic Association Website and they recommend 450-900mg a day (DHA / EPA) for suppliments. They recommend a 1/3 for a young child of under 3. 1/2 for 4-6years old. 2/3 for 7-11years.

((Search for "Omega" on this page==>http://www.bda.uk.com/latest-food-facts.php ))

From what I have read so far.. Ted you are recommending 1.5g to 3g a day for a child. How do you know that this amount is to be given? How much DHA did the Duham Trial use?




I went to several shops yesterday, to Boots, Superdrug and a health food shop. It is not straight forward in choosing Omega3. Health shop recommended a brand that had Omega3+Omega6 + Omega9.. Any benefits from taking this because of the Omega6 & Omega9?

Also Equazen does a brand expecially for pregnant woman..."MumOmega".

Also will eating 2 portions of oily fish give you enough Omega3 and you don't need the suppliments? What if you eat the 2portions of oily fish and also take suppliments will that be OK? Could you then take a lower does of suppliments?

All very confusing in my head.

Is the "OJ Omega Juice " OK for a child of 2years old.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Sorry to ask this but I feel I must. How come you know Ted so much about Omega 3. I am bascially checking you out. Are you a nutrisionist or Dietitian?First I would like to make it quite clear I am not an nutritionalist or a Dietician. You will see from my signature that I suffer from Manic Depression. I found out that Omega helps the medications used for Depression to be more effective so I gradually became more interested in the other beneficial effects of Omega3.

I became totally convinced of the benefits of Omega3 when my daughter fostered two children from a very deprived background. Their behaviour was worse than atrocious and they were seriously damaged little boys. Only after I advised trying Omega Juice did they become manageable and they have since been adopted by her and when they came to a family party recently were the star attractions (Grandad foolishly suggested the wire cages with pieces or carrot in them might be Goblin Traps so it was a hunt the Goblins party)

None of the information I put on here is my personal opinion. It is ALL derived from the most recent publications published at PUBMED (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi) The fact that the British Dietary Association recommend a lower amount than Australian or Canadian authorities is a reflection of how slowly they recognise the trend of current research. It is not I assure you a reflection of my reckless recommending of unsubstantiated claims. I have no person interest in promoting Omega3 and take a certain amount of stick from certain quarters for doing so. But every claim appears in my posts can and is totally and absolutely justified and if the BDA wish to take me on they are welcome to do so.

How much DHA did the Duham Trial
The Durham Trail (http://www.durhamtrial.org/) used about 500mg of EPA. (6 Equazan Eye Q capsules) Which is why I often suggest that half a teaspoon of zipvit Omega3 is adequate. Though a full teaspoon will not provide any safety concerns at all. The Durham trial was looking at the benefits of EPA. For children under 6 with developing brains, DHA is also very important which is why Omega Juice is IMO a better buy than EYEQ.(or anything else for that matter)
I went to several shops yesterday, to Boots, Superdrug and a health food shop. It is not straight forward in choosing Omega3. Health shop recommended a brand that had Omega3+Omega6 + Omega9.. Any benefits from taking this because of the Omega6 & Omega9?I doubt it. I can't find anything which suggest that anyone is suffering a deficiency of Omega6 or Omega9 I can't see the point in taking stuff for the sake of it.

Also Equazen does a brand expecially for pregnant woman..."MumOmega".

Also will eating 2 portions of oily fish give you enough Omega3 and you don't need the suppliments? What if you eat the 2portions of oily fish and also take suppliments will that be OK? Could you then take a lower does of suppliments? According to the British Standards the advice is to take 2 portions of oily fish a week if you are pregnant. IMO although this is a maximum of fresh fish it could safely (and beneficially, as far as the baby and mother are concerned) be supplemented with one teaspoon of Omega Juice on the days when you are not planning to eat fish. However, it is for others to decide bearing in mind the research which I have brought to the forum.
Is the "OJ Omega Juice " OK for a child of 2years old.ZIPVIT make it clear their supplements are for children of 3 years or over. If you child is under 3 you should, officially, use something else, however, there is nothing in Omega Juice which is conta-indicated so using a smaller amount than half a teaspoon could not be harmful.

[HappySad]

Thanks Ted for your information.

Would you have handy the links to the American and Canadian nutritions sites so that I can have a read? Thanks.

I too also suffer from manic depression which is why I call myself HappySad. I have only just found about the benefits of Omega3 for depression since watching the recent Horizon program and also reading the Pendulum magazine from the Manic Depression Fellowship.

[HappySad]

I think you would know by body odour if your in danger of overdosing. The recommended daily intake of EPA plus DHA is about 650 mg rising to 1000 mg/day during pregnancy and lactation. Clinical trials have used anywhere from 1 g/day to 10 g/day, but little additional benefit has been observed at levels above 5 g/day of EPA and DHA combined. The benefits of therapeutic supplementation may become evident in a few weeks when blood parameters (triglycerides, fibrinogen) are involved, but may take 3 months or longer to materialize in degenerative diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. more detail here if you are particularly interested in one aspect of your health.



As you might know from my previous thread on Omega 3.. does it mean that it is advisable for a pregnant woman to take suppliments of Omega3? Do you have the link to the info about a pregnant woman needing upto 1000mg of Omega

Thanks HappySad

[Ted_Hutchinson]

As you might know from my previous thread on Omega 3.. does it mean that it is advisable for a pregnant woman to take suppliments of Omega3? Do you have the link to the info about a pregnant woman needing upto 1000mg of Omega

Thanks HappySadI suspect the quote in italics came from Here (http://www.pinc.com/healthnews/fishoils.html) and this link includes the references to the relevant research but it may also have been This article (http://www.fish-oil.biz/art_fishoilnutrients.htm)
Both these articles are based on research published in or before 2000 so it is likely that the recommendations might now be slightly higher.

[shokadelika]

Out of interest, does anyone know how much EPA there is in the actual oily fish, my kids will both eat fresh salmon and my daughter will also eat tuna, I am currently giving mine the Boots omega liquid (162mg) as it is the only one we have tried that they will both take, figure it is better than nothing, they also have multivits and a fair diet.

H
There is little Omega 3 in farmed salmon only wild salmon has large amounts .Also farmed salmon are fed colourants in their feed salmon farmers get a shade chart to decide what colour they would like their fish they are also infested with sea lice (Yum!)
Tinned tuna in oil is low in omega 3 I believe that the sunflower oil takes it out of the fish also you are increasing your amount of Omega 6 by consuming sunflower oil spring water packed tuna is best.

[Suewre]

How long do zipvit take to deliver? I have run out of Eye-qs now and I want to get my son started on the omega 3 juice. I placed my order last Friday.

[princess]

We waited about 5 days suewre - but it does taste foul tho....not that that stops me forcing it down the little wretches throat

[Savvy_Sue]

How long do zipvit take to deliver? I have run out of Eye-qs now and I want to get my son started on the omega 3 juice. I placed my order last Friday.You can phone and ask them, there's a free phone no. and I've always found them very friendly and helpful.

[shays_mum]

hi, savvy_sue, can i pls have their freephone no, thanks!

[Savvy_Sue]

hi, savvy_sue, can i pls have their freephone no, thanks!From their website:

FREE PHONE 0800 028 2875

[Labasheedy]

I just got 4 bags of 90 Omega oil capsules!
£10.75 including postage for the 360, EPA 180mg DHA 120mg
http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart.cgi?cstart#A39
A39a for large pack
Thank you Mr Hutchinson for your recommendation
I now know why they they are "ZIPVIT" ..because all the capsules are in a little zipped bag :)

best value I've come across

[Suewre]

Thanks for the number Sue. We have been away, but are back now, so I have just rang them. It is now 11 days since I placed my order. The helpful lady I spoke to said that they were out of the Omega Juice, and were expecting some in the middle of next week. I bought my son some Haliborange Omega 3 and fish oil for him to be getting on with. I also ordered some other stuff, and they are going to send that out now.

[chaliepud]

Just wanted to recommend the Eskimo-3 omega 3,6 and 9 supplement oil, we had a healthy eating talk at school and this was recommended, tasted great (yes, really!) but you must get the tutti fruitti flavour, tastes like bubble gum! At £14.25 (incl.Vat and delivery) I know it is a bit pricy but it has great quantities of DHA, EPA and ALA as far as I can tell, and the kids will take it.

I got it from www.health4youonline.com

HTH someone who has kids as fussy as mine!

Hayley

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Just wanted to recommend the Eskimo-3 omega 3,6 and 9 supplement oil, we had a healthy eating talk at school and this was recommended, tasted great (yes, really!) but you must get the tutti fruitti flavour, tastes like bubble gum! At £14.25 (incl.Vat and delivery) I know it is a bit pricy but it has great quantities of DHA, EPA and ALA as far as I can tell, and the kids will take it.

I got it from www.health4youonline.com (http://www.health4youonline.com)Nutri Eskimo Kids (omega-3+6+9 oils for kids)
1200mg Omega-3 fatty acids from natural fish oil, of which: 410mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 280mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 230mg Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), 510 Omega-6 fatty acids from rapeseed oil, of which: 500mg Linoleic acid, 1400mg Omega-9 fatty acid (Oleic acid), 200iu Vitamin D and 10iu Vitamin E (natural mixed tocopherols). Other ingredients: Ascorbyl palmitate, lecithin, natural flavouring (from orange, raspberry, lemon and cherry oils).
410epa+280dha=690 omega3 @£14.25 210ml= 42days supply=34pdaily
To match ZIPVIT Omega Juice (http://www.zipvit.com) 360ml £4.95 72 days about 7p daily. which contains 900epa+600dha=-1.5g omega you would need to take double the amount of Eskimo thus spending 64pdaily.

[chaliepud]

My point being that this is actually palatable, not that it is cheaper

[Ted_Hutchinson]

My point being that this is actually palatable, not that it is cheaperWhen acquiring tastes for new flavours it is useful to link the new flavour with a pleasurable experience. Our taste for wine changes the more we indulge and the more we learn about it, particularly if the circumstances in which we experience it are pleasurable. I'm not saying developing a connoisseurship in fish oil is ever going to compete with malt whisky, wine, real ale or coffee but if you persist with the OJ particularly linking the OJ with a pleasurable reward I do assure you, you do become less concerned about the initial taste. We would do well as parents to utilise as broad a range of foodstuffs as possible see The World's Healthiest Foods: A-Z (http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php) to ensure that our children have as balanced and complete a diet as possible.

[frizz_head]

Has anyone tried the Omega 3 enriched milk - I have been trying to find it - but everywhere near me is always sold out. I would be interested in your findings Ted - in terms of amount of Omega 3's present.

I have tried all sorts, but my kids just will not take it in any form. Am hoping that this might be a solution.

Also, interested to hear from anyone who has tried it - does it taste fishy/oily?

Thanks
Frizzle

[Ted_Hutchinson]

St Ivel advance semi-skimmed and whole milk containing Omega 3 in an emulsion format (dispersible in milk) delivering EPA and DHA content of 113mg / 250 ml whole milk and 63 mg / 250 ml semi-skimmed milk (http://www.omega3.co.uk/omega3/pages/omega3_product_formula.php)
If you proceed to
here there is a competition to win a years supply (http://www.omega3.co.uk/omega3/pages/omega3_tell_us.php)

I can't find any breakdown of the omega content into EPA+DHA components. I don't think it matters as the DHA is more structural and the EPA more for management so both are necessary. To get this amount into perspective one 5ml of Zipvit omega juice supplies 1.5g of omega. The equivalant of 13 glasses of whole clever milk.

However Waitrose sell St.Ivel advance whole milk (2litre) at £1.45 (73p/litre) which is somewhat more expensive than ordinary or even organic milk. Providing you don't think this a substitute for providing oily fish (sardines, mackeral,pilchards,salmon etc) regularly it will provide a useful additional supplementary source of omega.

[chaliepud]

I am lucky my kids do eat a varied diet, including fresh salmon and tuna, it is the after taste of the fish oils that are the problem, depsite giving them choc buttons after (not ideal but hey!) They do like the Boots Omega supplement but that is very low in DHA etc. The new Eskimo-3 is great for my daughter and baby son, but my elder son will not take it now he knows it tastes like bubble gum, but I haven't given up hope yet, I have banned him from chocolate until he takes a bit! Just baked some cookies and brownies too!

Re. the Omega in milk, I was under the impression that organic milk is naturally very high in omegas (6?) ???

Hayley

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Drinking just half a pint a day of organic milk as part of a healthy balanced diet gives a useful additional source of this Omega 3 fatty acid, as it could provide approximately 10% of the UK’s Daily Reference Value3 of essential n-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. A study carried out by the Institute of Environmental and Grassland Research has found that organic milk contains around two thirds more Omega 3 fatty acids than standard milk.
Tesco Whole Milk 2.272ltr/4 Pints (http://www.tesco.com/superstore/product/shelf.aspx?shelfId=F51CA#) £1.11
Tesco Organic Whole Milk 4 Pint 2.272 Litres. (http://www.tesco.com/superstore/product/shelf.aspx?shelfId=F51CK#)£1.25(£0.55/litre)

A daily 250ml serving of the new ‘Super Whole Milk' contains 48mg of DHA and EPA, or 10 times more of the omega-3 fatty acids than regular milk.

So if 48mg = 10times ordinary 4.8mg is the amount in 250mg of ordinary whole milk and two thirds more would be 3.2 so Organic milk will have about 8mg of Omega which leaves it still a long way behind the Omega enriched milk.

[chaliepud]

I will stick with the organic milk as I prefer to buy organic where possible and it does have that little extra Omegas in it, I don't want to overdose them, not with them already having supplements and the fresh fish in their diet - they should be superbrains!

[Suewre]

I was looking at the zip vit omega juice this morning and I noticed something.

On the back. Instructions - recommended daily intake. One per day (5ml)

On the front. 36 day serving 360ml

Am I missing something here. If 360ml is a 36 day serving, then surely that is 10ml per day? Or if it is 5ml per day, then that is 72 days per bottle. Or do they somehow know that I am taking it as well as my son, so if we take 5ml each, per day then that is 36 days per bottle?

[jockettuk]

exscuse my ignorance but i can understand what dha means but epa not got a clue .. and trying to understand some of these threads with all the abbreviations in it are confusing.. please if at the start of a long thread or even at the end please put what all the abbreviations mean.. its not only this thread that do it its all over mse..

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I was looking at the zip vit omega juice this morning and I noticed something.

On the back. Instructions - recommended daily intake. One per day (5ml)

On the front. 36 day serving 360ml

Am I missing something here. If 360ml is a 36 day serving, then surely that is 10ml per day? Or if it is 5ml per day, then that is 72 days per bottle. Or do they somehow know that I am taking it as well as my son, so if we take 5ml each, per day then that is 36 days per bottle?I didn't beleive you so had to go to the fridge to check. But YOU ARE RIGHT. Zipvit have made a mistake on the label. If you read the small print it does say 5ml is the daily dose and this give 900 EPA 600 DHA and for most people this is ample. Only if you have rheumatism or depression or another specific reason would you need 2 teaspoon 10ml. So clearly your mental arithmetic is better than Zipvit's as the front label should state it's enough for one person for 72 days. If you want to make it last over a month you would be best not to let it warm up each day as you take it but put it straight back in the fridge to keep cool. It definitely tastes better cold and fresh.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

exscuse my ignorance but i can understand what dha means but epa not got a clue .. and trying to understand some of these threads with all the abbreviations in it are confusing.. please if at the start of a long thread or even at the end please put what all the abbreviations mean.. its not only this thread that do it its all over mse..Sorry about that I've been posting about the benefits of OMEGA 3 (http://www.fishoilblog.com/) that I forget their may be some new readers.

EPA = Eicosapentaenoic acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eicosapentaenoic_acid).Is a long chain fatty acid which, because of it's length allows more and quicker connections to be made between one part of the brain and another. The quicker you understand what is going on around you the better able you are to made appropriate reactions.
DHA = docosahexaenoic acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosahexaenoic_acid) Fundamental to the structure of the brain which is why it is particularly important that the developing foetus and mother are well supplied and this continues through breast feeding until the brain is fully developed around 6 yrs old.

[Suewre]

At least my mental maths is ok, but I haven't been putting it in the fridge! I shall move it forthwith! - Done.

[jockettuk]

thanks now i understand a bit better

[jockettuk]

ted .. stupid question time and you probably already answered this.. so is it best to order these from a online supplier like zipit.. ive been giving my 10 yr old the haliborange omega 3 capsules.. 3 for 2 at boots lol.. or is it just the price difference that ive noticed..

Thanks

[Ted_Hutchinson]

ted .. stupid question time and you probably already answered this.. so is it best to order these from a online supplier like zipit.. ive been giving my 10 yr old the haliborange omega 3 capsules.. 3 for 2 at boots lol.. or is it just the price difference that ive noticed..

Thanks 2 capsules Haliborange provide DHA 200mg EPA 28mg
The Durham Trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/default.aspx?pid=239) used 550mg EPA. so if you want to see the improvement in concentration achieved in the Durham Trial you would need to give your son 40 Haliborange capsules every day. BUT DON'T DO THIS as you will poison him with excess Vitamin A.
Using ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com) each 5ml provides 900mg EPA and 600 DHA so for 7p daily you are more than meeting the Durham trial amount of EPA and not overdosing on Vitamin A.

[jockettuk]

2 capsules Haliborange provide DHA 200mg EPA 28mg
The Durham Trial (http://www.durhamtrial.org/default.aspx?pid=239) used 550mg EPA. so if you want to see the improvement in concentration achieved in the Durham Trial you would need to give your son 40 Haliborange capsules every day. BUT DON'T DO THIS as you will poison him with excess Vitamin A.
Using ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com/) each 5ml provides 900mg EPA and 600 DHA so for 7p daily you are more than meeting the Durham trial amount of EPA and not overdosing on Vitamin A. thanks.. this is all a great help and my son is a daughter lol

[matthead]

I was looking at the zip vit omega juice this morning and I noticed something.

On the back. Instructions - recommended daily intake. One per day (5ml)

On the front. 36 day serving 360ml

Am I missing something here. If 360ml is a 36 day serving, then surely that is 10ml per day? Or if it is 5ml per day, then that is 72 days per bottle. Or do they somehow know that I am taking it as well as my son, so if we take 5ml each, per day then that is 36 days per bottle?

very funny, its so nice to have some humour

[Penny-Pincher!!]

Hi

I want to try the Omega 3 but unable to do so until Im off the Warfarin, and possibly some other mediaction Im on. Didnt realise that Omega 3 can NOT be taken with some medications :confused:

PP
xx

[Ted_Hutchinson]

More here if others want to check their prescriptions (http://www.kroger.com/hn/Index/Drug.htm)

Both Warfarin and Omega are anticoagulants so it's possible you could overdo the effect of the Warfarin if you also take omega 3. However if you have an enlightened GP you may find that your Warfarin dose could be adjusted to take into account a regular amount of omega supplementation.

It would be interesting to know if the Warfarin instructions suggest you also limit your intake of oily fish? and if they don't it would be interesting to find out why EPA/DHA in oily fish doesn't affect your Warfarin while that out of a supplement does? Some may think this is alarmist hype to ensure everyone take high priced pharmacuetical products rather than low priced supplements.
(http://www.kroger.com/hn/Index/Drug.htm)

[Anic]

My son has been taking Eye Q tablets since about August and I must admit I have noticed a difference in his behaviour and temprement.

After reading this thread I decided to try the Omega Juice but why did nobody warn us how awful it tastes.

The bottle arrived today and he had a spoonful at tea time (with a quick dash into the kitchen to wash it down with anything he could get his hands on). He decided there are then he is never taking it again and can we please stay with the capsules (even though they are a lot more expensive). I thought he was overreacting until I tried it myself. I must admit I had to agree with him as the taste and texture just aren't for us.

We have agreed to try it again tomorrow after it has been in the fridge overnight to see if it tastes any better but if not and he can't take it can anybody recommend anywhere that does capsules with similar quantities of EPA and DHA as the Omega juice please.

[jo_b]

If anybody wants to sample the MumOmega infancy Omega 3 supplements free of charge, Equazen are giving out a months supply if you contact them by phone.

I received a sample packet the other day and my three year old is quite happily taking a capsule mixed in with his cereal in the mornings.

Have a look at this post HERE (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121470) for more details.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Many people do find it takes a little getting used to. I really don't mind it any more but I've been taking it for some years now so really don't notice the taste anymore. I always have it before breakfast so the porridge/muesli coffee is ready to follow it. I've experimented with putting it on toast with marmalade and stirring it in yoghurt with marmalade but as I've not got a problem with the taste I'm not exactly a unbiased judge of whether or not these are acceptable alternatives.

I really don't think there is anything that strength at that price which has a less oily/fishy taste.

Do remember that the levels of omega available to the brain vary seasonally dependant on vitamin D available. Vitamin D acts as an ion exchange catalist to enable the omega to be absorbed into the cell structure. You may therefore like to try Healthspan Cod Liver Oil Liquid - St Clements (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=CODL)Each 5ml (one teaspoonful) serving contains: Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil of which total Omega 3 is 920mg, EPA is 345mg, DHA is 460mg. Vitamin A is 967mcg (120% RDA), Vitamin D is 10.35mcg (207% RDA) and Natural Source Vitamin E is 5.5mg (55% RDA). 600 ml £8.95
the code CAR-PN will get you £2 off £18 I can't tell you what it tastes like and it wouldn't help anyway. They say Our oil is then passed through a special deodorising process to 'Neutralise' its taste. This process reduces both smell and taste so that unlike most other products on the market,there is no problem with ‘repeating’ after swallowing. However, even the purest 'neutralised' cod liver oil, still tastes slightly of fish when you swallow it. That's why we created St Clements.

As this comes with it's own Vitamin D you wouldn't have to use a separate supplement though I would as this time of year there is not to be had from the sun in the UK.

[Ticklemouse]

Anic - when I got my Omega Juice, I tried all ways to disguise it on my boys' food. I put it on toast, in jam sandwiches, in yoghurt, on their weetabix, but they always noticed, even a small dose. In the end, I just told my 6yo it was good for him and gave it in a small amount of orange juice. He just drinks it down with no problems.

My 3yo is another problem though. No amount of persuasion will get him to take it, so I'm still giving him Hemp Seed Oil tablets - which he chews up and so tastes the oil :confused:

I however have to take it with OJ. I find 2-3 times the amount of OJ is enough to mask the taste, but a small enough quantity to drink quickly so it's gone.

[Suewre]

I put a spoonfull in a dash of orange squash, with a glass full ready for when he has finished it. He will now drink the omega 3 and not worry about the other drink. It didn't take long for him to get used to it.

[shokadelika]

I put a spoonfull in a dash of orange squash, with a glass full ready for when he has finished it. He will now drink the omega 3 and not worry about the other drink. It didn't take long for him to get used to it.
But where are your boys getting their important growth vitamins A+D they cannot be getting enough from sunlight at this time of year. as Ted has mentioned vitamin D is needed to absorb the Omega 3.Please see www.cholecalciferol-council.com

[shokadelika]

I really don't think there is anything that strength at that price which has a less oily/fishy taste.

Do remember that the levels of omega available to the brain vary seasonally dependant on vitamin D available. Vitamin D acts as an ion exchange catalist to enable the omega to be absorbed into the cell structure. You may therefore like to try Healthspan Cod Liver Oil Liquid - St Clements (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=CODL)Each 5ml (one teaspoonful) serving contains: Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil of which total Omega 3 is 920mg, EPA is 345mg, DHA is 460mg. Vitamin A is 967mcg (120% RDA), Vitamin D is 10.35mcg (207% RDA) and Natural Source Vitamin E is 5.5mg (55% RDA). 600 ml £8.95
the code CAR-PN will get you £2 off £18 I can't tell you what it tastes like and it wouldn't help anyway. They say Our oil is then passed through a special deodorising process to 'Neutralise' its taste. This process reduces both smell and taste so that unlike most other products on the market,there is no problem with ‘repeating’ after swallowing. However, even the purest 'neutralised' cod liver oil, still tastes slightly of fish when you swallow it. That's why we created St Clements.

As this comes with it's own Vitamin D you wouldn't have to use a separate supplement though I would as this time of year there is not to be had from the sun in the UK.[/QUOTE]

have ordered ZIpvit Omega juice for my father who has Alzehimers it tastes wierd the best way of masking it we have found is to put it in his hot chocolateor with marmalade on toast.I am using it though for the high level of EPA in the product.
The Healthspan cod liver oil tastes NOTHING like cod liver oil I can assure you it also tastes much better than the Zipvit Omega Juice it is not fishy at all and does not repeat more important this is the only Omega 3 fish oil in the UK that has naturally occuring vitamins A+D these have not been added to the oil after refining Seven Seas does not have natural vitamins A+D in the oil, synthetic vitamin A is poisonous !the only other oils like this are from America Carlsons and Nordic Naturals they cost around £30 for 300ml and are available at the Nutricentre.com so the Healthspan product at £8.95 for 2x300ml or £4.85 for 300ml both are free postage is true money saving it also has less pcb's and mercury than fresh fish or any other liver oil and came out the best in MAFF tests by the Government!My friends kids take the Healthspan product straight from the spoon no problem because it does not taste like cod liver oil they are also getting vits A+D (retinol and cholecalciferol)in correct (nature intended) proportion and natural vitamin E at 5ml per dose this is two months supply.
The Healthspan product has a money back guarantee so what have you got to loose.
I have no affiliation with Healthspan products or company and this is the only product I have ever bought from them it is excellent.
200IU of vitamin D may prevent a baby from rickets but what use is that to an adult.
Cod Liver Oil is one of the healthiest foods on the planet (unless it has been messed around with by manufacturers) and has stood the test of time it used to be given free by the Government it was so important.

[HappySad]

Just orders the Zipvit cataglue and they sell a whole load of stuff which looks great!!

Do they make the Omega Juice themselves. Just that I can't find anyone else (searched on the web) who sells this. HOw do you know that this company is legitamate! I know Ted.. that yo have recommended them but I have never heard of them and I am scared to order a product & company that I have never heard of.

Sorry to be so picky.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I've been buying my Omega from them for years now and only once had a problem when they ran out for a while but that was sorted in a few days. I don't think many of the vitamin suppliers actually produce their own stuff from scratch. I think they all buy it in from other manufacturers which is why the formulations tend to be very similar.

Boyes was selling a product with an identical formualion to Omega Juice a while ago but I haven't been find anyone else selling it. Because ZIPVIT is a entirely UK based company it will have to meet all the product testing and quality controls our health and safety, trading standards and legal liabilities unlike other companies who operate outside UK strict controls. I've got nothing to gain by recommending them or their products. They don't offer discounts or affiliation fees to anyone, so as you may have noticed, where other companies offer a cheaper product and equally good service I recommend them.

[mae]

I've purchased the zipvit omega juice does it need to kept in the fridge?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Yes If you keep it in the fridge it will stay fresher longer and taste less. Mine only comes out of the fridge for the time it takes to fill a dessertspoon and is then returned straight away so it doesn't warm up at all.

[HappySad]

Thanks you Ted for the information. I will now buy this product for my family and recommend it to all my friends. Cheers for all you help with Omega3 advice and support.

[kit]

Hi Ted

Can you help me in baby steps please???! All this is confusing me (thats not hard tho!).

I have suffered depression on and off for many many years. I am told that I currently have postnatal depression due to having a baby who's 9 months old.... not sure if its meant to be different from normal depression but I can definatly be sure that I have a form of depression. Am currently taking anti-depressants and have been for 4 months now.

Can omega 3 help me? What else can help me? Will I be able to take stuff without causing problems with my medication?

Doctors are pushing for me to stop the tablets but from experience I know that I'm not ready for that but would like to try some other ways to help me.

Thanks
Kit

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Drug Interactions
New! Check your medicines for any Drug Interactions (http://cpref.gsm.com/inter.asp?r=8085).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (http://www.kroger.com/hn/Supp_Drugix/Fish_Oil.htm)
D (Cholecalciferol) (http://www.kroger.com/hn/Supp_Drugix/Vitamin_D.htm)

There is a detailed presentation of how man evolved to need sunshine directly on the skin here (http://www.direct-ms.org/presentations.html) but remember this scientist is living in Canada where they fortify milk with VitaminD we don't fortify milk in the UK.

Information on how omega 3 fatty acids: (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84#summary) affect our health.
and how vitamin D is involved in Depression (http://www.cholecalciferol-council.com/depression.shtml)

I can find the paper which explains how vitamin D is involved in getting omega 3's into the cells, it's to do with ion exchange but too complicated for me to garble here, I can also find another even more complicated paper which explains how comunication between the neurons cells in the brain is managed by special cells which depend mainly on Omega 3 for their structure. The point is that for our brains to work efficiently we need omega 3's and fish oil is the most readily available form, and that can only be absorbed in the presence of vitamin d. We mainly get that from the sun, for free, but in the UK or Canada no one will get any from the sun between September and April and so using a sunbed OR up to 4000iu Vitamin D daily is the best option to maintain health in the Winter.

[HappySad]

Hi Kit

I can recommend this book that really helped me "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380810336/qid=1135093015/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_11_1/202-0712184-1172635

It was recommended to me buy a medical student & it really made a difference for me.
His other books are also good. If you want I can give you a list of other really good books that can make a differnce.

[Teak]

Anic - when I got my Omega Juice, I tried all ways to disguise it on my boys' food. I put it on toast, in jam sandwiches, in yoghurt, on their weetabix, but they always noticed, even a small dose. In the end, I just told my 6yo it was good for him and gave it in a small amount of orange juice. He just drinks it down with no problems.

My 3yo is another problem though. No amount of persuasion will get him to take it, so I'm still giving him Hemp Seed Oil tablets - which he chews up and so tastes the oil :confused:

I however have to take it with OJ. I find 2-3 times the amount of OJ is enough to mask the taste, but a small enough quantity to drink quickly so it's gone.
Might try taking it with OJ or something else. It's not the taste that bothers me (unless it goes off if not kept in the fridge?), but the oily texture makes me gag. Cannot say I'm impressed with ZipVits delivery though. 2 weeks and needed to chase them about it.

[HappySad]

Equazen go on about they being different because their unique ratio of 4 parts EPA & 1 part DHA & this being better than the rest. http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=25 "Why Eye Q is different"

Also the BBC used then twice in the Duraham & "Child of our time" trails. Why would the BBC use them?

Are they better than the rest? Are they right about their ratio? Are they better & is why the BBC used them?

What evidence do you have to support your reply...

Many Thanks

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Will get onto answering the important part of this question later but first I'll point you to Post 11 in this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=1425636#post1425636) which shows you may be able to get Equazan half price. Still not a bargain in my opinion but will tell you why when I've got my evidence sorted.

My first point is that using fish oil supplements is to substitute for the oily fish most people are not eating enough of in their diets. On average we eat one portion of oily fish per person per month. A quarter of a portion a week is pathetic and it's no wonder we are suffering the consequences. However
Mackerel, Atlantic 0.9gEPA 1.4gDHA
Herring, 1.0g EPA 0.7gDHA
Sardine, Atlantic, Canned in Oil 0.5gEPA 0.5g
DHA Salmon, Pink, Canned 0.9gEPA 0.8gDHA
so my first point is that the most natural, unmessed about with ratio of EPA to DHA is not a 4 to 1 ratio found in Equazan.
The ratio found in my preference is 900 EPA to 600 DHA as found in the Zipvit A216j, OJ Omega Juice (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/dosages.cgi) is therefore closer to that in whole oily fish than the Equazen

We know that DHA is involved in brain cell activity that underlies the ability to think, move, and respond to the outside world. When the amount of DHA in the brain is low, the brain may not work the same as if there were a normal amount of DHA. I am not convinced that placing the emphasis on EPA is necessarily a sensible option. This link supports my view that DHA is required for the developing brain in a higher ratio that is generally expected in fact it suggests a DHA supplement in addition to a normal omega 3 supplement.
Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body but they are required for maintenance of optimal health. There are two classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)- omega-6 and omega-3. The parent omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA) is desaturated in the body to form arachidonic acid while parent omega-3 fatty acid alpha- linolenic acid (ALA) is desaturated by microsomal enzyme system through a series of metabolic steps to form eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA). But there is a limited metabolic capability during early life to metabolize PUFAs to more active long-chain fatty acids. There is a critical role of EFAs and their metabolic products for maintenance of structural and functional integrity of central nervous system and retina. Most of the brain growth is completed by 5-6 years of age. At birth brain weight is 70% of an adult, 15% brain growth occurs during infancy and remaining brain growth is completed during preschool years. DHA is the predominant structural fatty acid in the central nervous system and retina and its availability is crucial for brain development. It is recommended that the pregnant and nursing woman should take at least 2.6g of omega-3 fatty acids and 100-300 mg of DHA daily to look after the needs of her fetus and suckling infant. The follow-up studies have shown that infants of mothers supplemented with EFAs and DHA had higher mental processing scores, psychomotor development, eye-hand coordination and stereo acuity at 4 years of age. Intake of EFAs and DHA during preschool years may also have a beneficial role in the prevention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and enhancing learning capability and academic performance. (http://www.ijppediatricsindia.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5456;year=2005;volume=72;issue=3;spage=239;epage=2 42;aulast=Singh)

It is most likely that the initial deficiency originates from the low vitamin d levels in Northern latitudes because pregnant and nursing mothers don't sunbathe in the winter as the sun isn't warm and strong enough for the skin to synthsise vitamin D3 cholecalciferol and vitamin d3 has to be present to enable the ion exchange necessary for DHA to pass through the brain cell walls. It follows that if the developing brain is short of DHA supplementing later with EPA isn't necessarily going to remedy the deficit.

Edit Thinking about this last night it occured to me that as we know that DHA has such an important role in the brain and the body it is silly to filter it out simply to increase the percentage of EPA. If the body doesn't need it then your liver will dispose of it in the usual way. Putting all your eggs in the one EPA basket seems pointless when there is good reason for believing that both EPA and DHA are essential for the structure and operating systems in the brain and therefore for the maintainance and renewal of both.

EDIT: There is a detailed description of how DHA is metabolised in body out of the OMEGA 3 fatty acids. here
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, from the omega-3 group) is also converted through a series of elongations of the fatty acid. After some initial conversions, it is converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); then to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Like arachidonic acid from omega-6 fatty acids, DHA from omega-3 fatty acids makes up about eight per cent of the dry weight of the brain.30 DHA also makes up 60 per cent of the photoreceptors responsible for receiving light photons and sending image messages to the brain.
Although only very small amounts of EPA are found in the brain, it serves a vital purpose in acting as a precursor to the production of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are a group of short-lived hormones that perform a number of
complex functions in the brain, including regulating inflammation and releasing some neurotransmitters. AA and DGLA (from omega-6 fatty acids) and DHA (from omega-3 fatty acids) are also precursors to eicosanoids. (http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/html/content/changing_minds.pdf)

I think you can see that providing EPA will after it is metabolised by the body enable DHA to be produced as required but providing simply DHA would not I think allow EPA to be metabolised. Therefore it may be better, if cost is no option to provide simply EPA and allow the body to decide how much or each is required. However if both are available then this saves time and resources as less work by the liver will be needed. It still seems to me that using the cheapest high strength fish oil concentrate you can find is the best MSE option.

[mae]

Does this Omega oil help dry skin?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Dry Skin Medical Advice (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003250.htm)
As far as omega oil is concerned putting it directly on your skin would have no effect on the dryness but would make you smell distinctly fishy.

If you consumed omega oil supplements then I doubt it will improve dry skin which is fundamentally a sign of more water going out than available inside.
It's probable that drinking a lot more water would be your best first self-treatment.

It's just possible if the dry skin was related to eczema that omega may reduce this but you would have to take it for some time to ensure all the cells in your body were allowed to take up the omega efa's they need.
I think however there is more evidence to support the use of 720 mg GLA for 2 months, using Borage oil in gelatine capsules you could also use Evening Primrose oil as that might also do the same. This is known to decrease transepidermal water loss and Dry skin was claimed to be reduced from 42 to 14%.

[jimmyjim_uk]

Does anyone know what the RDA of Omega 3 for an adult is?

I've been taking cod liver oil (mixed in a glass of orange juice in the morning)from Holland & Barrett most days for about 2 years.

From the bottle:

Cod Liver Oil 9.2g with fish oil concentrate.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids 2750mg
of which EPA and DHA 2300mg

It also contains vitamin A & D.

It gives an RDA for the A & D vitamins but doesn't give an RDA for Omega 3 :confused: Does that mean there isn't one?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

There isn't actually a RDA for omega.
World's Healthiest Foods omega 3 fatty acids: summary (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84#summary) is a research based food information website and they conclude there discussion with the following "Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in 1999 sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This panel of experts recommended that people consume at least 2% of their total daily calories as omega-3 fats. To meet this recommendation, a person consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient omega-3-rich foods to provide at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids."

While I still haven't got round to studying the Vitamin A recommendations although I have been meaning to for some time I have spent a lot of time finding out about Vitamin D and the RDA for that is totally indefensible and simply brings the medical profession into disrepute. I feel a bit like the child in the Emporers New Cloths. There is a well argued summary here http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20041016/bob9.asp but even this understates the case as it's based on the needs of those who live in a country where free vitamin d3 is available every day to people who can be bothered to go outside and sunbathe. In the UK from September to April it's either too cold too cloudy and the sun is too weak because it's at the wrong angle so UVB doesn't penetrate. You can find out when the sun is strong enough here (http://zardoz.nilu.no/%7Eolaeng/fastrt/VitD-ez.html) and a talk here MS/DIRECT (http://www.direct-ms.org/presentations.html) is from one of the World's leading experts who a bit further North than we do who suggests up to 4000iu is a safe daily dose particularly for those who are only going to be taking it from September to April and who will either sunbathe and only take vit d when they are unable to get outside during the day from then on. But as we live 600mls nearer the North pole that he does even this may be insufficient for those who never go outside such as the elderly.
If your dark skinned then you definitely need 4000iu in winter as the darker the skin colour the less vit d3 is made from the sun and it can take 10 times as long as for a pale skinned person.

[kaan_is]

hi Ted
did you receive my pm...

[black-saturn]

So where are the best places to buy online then?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

hi Ted
did you receive my pm...Yes Sorry I prepared an answer earlier and lost it somehow. Will try and reconstruct it again later today but it will be much later.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

So where are the best places to buy online then?ZIPVIT (http://www.zipvit.com)
It's actually better if you use Zipvit A216j, OJ Omega Juice, (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/dosages.cgi) as this provides more EPA and DHA per penny than the capsules.
However if it's capsules you want then BEST BUY IS
S400 SIMPLY SUPPPLEMENTS Omega 3 Fish Oil - 360 Capsules 1000mg £9.99 (http://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/SS%20Shop/Publish/vIndex.htm?cat13.htm)

ZIPVIT Omega 3 Fish Oils - 1000mg
Armour for the heart. Rich in fatty acids needed to keep blood triglycerides in check and help prevent heart disease, containing 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA. RRP £19.95 NOW - £11.95/360 (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart.cgi?cstart#A39a)

Healthydirect using EP781 CODE Omega 3 Fish Oil 1,000mg 180 Soft Gel Capsules REF: 023403 £15.95 £29.90 £2.00 discount https://www.healthydirect.co.uk/public/images/buttons/remove.gif (https://www.healthydirect.co.uk/HDSite/pages/basket/basket.asp?function=/core_functions/deletebasketitemfunction&user_id=%7B3BF6074B-B66E-4EBE-92E6-C15BA168B4A1%7D&orderform=&serial=06012553799717789&po_index=0&prod=0234&variantid=023403) https://www.healthydirect.co.uk/public/images/spacer.gif update (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:validateBasketForm%28document.forms%5B%27frmU pdateBasket%27%5D%29) £29.90
Going via Quidco may give a 21% cashback but still more than Zipvit.

[black-saturn]

I've found some cheap deals of this on ebay.

[black-saturn]

Poundland have started selling Omega 3 capsules. For £1 you get 40 capsules which are 500mg each. They recommend you take 1 - 6 per day. Dont know if I'd take 6 though :eek:

[Ted_Hutchinson]

S400 (http://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/SS%20Shop/Publish/vIndex.htm?cat13.htm) SIMPLY SUPPPLEMENTS Omega 3 Fish Oil - 360 Capsules 1000mg £9.99 (http://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/SS%20Shop/Publish/vIndex.htm?cat13.htm)
There are 9 packets of 40 in one pack of 360 so the Simply Supplements cost £1.11 for 40 However these are 1000mg and not 500mg so they have twice as much oil in them.

If you had been paying attention to my previous posts you would know that ideally 3 or 4gram of OMEGA 3 is an ideal amount daily. However we may assume that some of the food you eat is healthy and may contain some so if you just aimed for 1.5g of omega you could get that from 1 teaspoon of Zipvit Omega Juice.

If you prefer the capsule route you need to know that FISH OIL is not all OMEGA 3 FATTY ACID. In fact each 1000mg fish oil capusule usually only contain 1.2mg epa + .8mg dha=0.3mg of Omega. So to get 1.5mg of omega 3 you need at least 5 capsules if they are the 1000mg size or 10 of the capsules from Poundland.

It is because it is cheaper and easier to take one tsp of Zipvit Omega Juice that I keep plugging it as this contains. 900mg of epa and 600mg of dha =1.5g Omega. For £5.95 you get 360ml so one bottle lasts one person 72 days and cost you about 8p a day.
If your 40 capsules cost £1 and they only provide the equivalent of 4 days worth of omega 3 then they cost 25p for the same amount of omega3.
(http://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/SS%20Shop/Publish/vIndex.htm?cat13.htm)

[black-saturn]

I have been paying attention sir I just put that info up for anyone who can't buy online. I couldnt buy online until a month ago as I didnt have a debit card, so info saying I could buy it in Poundland would have been very useful.

Also those 1000mg tablets tend to be too big for my 8 year old to swallow. Giving her 2 500mg capsules is a much better option. Those 1000mg ones look like they should be shoved up a horses :eek:

But thanks anyway.

[kaan_is]

hello Ted...did you manage to reconstruct the answer?

[kaan_is]

thanks Ted...all the best.

[ysoskint]

From what age would you give children these vitamins from please?
My children are 2 & 4. Thanks

[black-saturn]

You can start giving them when they are about 2 but you would probably have to buy the liquid form of it rather than the capsules.

They are selling Omega 3 capsules in Poundland now and they are 500mg each so 2 a day would be the right dosage.

[HappySad]

Free sample (I believe it is one month supply) of EyeQ smooth. Great for children or adults!!! It has a fruity taste (that's what they say)

http://www.equazen.com/Questions.aspx?pid=43&quesid=9


"Buy one get one free! click here (the link following on) entering the discount code NMSmooth in the basket section" http://www.equazen.com/product.aspx?prod=9&pid=47&prodgroup=14&tpid=8

This offer is for http://www.netmums.com members.

[bunken]

I would like to purchase fish oil supplements for my nieces, 3 yrs old and 6 yrs old. Could someone recommend capsule/liquid I could buy at Boots?

I was on my way to buy the Haliborange twisty fish capsules till I found this thread.

I need to buy in store as I don't have time for the shipping.

Can you only get the Omega juice from zipvit online?

Thanks in advance :o

[Ted_Hutchinson]

You can only buyZipvit Omega Juice online If you phone them 08000282875 and tell them you must have it by return I'm sure they will oblige.
However if you are buying from the high street you need to look at the label for the OMEGA 3 contents and add together the EPA and DHA figures and try to work out the cost per gram of OMEGA 3.
There is a version of liquid orange flavoured omega3 that was being sold a Boyes which had the same omega content as OMEGA JUICE and at a similar price but our local Boyes doesn't stock it any more but we do have a small branch locally.
I should point out Omega Juice is a bit of an acquired taste and some people aren't prepared to take the time to acquire a taste for it. So maybe only start with one bottle.

[black-saturn]

I dont know if this is the right board or not but feel free to move it if it needs to be.

I have been giving my children Omega 3 fish oil for 3 years and have seen no end of amazing benefits to it. Their teachers can't believe the improvement in their school work. Would it be possible to also give the original (no flavourings or colourings added) capsules to my dog?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Fish oil for dogs (http://www.doggiesparadise.com/fattyacids.shtml) There are 109 papers listed at pubmed concerning the effects of fish oil supplementation for dogs so for some conditions it will be worth trying. I'm not sure of the effects on their behaviour as I've not looked at the brain structure of dogs. It's as much as I can do to keep up with the new human Vit d/ omega 3 research.

Certaily won't do any harm and will be useful to others if you give it a try and post your observations back here if you find skin/hair condition, joint mobility and behaviour are changed for the better.

[shokadelika]

Just give them a couple of tins of cheap sardines or salmon a week.

[LoonyChoons]

I dont know if this is the right board or not but feel free to move it if it needs to be.

I have been giving my children Omega 3 fish oil for 3 years and have seen no end of amazing benefits to it. Their teachers can't believe the improvement in their school work. Would it be possible to also give the original (no flavourings or colourings added) capsules to my dog?

are you planning on asking the dog to do your tax return? :beer:

[pumpa]

bit off topic but where can i get childrens omega 3 withOUT omega 6 and vegan? thanks

[black-saturn]

bit off topic but where can i get childrens omega 3 withOUT omega 6 and vegan? thanks
You can buy them in Boots in syrup form.

[pumpa]

thanks is it vegan tho?

[black-saturn]

Sorry I have no idea. In that case you should try going to a health food shop or asking in Boots as I'm not sure about the Poundland ones.

[HappySad]

"Its unique feature is a ratio of about 4 parts EPA to 1 part DHA: the highest ratio possible in a natural fish oil."(1)

This ratio is the highest available naturally and is most effective for brain function. It is taken from the body of the fish animal and not from the liver or other organs like other products.

Durham Trial did a lot of investigation before choosing the best product on the market that provided the best natural EPA to DHA ratio and was used from the body of the animal."I was important that for a trial involving children that we used

the best on the market" (2). "All future trials on Omega3 have always used EyeQ products because of their purity & high

natural occuring EPA:DHA ratio" (3)

Child of Our Time also used EyeQ product on the children when they were 3years old. (4)

Other Omega3 products don't have this vital ratio EHA to DHA and may have a high level of EHA & DHA; but only have the raio of 3:2.



References
==========
(1) http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=25

(2) & (3) I called a member of the Durham Fatty Acid Trial - http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=120
Durham trial tested 120 children.
(4) http://www.durhamtrial.org/default.aspx?pid=218

[Ted_Hutchinson]

If money is no object then paying the extra for high EPA is a valid choice for those who have more money than sense.
I personally do not know of any reason why the ratio provided in the Eye Q product is more "narural" than that provided by Zipvit.
The ratio that really matters is the ratio between omega3 and omega 6 and cutting down on the omega 6 is as important as boosting the omega 3 level. If you are feeding your kids anything with transfats in then you may as well stop wasting your money on health foods and simply start a funeral plan for them.
I know, from the benifits to my grandchildren that the Omega Juice works wonders, and I doubt very much if the more expensive alternative would be money well spent. I would prefer the total daily amount of omega to be increased by generous use of a cheaper product than people being put off using sufficient Omega3 to be effective by suggesting the higher price product is superior in any way.
Edit: The average 125g tin of sardines contains 90g drained weight of sardine which will contain just over 2g omega oil. So eating half a tin of sardines in tomato sauce each day will provide a gram of omega 3 in it's most natural form. I can't remember offhand how much my lidl's sardines in tomato are but I think around 23p so that works out at approx 12p daily for 1g omega.
I doubt eyeq are as cheap as that per daily 1g omega so still feel the cheaper most natural source is the best bet.

[clylbw]

Just wonder whether anyone else is also taking the Efalex Omega-3 & Omega-6 capsules.

I started having them just over 1 week ago and it seems to help me stay focused at my high-pressure job. However, I now need more sleep and have to go to bed earlier. Is such a reaction normal?

Finally, is there anyone who has taken such Omega-3 and/or Omega-6 capsules for some time? May I ask what you think of them? Many thanks.

[HappySad]

Thanks Ted for your responce.

This sounds good what you are saying. That it would work out cheaper to eat 1/2 a tin of canned fish daily to get 1g of Omega3 in its natural form. Don't you have to limit your fish intake because of pollutant? Or is that just for Tuna?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Food standards agency (http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/)
Half a tin of sardines provides only 45g oily fish daily.
It is unlikely that this amount of sardines would seriously conflict with the FSA advice, but relying mainly on sardines isn't necessary, the Zipvit Omega Juice is a suitable alternative. My concern is that the unwarrented emphasis on the ultra-purity of some products may lead people to consider that other products are inferior. The sales of bottled water show how gullible people are.
Your brain/body will work better if properly supplied with vitamin d3 and omega3. Ensuring you get plenty of both is far more important than worrying about the effects of over consumption of either.
In a population where the majority of people are deficient in both cholecalciferol and omega 3 worrying about the toxicity of either is similar to a person dying of thirst in a barren desert worrying about drowning.
So get out into the sunshine around lunchtime today and expose as much of your skin as is prudent for at least 20minutes and stop worrying about the possible adverse effects of too much fish.
Currently the AVERAGE person eats one portion of fish every 3-4weeks. They have such a way to go before there is any threat to their health that it simply isn't realistic to become overly concerned.

[Ickle_Steve]

Does anybody know what happens when someone stops taking these fish oils after a long period of taking them?
Does the body get so used to absorbing omega 3 that it reacts badly when it no longer gets it?

[black-saturn]

Good question, I'd like to know the answer to that.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Sudden decreases in omega levels are thought to precipitate depressive episodes. So it would be best to move to eating sardines more regularly as you stop the capsules.

These results suggest that incorporating fish into the diets of nursing mother during lactation, in the form of 100 g of sardines two or three times a week, contributes to an increase in omega-3 series fatty acids. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16532150&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum)

The FSA recommendations are that we eat 2-4 portions (140g) oily fish a week. Currently the average is one portions every 3-4 weeks depending on which source you quote. It is fair to assume that MOST people in the UK are omega deficient.

If your bank account is overdrawn and you stop paying into it your financial situation gets very much worse very quickly. Much the same happens with your omega status.

Thinking about not taking any more omega and/or not eating oily fish is about as sensible as thinking about giving up drinking water while walking across a desert.

This is a far more sensible question.
How can I get more omega 3 fatty acids in my daily meals?: (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=75#answer)

Edit: The research I was thinking about that showed depressive incidents following periods of cloudy/overcast weather would only be indirectly related to omega 3 as the vitamin d3 levels would be immediately affected by overcast skies this would lead to a decline in DHA in the brain and consequent depressive episodes of violence/abuse. On the whole most people need more not less omega 3 and also the presence of MORE vitamin d3 to enable it to move through your cell walls.
In humans, the seasonal variation in poly-unsaturated fatty acids is related to the seasonal variation in violent suicide and serotonergic markers of violent suicide. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15172679&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_docsum)

[pumpa]

vegetarians note-in morissons they are doing 30 capsules of omega 3+vits+minerals+iron for £1.49. i got some yesterday, really pleased to find the omega 3 without gelatine/omega 6.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

vegetarians note-in morissons they are doing 30 capsules of omega 3+vits+minerals+iron for £1.49. i got some yesterday, really pleased to find the omega 3 without gelatine/omega 6.Vegetarian sources of omega are not the best (http://www.mercola.com/2002/apr/3/evolution.htm)

[aliasojo]

Does anybody know what happens when someone stops taking these fish oils after a long period of taking them?
Does the body get so used to absorbing omega 3 that it reacts badly when it no longer gets it?

My 6 year old has been taking EyeQ capsules for a little over a year now.

(Ted I appreciate your opinion with regard to your preference but these capsules suited my daughter better than the Zipvit which was also tried. So, it's not that I have more money than sense. ;) Genuine jokey remark - no dig meant. :) )

Anyway, due to a serious bout of sickness followed by a really bad cold, she had not been taking her usual dose for a 3 week period.

As soon as she returned to school, her teacher called me in and asked how she was at home as she had no concentration in class and had to have an auxilliary beside her to coax her on, otherwise she would get distracted or start dreaming etc.

At home, she was a pain in the proverbial and was irritating to say the least. She also had little appetite, although this could be equally attributed to being off colour for so long.

I started her back on the capsules but I was uncertain whether she could restart on the maintenance dose that suited her, or whether she should restart on the high dose until the levels built up in her system again.

I telephoned Equazen (the manufacturers) and was told that after stopping intake of these oils, the high levels of EPA/DHA will diminish at a different rate for different people and there's no way to tell without testing. They reckoned there should be no ill effects but that whatever reason you started taking the oils for in the first place will likely return (how quickly depending on how fast or otherwise your body used up it's reserves of omega.)

I noticed no ill effects with my daughter other than the almost immediate re-ocurrance of the very problems we were trying to counteract in the first place.

Also as soon as she started taking her capsules again, her appetite increased greatly and she is eating well and sleeping better. Again, perhaps a coincidence, but I do seem to remember this happening when she first started taking them last year too. As she is very petite, and there's nothing of her.....I'm very happy this is the case.

I do agree this is expensive however. I deliberately don't want to count up how much I have spent on these capsules over a period of a year. I now treat them as a necessity and budget accordingly. I also bulk buy whenever I find them on offer or I can use Boots codes etc to bring down the cost.

[finc]

I should point out Omega Juice is a bit of an acquired taste and some people aren't prepared to take the time to acquire a taste for it. So maybe only start with one bottle.
I followed your advice and bought the Zipvit Juice. I have to say that calling it zesty orange flavour is the biggest white lie ever! It tastes revolting :eek:.

We have to have a drink at the ready to gulp back after taking it to try to disguise the taste. I've managed to get my 7 year old to take it regularly but still can't convince my hubby. I haven't even tried with my 2 year old (not sure it's safe for him anyway.

Has anyone found a good way to make it a bit more palletable? (sp?)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I followed your advice and bought the Zipvit Juice. I have to say that calling it zesty orange flavour is the biggest white lie ever! It tastes revolting :eek:.

We have to have a drink at the ready to gulp back after taking it to try to disguise the taste. I've managed to get my 7 year old to take it regularly but still can't convince my hubby. I haven't even tried with my 2 year old (not sure it's safe for him anyway.

Has anyone found a good way to make it a bit more palletable? (sp?)I find keeping it in the fridge once opened is important in keeping it fresh. I take it out of the fridge, take my desertspoonful and replace it straight away so the bottle never gets to room temperature after it's been opened. (this stops it going rancid) If you persist in taking it then it does become less unpaletable, I still can't say I like it, but I don't find it as repulsive as some readers seem to. Most new flavours are acquired tastes and familiarisation is important for all of them.
With regards the 2yr old Zipvit state that it is not intended for those under 3yrs old.
As it is very important that developing brains get adequate EPA+DHA where there is a choice between no oily fish or Omega Juice a half a teaspoon of OJ, the latter would be better than no omega at all. It meets all UK/Euro safety standards so is unlikely to cause any problems.

However as I have said before Sardines in Tomato sauce contain 2.3g of omega 3 per 125g tin so a third of a tin (30pish/3=10p) of sardines will provide as much OMEGA 3 as contained in 3 EyeQ tablets (60p) and/or half a teaspoon of Zipvit OJ. (2p)

It's your money your spending not mine. http://img.moneysavingexpert.com/icons/icon12.gif

PS: The sardine option also contains vitamin d. Vitamin D enhances the absorbtion of dha through the brain cell walls. Until you/your children can play outdoors (exposing as much skin as possible) supplementing with vitamin d as well as Omega3 will make the latter more effective and you will see increased mood enhancement and muscle tone.

[finc]

We've been taking it for about 3 months now and sort of now take a deep breath, swallow then gulp some orange juice straight after. Don't think we'll ever get used to the taste but will carry on anyway. I have to as I've got 2 more bottles of it to get through! We do keep it in the fridge and this has helped a bit.

My daughter didn't like the EyeQ ones either so she may as well take the Omega Juice.

[skyrocket]

Where are the cheapest correct-dosage Omega 3 and 6 capsules please?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Depends on what you mean by Correct dosage.
This article suggests
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that healthy adults consume at least 2 servings of fish weekly, particularly those that contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The AHA further recommends that individuals with known CVD consume approximately 1 g/day of EPA and DHA and that individuals with elevated TG levels may benefit from 2 to 4 g of EPA and DHA daily, since this dose usually results in TG reduction [AHA, Kris-Etherton 2003]. Note, however, that the FDA does not recommend a dose over 3 g/day of EPA and DHA from food and dietary supplements (http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/4617_index)
So if you are using it to reduce the chances of cardio vascular disease you need at least 1g of EPA+DHA. which is the equivalent of 3 or more Omega fish oil capsules.
If you were thinking about depression or improving a mental health condition again 1.5-3g would be effective. Not many people want to take 10 capsules daily so the alternative such as Zipvit Omega Juice a daily dosage of Omega 3 in a palatable 5ml teaspoon liquid, more convenient than taking 4 capsules per day, particularly useful for children. DHA content is 600mg and the EPA is 900mg per 5ml dosage. - 360ml 5.95 (http://www.zipvit.com/) This is what I take. Except I take 2tsps for mood stabilisation.
Zipvits capsules are

A216a (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart.cgi?return&cartnumber=13849cs&currency=PoundsSterling#A216a) Omega 3, 6 and 9 - 1000mg - 360 (size H) 16.95
A39a Omega 3 Fish Oils 1000mg - 360 (size H)11.95

I personally would go for the cheaper ones which omit the omega 6&9 which I think you get too much of anyway in a normal diet.
Simply Supplements (http://www.simplysupplements.net/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=132&osCsid=7b7fc61674387a8a9e4919d148bc4406) do a similar EPA) 164mg (DHA) 110mg360 £9.99
I think the Zipvit ones are slightly stronger bringing the total EPA+DHA to 0.3 g rather than SS's 0.27g but bearing in mind postage costs and possible discounts depending on how much you are spending in total, Zipvit have £2 off £30 SS offer order over £20, £2 discount.

[skyrocket]

Thanks Ted.
It's for my son who has Dyspraxia/Dyslexia. He is also allergic to colourings, preservatives and aspartame/saccharrines. If you don't mind looking, could you tell me the ingredients of the Zipvit omega juice as that sounds great. So you don't reckon it's worth giving hime omega 6? Worth knowing.
Thankyou
Sky

[black-saturn]

There are no colourings, flavourings or preservatives in Haliborange which is what I give my youngest daughter. The older daughter has 2 Omega 3 fish oil tablets per day amounting to 1000mg (which is the correct daily dosage). I bought them from Poundland where you can buy 50 capsules for £1.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Thanks Ted.
It's for my son who has Dyspraxia/Dyslexia. He is also allergic to colourings, preservatives and aspartame/saccharrines. If you don't mind looking, could you tell me the ingredients of the Zipvit omega juice as that sounds great.
So you don't reckon it's worth giving hime omega 6? Sky No point there's too much omega 6 in the diet anyway.
Zipvit contains
Omega 3 fish oil EPA 900mg DHA600mg=1.5g omega 3 it does contain Flavouring which is orange cordial. I've just phoned ZIPVIT who are contacting their manufacturers on your behalf to find out if it does contain the items you feel he is allergic to.

Haliborange capsules contain Capsule shell (glycerol, gelling agent: gelatin, modified starch, colours: (iron oxide, titanium dioxide), acidity regulator: citric acid, sweetener: sodium saccharin, flavour: orange). Fish oil, sweeteners (mannitol, aspartame), hydrogenated vegetable oil, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), flavour: orange, emulsifier: lecithin, vitamin E (dl alpha tocopheryl acetate), vitamin A prep., vitamin D prep.
but you must be aware that as far as the omega is concerned 2 capsules

Providing Omega-3 Nutrients 260mg DHA 200mg EPA 28mg


Naturally fish oil contains twice as much EPA to DHA and this is the best ratio to take as while the body can metabolise EPA into DHA if it needs more it cannot change DHA to EPA so it is more sense to have a higher amount of EPA available. The Durham Schools Trial (http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=120) which discovered the improvement which omega 3 could make to dispraxia indicated that one needs at least 500-mg of EPA per day.

YOU MUST NOT GET 500mg EPA from haliborange capsules as to take sufficient haliborange to reach 500mg EPA would mean seriously overdosing on Vitamin A as 2 caps contain 800µg.

I'll edit this post later when Zipvit get back with the response from the cordial makers.

Edit: I have just heard back from ZIPVIT who have provided me with a categorical assurance that their manufacturers do no use colouring, preservatives, saccharin or aspartame. They are aware that I am posting this to the Internet and I am confident they would not want their product misrepresented in any way.

Further Edit. I have now discovered that Zipvit are now selling childrens chewable omega 3. Total waste of money as they only contain 13.75mg EPA +80DHA=93.75 omega 3 as those who have read previous posts before 500mg of EPA is an effective amount. One single sardine from a 18p netto's sardines in tomato sauce tin will provide an effective amount but these, because of GOVERNMENT policy are restricted to pathetic ineffective totally pointless amounts.

[Mumstheword]

The title says it all really

Following Ted's advice, on almost every problem!! (thanks Ted), I've tried out the omega 3 juice from zipvit and also tried capsules.

The juice is really disgusting! And the kids cant swallow the capsules.

Has anyone found any omega 3 products which are easy for kids to take, but also reasonable strength, like the juice, and not too dear?

If it comes to it, I'll have to try to encourage the kids to eat jammy toast with a layer of omega juice on it first, but wondered if any of you had come across anything else? (only one of mine likes toast n jam!!)

Thanks!

[black-saturn]

Try Haliborange (3 for 2 in Boots at the moment). My kids have been taking it for years and they love the taste.

[macymoo]

My 4yr old has "Bassett's" Soft & chewy Omega-3 with Vitamins A,C,D & E orange & lemon flavor for age 3+, she loves them, get them in Sainsburys when doing shopping.

[Mumstheword]

Thanks both,

Have you got packets nearby? Any idea of the levels DHA & EPA in each?

Just another question...what cost are they? If you can remember!! Thanks

[loopylass]

Try Haliborange (3 for 2 in Boots at the moment). My kids have been taking it for years and they love the taste.

Yes i get my children these and i buy the big pot which is £8.99 for 90 tablets (orange ones)so i stock up when its 3 for 2 and my children love them
As one of my children are fussy i tried it and it tastes like fresh orange juice

[chaliepud]

Hi

My kids liked the Eskimo Oil, the bubble gum flavour, can't remember where I got it from, try googling it, it wasn't that cheap either but the EPA levels etc were good too.

HTH

Hayley

[loopylass]

Haliborange omega 3 fish oil
children over 3 take 2 tablets daily

nutrition information
average values, per 2 capsules, %RDA
fish oil 400mg .
providing omega 3
Nutrients 260mg .

of which DHA 200mg
of which EPA 28mg
vitamin A 800mg 100
vitamin D 5mg 100
vitamin E 3mg 30
vitamin C 60mg 100

The first number is per 2 capsules and those that have a second number is % RDA (recommended daily allowance)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Don't forget that one sardine out of a tin of Sardines and Tomato sauce will contain approx 420mg EPA +280mg DHA=700mg of omega 3
Having higher EPA to DHA is preferable as both are needed in the brain and EPA can be metabolised to DHA but not vis versa. So if there are 3 sardines in the 18p Netto's tin each 6p sardine contains the equivalent of £1.05 worth of haliborange omega 3 for kids.

If you are paying £7.99 for 30 capsules at 3 for 2=£15.98 for 90 =35p daily
for 2 haliborage @ EPA 28mg+DHA 200mg=260mg Omega 3

Quite how Haliborange have the nerve to charge so much when the raw ingredients are so cheap outstands me but in my view having one sardine on each of 4 days a week seems a much healthier and cheaper option.
The vits and calcium would also be in the sardine. Remember a portion = 140g so these 4 netto's sardines would still only make one of your FSA Oily fish allowance (http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2004/jun/fishportionslifestagechart) portions.

The standard small 125g tins of sardines in tomato sauce contain about 80g of drained weight sardine and I'm working from my last tin which had 3 sardines in it. The whole tin should have just over 2g omega3.
PS You must not increase the number of Haliborange capsules to try to match the nutritional value of one Netto's sardine as you would be increasing the amount of vitamin A too much. Don't worry about the vitamin d amount that RDA is absurd your children actually need 2000iu daily rather than 200iu and they will get that by playing outdoors in the sunshine for 10 minutes. 20 mins outdoors nude on a sunny day would provide 10,000iu so you can see what a trivial amount the stupid official RDA represents.

[Mumstheword]

Thank you


Ted, could you remind me of the epa and dha values of a teaspoon of omega juice??


Your calculations were out a bit, I think the figure quoted was 8.99 for a pot of 90, on a buy 2 get 3rd feww, so it's 270 for £9 = 135 days supply = almost 7p per day (or 21p with 3 kids, lol)

But of more onterest to me, is whether the haliborange epa and dha are worthwhile? Or are the amounts too small to be of significance?


thanks again for everyones help!

[Chell]

One of the 'Pure' marg range contains added Omega 3 & 6 oils but I'm not sure what quantity. I think its the Sunflower marg, the yellow pack.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Ted, could you remind me of the epa and dha values of a teaspoon of omega juice??900EPA+600DHA=1.5g omega 3 in 5ml
Taking half a teaspoon of OJ would provide an equivalent amount to that used here information on the Durham Trials for Omega-3 and children with learning difficulties (http://www.durhamtrial.org/)
Your calculations were out a bit, I think the figure quoted was 8.99 for a pot of 90, on a buy 2 get 3rd feww, so it's 270 for £9 = 135 days supply = almost 7p per day (or 21p with 3 kids, lol)Sorry I went to the Boots online website and used information from there.
But of more onterest to me, is whether the haliborange epa and dha are worthwhile? Or are the amounts too small to be of significance?ANY will be better than none as every little counts. But there is a big difference between 228mg and 750mg which is what you would get in half a tsp of OJ.
Would you think it sensible to take just one sardine from a tin of sardines in tomato sauce/or brine and share that between your 3 kids? They would certainly get more omega 3 that way than the Haliboragen tabs, but not a very tasty sandwich.

[Mumstheword]

Would you think it sensible to take just one sardine from a tin of sardines in tomato sauce/or brine and share that between your 3 kids? They would certainly get more omega 3 that way than the Haliboragen tabs, but not a very tasty sandwich.

The taste is the problem really. I'm aiming to get a 10yr old, 5yr old and 3yr old to happily take this every day. They would get used to sardines eventually, but maybe the juice hidden under some jam on a piece of toast is my best bet.

Thanks everyone.

[shokadelika]

The taste is the problem really. I'm aiming to get a 10yr old, 5yr old and 3yr old to happily take this every day. They would get used to sardines eventually, but maybe the juice hidden under some jam on a piece of toast is my best bet.

Thanks everyone.
Try Healthspan St Clements cod liver oil it tastes orangey lemony you have a money back guarentee if they dont like it I promise you we and freinds/family are taking it it tastes nothing like the Zipvit Omega Juice or Cod Liver oil.Anyway both are easy to hide in youghurt,ice cream,salad dressing,custard,soup,beans,milk!!!!
http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=CODL
plus you are getting valuable vitamins A+D and Omega 3 and these are natural in the oil not synthetic as in Seven Seas and most other products.
Dose children 1-4 2.5ml aged 5 and over 5ml these amounts are tiny and you should have no problem hiding the dose. you would be getting DHA 460mg EPA 345mg in each 5ml dose.

[Mumstheword]

shokadelika - I've ordered a bottle of that to try.

It's not got the concentration of the zipvit one, but it's more dha and getting towards the level of epa as used in the tests mentioned by ted.

I think what i mean is.... if the kids accept the taste, it's a heck of a lot better than the level they are currently getting!! lol

Thanks everyone

[pink_phantom]

My 4yr old has "Bassett's" Soft & chewy Omega-3 with Vitamins A,C,D & E orange & lemon flavor for age 3+, she loves them, get them in Sainsburys when doing shopping.
I would stick to the liquid childrens omega 3 such as halibo orange or boots strawberry omega 3 liquid because the capsules, jellies and bursts all have artificial sweeteners in which are very bad.

[shokadelika]

I would stick to the liquid childrens omega 3 such as halibo orange or boots strawberry omega 3 liquid because the capsules, jellies and bursts all have artificial sweeteners in which are very bad.


Dont forget though that you need sufficient Vitamin d in your body to be able to use the Omega 3 The Healthspan Cod Liver Oil (old tried and tested products tend to be the best including as Ted says Sardines) has Vitamin D and A and the Omega's in a perfectly balanced ratio.It does not taste fishy at all I promise you!.

[pink_phantom]

Very good point. Vitamin D can also be found in eggs and don't forget, lots of sunshine:T

[Mumstheword]

We've started using the st clements one. DS1(10) doesnt like the taste, but was warned to smile and say 'mmmmm' in front of the little ones!! He will take it because he's told to! But then DS2 and DS3 actually like it!!

Have to say it isnt that nice, but not as nasty as the zipvit one, so thats a big help.

And thanks for the advice by pm that it needs to be kept in the fridge once opened!

Mumxx

[Anastasia]

I use Flora margarine for spreading and baking and roasting. It has omega 6 and omega 3. A lot of people don't realise this. Per 100g: Omega 3 = 3.5g; Omega 6 = 26g.

I like the fact that my children are getting a daily intake even though I can't quantify it. I make sure I bake plenty for them. Had no luck with the tablets.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I use Flora margarine for spreading and baking and roasting. It has omega 6 and omega 3. A lot of people don't realise this. Per 100g: Omega 3 = 3.5g; Omega 6 = 26g.

I like the fact that my children are getting a daily intake even though I can't quantify it. I make sure I bake plenty for them. Had no luck with the tablets.While it is true that every little helps the idea of using omega 3 in a spread for baking and roasting may be counterproductive as it may encourage the idea that consuming these particular fatty foods is healthy.

You need to understand that the importance of increasing the Omega 3 element is to try to improve the RATIO of omega 3 in relation to Omega 6.

You will see that the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 remains in Flora at 7:1
This research (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12442909&dopt=Citation) shows that to achieve the benefits of omega 3 you should be aiming for a much lower ratio of omega 6.

I appreciate that Flora is better as in the average Western diets the ratio is 15/1-16.7/1 but I really don't want people thinking that if they use Flora with omega 3 it is beneficial, it is simply LESS BAD.

If you replaced some of the spread with ground linseed (http://www.flaxusa.com/recipes.php) this would be far more beneficial.

[Hegarts]

Don't forget that organic milk naturally contains a lot more vitamins and omega's than ordinary milk so just by switching to that, you will be getting a lot more goodness into your kids

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Don't forget that organic milk naturally contains a lot more vitamins and omega's than ordinary milk so just by switching to that, you will be getting a lot more goodness into your kidsI think perhaps you should edit out the word "lot"
I'm sure you will remember the the St Ivel advertising for Clever Milk had to be pulled because it was misrepresenting the facts.

The reasearch into the benefits of omega 3 showing improvements in concentration and behaviour used a minimum of 550mg of omega.

As you can see from the actual contents listed below this would have been more milk than the average child could reasonably be expected to drink each day.

St Ivel advance semi-skimmed and whole milk containing Omega 3 in an emulsion format (dispersible in milk) delivering EPA and DHA content of 113mg / 250 ml whole milk and 63 mg / 250 ml semi-skimmed milk

Drinking half a pint a day of organic milk could provide approximately 10% of the UK’s Daily Reference Value3 of essential n-3 fatty acid. That amount is 450mg so a half pint of organic milk contains around 45mg a lot less than the "clever milk" and while a "lot" more than nothing it could be counterproductive to overstate the importance of such a small additional amount as some parents could think that by using organic milk they were fully satisfying their childs need for omega 3.

Bear in mind an 18p tin of sardines in tomato sauce from Nettos contains 2g of omega 3's.
1pint of organic milk = 90mg omega
so 10pts =900mg
22pts of organic milk and you've nearly matched the omega 3 content of a small 18p tin of sardines.

[Js_Other_Half]

Hi

I've gone through this thread and confused myself...lol.

Basically I'm 24 weeks pregnant, and wish to start taking omega 3 supplements. I already take pregnacare, so I don't really want any more vitamins and minerals in whatever product I choose to take.

I have looked at the MumOmega, but want to know if anyone else has other recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

[Saverjoy]

After looking around on different websites which seemed exspensive,I found that 'savers' on the high street, do (valupak) omega 3 fish oil 1000mg 90 capsules for under £4.00 also childrens one a day capsules (30) including vitamins under £2.00...these seem to be the best value for money that I have found for capsules so far....unless anyone knows different!

[kaya]

I havent seen hempseed mentioned anywhere, i buy the seeds from supermarkets, very cheap, tasty nutty flavour in salads, breads etc, heres some info copied from a random site:

Why Choose Hemp Food Products for Health?
Hemp oil is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) - Omega 6 linoleic , Omega 3 alpha linolenic and Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA) that are important for optimum health in the body. EFAs cannot be produced by the body itself and are vital for the structure and functions of tissues in the body.
Essential fatty acids can also be obtained from eating hemp seeds, which are also a rich source (approx. 25%) of high quality protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids.
Omega 3, 6 and GLA in hemp oil are present in a biochemically optimal ratio of 2.5:1 respectively. It is the presence of these fatty acids in this particular ratio that helps improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Hemp oil may also benefit other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Hemp oil also contains GLA, the active component in Evening Primrose Oil, which may be successful in the treatment of eczema, PMT, menopause and arthritis.
Regular adult users report that their skin becomes softer, nails and hair stronger and thicker after only a few weeks of 1-2 tablespoons per day.
How much hemp oil do I need to take to gain health benefits?
Suggested dosages as follows:
Adults: 1 to 2 tablespoons a day preferably with food.
Babies under 14 months: 1 - 2 teaspoons a day with food
Small children over 14 months should take 2 - 4 teaspoons a day.
The skin will become soft, smooth and velvety when optimum benefit is reached.
Should hemp seed oil be used for frying? No. Hemp seed oil should not be used for frying. It can be heated at low temperatures of not more than 150C for no more than 15 mins. Gentle stir frying is preferable. At high temperatures unhealthy by-products acids are formed known as trans-fatty acids.
Can hemp products help with my allergies? Hemp foods have been used for centuries to benefit medical conditions ranging from skin disorders to cardiovascular disease. As hemp is lactose and gluten-free MotherHemp products will be of particular interest to anyone on a lactose-free, dairy-free, vegan, low-sugar, low fat, and wheat-free diets. MotherHemp advises that anyone suffering from allergies or disease of any kind would benefit from consulting a state registered dietician, qualified nutritionist with Bsc. degree or a registered naturopath.
What are the benefits of hemp seed oil over flax oil? The (3:1) ratio of the Essential Fatty Acids, three parts linoleic acid (Omega 6) to one part alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) in hemp seed oil is favorable for the human diet because it matches the nutritional requirements of our bodies. Too much of one will cause a deficiency of the other. Flax oil, despite its higher Omega 3 content, has a less favorable ratio (1:5). Long-term exclusive use of flax oil can lead to a deficiency of Omega 6, producing symptoms like dry skin, papery skin and joint pain.Unlike hemp oil, flax oil does not contain Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a derivative of Omega 6, and an important triple- unsaturated fatty acid vital for human metabolism. Hemp Oil may be successful in the treatment of eczema, pre-menstrual tension and arthritis.
What does it taste like? Hemp oil looks similar to a dark olive oil and has a pleasant mild nutty taste
What about nut allergies? Hemp seed is a fruit and not a nut. The anaphylaxis society has no reported cases of hemp seed or hemp seed oil causing reactions to people with nut allergies. It is important to note that traces of peanut and other nuts may occur in the manufacturing process and therefore anyone with a peanut or nut allergy should take care to read the product labels for suitability.
Is hemp seed safe to take for babies? Yes. Hemp seed and hemp seed oil is safe for babies. Dosages will be smaller for children and babies than for adults. (see dosage information below). You cannot overdose on hemp.
Can MotherHemp food products make you high? No. Hemp seeds will not make you high. Typically hemp seeds contain less than 0.03% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive substance found in the hemp plant's distant relative - "marijuana". MotherHemp Organic Oil and capsules contain 0% THC due to a recently improved seed cleaning process.
How do you store hemp seed oil? EFAs can be damaged by exposure to light, heat and air, which is why MotherHemp products are rigorously produced by cold pressing in a nitrogen flushed and oxygen-free environment. Hemp oil should be stored in the fridge once opened. It can also be frozen for longer periods of storage. It comes in a dark bottle because it keeps better if not exposed to light. Once opened, it is best consumed within 1-3 months. It will keep fresh for over a year if frozen. (Please see full storage conditions on back of bottle)
How do I use hemp seed oil and seed in cooking? To maintain good health Hemp can also be eaten as a food product and used in cooking as an addition to a nutritional supplement. It is a delicious alternative wherever olive oil is used. It can be used for salad dressings, poured on pasta, baked potatoes and vegetables.
Where to Buy MotherHemp Food and Oil Products?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

After looking around on different websites which seemed exspensive,I found that 'savers' on the high street, do (valupak) omega 3 fish oil 1000mg 90 capsules for under £4.00 also childrens one a day capsules (30) including vitamins under £2.00...these seem to be the best value for money that I have found for capsules so far....unless anyone knows different!Value for money with omega 3 capsules depends on the amount of ACTIVE INGREDIENT in each capsule.
Simply Supplements 360 £9.99 1000mg of fish oil providing: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 180mg, Doncosa- hexaenoic Acid (DHA) 120mg, (http://www.simplysupplements.net/omega-fish-1000mg-p-132.html?gclid=CO7G0rr8i4cCFRRbMAodgSsg5w) seem much better value to me as they work out at 2.7p capsule compared with 4.4p for the "savers"

As the vitamins/omega 3 for kids tablets usually have hydrogenated oils, aspartame and other nasties and a shockingly low amount of omega 3 they aren't in my opinion worth bothering with. However, perhaps if you could post the actual ingredients listed I may (hopefully) be proved wrong.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Basically I'm 24 weeks pregnant, and wish to start taking omega 3 supplements. I already take pregnacare, so I don't really want any more vitamins and minerals in whatever product I choose to take.

I have looked at the MumOmega, but want to know if anyone else has other recommendations?Here are the contents of mumomega
Docosahexaenoic Acid ( DHA ) 300 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 42 mg
Arachidonic Acid (AA) 8.4 mg
Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) 8.4 mg
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) 15 mg
Vitamin E 2.8 mgThey are however £11.99 for 30 and you will need to take at least one a day. If money is no object then providing you are eating a healthy balanced diet these will be fine.

However, it's my opinion that a couple of 18p tins of Netto's sardines in tomato sauce a week will provide a lot more EPA and DHA in a form which would enable your body to naturally obtain the correct ration of EPA/DHA.

Each tin provides around 2g of omega 3 split roughly 3parts EPA to 2parts DHA. you don't have to worry about mercury/pesticides in sardines as they are small fishes, it's it the long lived fish that have time to accumulate lots of toxins that may be worrisome.

Ground linseed meal is a simply way of obtaining the precusors to EPA/DHA. I don't think they are as good as eating oily fish as a lot more work has to be done by your body to metabolise this source but it's cheap and easy and good for you as well as being a tasty addition to your baking/cereal/stews etc. The ordinary brown non-organic is what I use. You can buy a 5kg bag from healthfood shops selling Suma range for around £5.75 ish. An electric coffee/spice grinder for £15ish will whizz sufficient to fill a small pot in a jiffy and this if you use 1 or 2 tbs a day will last a week in the fridge. The bulk bag will easily keep for a year if you haven't mice in the house.

This reply Google answers (http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=743097) is very thorough but takes a while to understand fully.

Don't forget that high levels of Vitamin D are needed during pregnancy and while lactating. See Vitamin D Research | Pregnancy and Lactation (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/researchPregnancy.shtml)
It's not well known that Vitamin d plays a role in the way DHA passes through into you brain cells, in the same way you need omega 3 in your skin to make vitamin d. So making sure you get plenty of both helps.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I havent seen hempseed mentioned anywhere, i buy the seeds from supermarkets, very cheap, tasty nutty flavour in salads, breads etc, heres some info copied from a random site:

Why Choose Hemp Food Products for Health? It's a little bit naughty to cut and paste large chunks from other websites. They may well be subject to copyright and get this site into trouble, however in this instance your giving them a free advert so I'm sure they won't object. But generally it's safer to provide a link to the website and just cut and paste a sample paragragh.


Wikipedia seeds sompared (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chart_of_nutritional_properties_of_nuts_and_oily_s eeds) shows that flax provides a better way of redressing your omega 6:3 ratio. I also think it's more cost effective. You can pay £5.75ish for a 5kg bag of linseed. I doubt you can buy that much hempseed for as little.

[Mrs pbradley936]

I am a great believer in cod liver oil only because I was always given it as a child and still take it now. In answer to the original question Seven Seas used to make an orange flavoured liquid that I used to give before children could swallow capsules.

Question for Ted can you have too much of these oils? I take 1000mg capsule of cod liver oil every day and I also eat sardines, pilchards and mackrel - not because they are good for you but because I like them. I enjoy good health and do not take any prescription medication.

[Saverjoy]

After looking around on different websites which seemed exspensive,I found that 'savers' on the high street, do (valupak) omega 3 fish oil 1000mg 90 capsules for under £4.00 also childrens one a day capsules (30) including vitamins under £2.00...these seem to be the best value for money that I have found for capsules so far....unless anyone knows different!
childrens;fish oil,gelatin,glycerol,vit C(as ascorbic acid),aerosil 300,vit E(as dl alpha tocopheryl acetate),yellow oxide paste,red iron oxide paste,vit A preparation, vit D preparation.
fish oils 400mg
providing: %rda
dha 200mg
epa 40mg
vit a 400ug 50
vit d 2.5ug 50
vit c 30mg 50
vit e 5mg 50
Adults:
omega 3 fatty acids 340mg
epa 18%
dha 12%
both free from added sugar,starch,gluten,and yeast. No artificial additives of any kind are used.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I am a great believer in cod liver oil only because I was always given it as a child and still take it now. In answer to the original question Seven Seas used to make an orange flavoured liquid that I used to give before children could swallow capsules.

Question for Ted can you have too much of these oils? I take 1000mg capsule of cod liver oil every day and I also eat sardines, pilchards and mackrel - not because they are good for you but because I like them. I enjoy good health and do not take any prescription medication. While I appreciate it is easier to take a capsule for some people I prefer to take a teaspoonful. In fact you could safely take a couple of teaspoons of Cod Liver Oil Liquid - St Clements (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?id=CODL)
Which is currently half price.

this would keep you under the TUL.

The Toxic Upper limit for vitamin a is DA upper limit (adult male) 3,000 µg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgram)/day RDA upper limit (adult female) 3,000 µg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgram)/day

I should point out I am not a health professional. I haven't studied vitamin A I am not familar with the toxicity issues for vitamin A. I have spent a lot of time reading about vitamin d and vitamin c and I am confident that the toxicity issues with thOse vitamins is total rubbish and that they are totally safe in the amounts anyone is likely to be able to get their hands on. Both could only be toxic as a result of long term industrial strength accidental administration, but because I haven't a working knowledge of vitamin A I cannot assume the same applies. I think shokadelika (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=36107) knows more about this than I do so hopefully she will contribute.

[Mrs pbradley936]

If you follow vitamin D you must be familiar with Michael Horlick (I think that is his name - book is not at hand) and also Sunlight Robbery by Oliver Gillie. I happen to love sunshine but am always careful not to burn. I think I must have a form of SAD because I am always so happy in summer. When everyone else was melting a few weeks ago I was in my element. I did not have trouble sleeping and am never too hot.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

If you follow vitamin D you must be familiar with Michael Horlick (I think that is his name - book is not at hand) and also Sunlight Robbery by Oliver Gillie. I happen to love sunshine but am always careful not to burn. I think I must have a form of SAD because I am always so happy in summer. When everyone else was melting a few weeks ago I was in my element. I did not have trouble sleeping and am never too hot.Oliver Gillie has a new report on his website (http://www.healthresearchforum.org.uk/reports.html) which I've already linked to a few times.

You may be interested in the Depression Research using 4000iu daily vitamin d (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=15260882)

Here is some research from Australia (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=9539254&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum) showing that at modest amount of vitamin d can improve the mood in healthy young men.
and here is another UK paper (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16554952&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum) showing the same amount didn't have the same effect on elderly Yorkshire women.
There are times when I shout at my PC in exasperation at the ignorance of British Doctors. There is such a difference in latitude between Newcastle Australia and Yorkshire UK that you cannot credit that anyone would imagine the base levels of Vitamin D status would be similar. Not counting the difference in the indoor/outdoor lifestyles of healthy young Aussie blokes and Elderly Yorkshire ladies and it's impact on base Vitamin D status. Finally there is a difference of about 70% in the effectiveness of D2 commonly prescribed in the UK and D3 cholecalciferol the most efficient form of vitamin D.

Since I've taken 5000iu (http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/d35.html) on days when I've been unable to sunbathe I've noticed a tremendous improvement in my mood, tiredness, pain, energy levels, all for the better. It does take some time to build up your vit d resources and I think you need to have a high level for at least 3 months before you really begin to appreciate it.

I don't think many people are fully aware of the interrelation between omega 3 and vitamin D. SPF Omega-3? Forget the Sunscreen, Fish Oil Prevents Sunburn ... (http://www.fishoilblog.com/benefits/spf-omega-3-forget-the-sunscreen-fish-oil-prevents-sunburn.php) shows how having omega in your skin cells lengthens the time it takes for you skin to burn. Oliver Gillie's latest report has a paper detailing how vitamin d is made in the skin and that shows how you need not only to get the skin warm as the process is heat driven, but also long chain fatty acids are part of the process.

[Mrs pbradley936]

Thanks Ted I emailed Oliver Gillie once because I wanted to know if there was a difference between the various bulbs/tubes that go into sunbeds. I wanted the kind that gives Vit.D rather that a safe tan. He did not have the info but I got it from somewhere else and the six foot long tubes will make you produce Vit. D but the 8 inch ones will not. In the winter I go on a sunbed for 3 mins once or twice a week unless I have taken a winter holiday somewhere warm.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Thanks Ted I emailed Oliver Gillie once because I wanted to know if there was a difference between the various bulbs/tubes that go into sunbeds. I wanted the kind that gives Vit.D rather that a safe tan. He did not have the info but I got it from somewhere else and the six foot long tubes will make you produce Vit. D but the 8 inch ones will not. In the winter I go on a sunbed for 3 mins once or twice a week unless I have taken a winter holiday somewhere warm.I've emailed him a few times as well. Doesn't he come over as a really nice chap?
these Sperti (http://www.sperti.com/) lamps are what you really need if you cannot use the high strength supplements.

[Carrera74]

Hi All

I'm thinking of trying this for my 9 year old as he has behavioural problems which we are dealing with thanks to a great parenting course I went on earlier this year. During his younger years due to circumstances at home he has 'learnt' bad behaviour and now me and my partner are trying to help him to learn good behaviour and the consequences of his tantrums and naughtiness etc. He sees his Dad once a week who refuses to attend these courses or read the book so that our son has consistency - it seems that when he's been to his Dads he reverts back to his naughty self. My son still wants to see his Dad and I can't control what happens there unfortunately so I'll keep up our good work at home and hope that he'll grow out of acting up when he gets home from his Dads.

Home life is so much better since we went for these classes (it's like I've got a new child!) but unfortunately his bad behaviour has now started happening at school. He's in year 5 now and he is getting disruptive in class. I've been to my doctor who suggested he may have ADD and he is on a waiting list for a CAMHS assessment. I'm going in to see his new teacher tomorrow to ask for her support and explain the circumstances. It makes me feel sad that maybe she thinks he's just a naughty little boy. I think he's more a confused angry little boy who acts up when he's overtired and needs help to control this.

In the meantime I'm changing his diet and wondered if anyone has any experience of the fish oil supplements. I'm open to try anything as I think he gets frustrated at school and if these are as good as I've read they are then maybe these may help? So just wondering, anyone any tales on these?

Sorry to waffle on!! :)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I've just posted this post 16 (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=3077225&postcount=16)

In this research equazen capsules were used providing 558EPA and 174 mg DHA that's around 750mg omega 3. If using other supplements (the Eye Q are expensive at this dose level) you need to ensure AT LEAST that amount of omega is available.
I'm happy with Zipvit's Omega Juice as are my grandchildren but whenever I suggest it here others complain about the taste. If you keep the bottle in the fridge once it's opened and don't give it time to warm up when you use it, there shouldn't be a problem with it going rancid. One teaspoon of this provides more than the requisite amount.
You could also consider boosting the amount of oily fish in your meals. An 18p tin of Netto's sardines in tomato sauce provides over 2g of omega 3 equivalent to 3 days worth of Equazen capsules. herrings mackerel wild salmon are also good natural sources unlikely to contain unwanted pollutants.

[Reluctant_spender]

We use these (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=O3BB)although my daughter does not have ADD we have found it has helped her concentration.

[Carrera74]

I don't think my son has ADD as we have been able to change his behaviour at home whereas before he was fine at school but a problem at home! He does seem to find it hard to concentrate at school so I'm willing to try anything at the moment!!

[Reluctant_spender]

Well we certainly noticed an improvement with her concentration, hope it works for you too.

We chose the healthspan ones after several taste tests. The eyeQ being her least favourite, and mine due to the cost factor, The Healthspan were certainly the better ones.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

We use these (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=O3BB)although my daughter does not have ADD we have found it has helped her concentration.Nutritional info Per 2 capsules: Pure Fish Oils – 606mg, of which Omega 3 fatty acids represent 358mg (DHA is 180mg, EPA is 120mg).
to match the performance of the research trials you may find 4 capsules/d are even more effective, depending on other sources of omega 3 in the diet. though at 180 capsules £7.95 4.4p capsules around 18p/d you may find buying 18p tins of sardines in tomato sauce from Netto's (2g omega 3) a cheaper way of ensuring a higher omega 3 intake.

[Reluctant_spender]

Ted - Thanks. Itake your point, we use these as a supplement as opposed to a replacement. Thankfully she likes oil fish so these are just boosters.

[Carrera74]

I've just posted this post 16 (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=3077225&postcount=16)

In this research equazen capsules were used providing 558EPA and 174 mg DHA that's around 750mg omega 3. If using other supplements (the Eye Q are expensive at this dose level) you need to ensure AT LEAST that amount of omega is available.
I'm happy with Zipvit's Omega Juice as are my grandchildren but whenever I suggest it here others complain about the taste. If you keep the bottle in the fridge once it's opened and don't give it time to warm up when you use it, there shouldn't be a problem with it going rancid. One teaspoon of this provides more than the requisite amount.
You could also consider boosting the amount of oily fish in your meals. An 18p tin of Netto's sardines in tomato sauce provides over 2g of omega 3 equivalent to 3 days worth of Equazen capsules. herrings mackerel wild salmon are also good natural sources unlikely to contain unwanted pollutants.

I love sardines on toast :D but my little boy says I stink when I eat them and won't try them, lol. The only fish he'll eat is the battered variety. It won't hurt to keep trying though :)

I think I'll try this one as it will be a supplement until I can retrain his palate.

[Lendusapund]

Nutritional info Per 2 capsules: Pure Fish Oils – 606mg, of which Omega 3 fatty acids represent 358mg (DHA is 180mg, EPA is 120mg).
to match the performance of the research trials you may find 4 capsules/d are even more effective, depending on other sources of omega 3 in the diet. though at 180 capsules £7.95 4.4p capsules around 18p/d you may find buying 18p tins of sardines in tomato sauce from Netto's (2g omega 3) a cheaper way of ensuring a higher omega 3 intake.
Ive just read the post above for the childrens test/dose and was wondering how much Omega 3 adults should/could take daily? On the tv prog for prof Winston, Im sure he mentioned something about 520 mgs per day? most tablets I see dont come near that (ps hate fish so would be looking for tablets).
Thanks
RichT

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Ive just read the post above for the childrens test/dose and was wondering how much Omega 3 adults should/could take daily? On the tv prog for prof Winston, Im sure he mentioned something about 520 mgs per day? most tablets I see dont come near that (ps hate fish so would be looking for tablets).It really depend on the reason why you are wanting to take the omega3.
from World's Healthiest foods (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84#foodsources)
This panel of experts recommended that people consume at least 2% of their total daily calories as omega-3 fats. To meet this recommendation, a person consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient omega-3-rich foods to provide at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. This goal can be easily met by adding just two foods to your diet: flaxseeds (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81) and wild-caught salmon. Two tablespoons of flaxseeds contain 3.5 grams of omega 3 fats, while a 4 ounce piece of salmon contains 1.5 grams of omega 3 fats.
Vegans and vegetarians relying on ALA as their only source of omega-3 fatty acids should increase their consumption of ALA-rich foods accordingly to ensure sufficient production its important derivatives, EPA and DHA.

With omega 3 you are trying to adjust the ratio of omega 3<>omega6 in your diet so cutting back on saturated fat also helps.
If you are going for the linseed option you need to know that linseed passes straight through your digestive system virtually untouched if you don't grind it into meal first. I buy a 5kg bag (SUMA £5.75) and grind a potful in a coffee grinder then keep the pot in the fridge. While whole the seeds keep a couple of years but the meal will deteriorate over a month or so if it gets warm. Adding a tbs of this meal to your cereal is no problem, but it can also go on veg,soups, stews, baking etc. One of the recent bits of news I've read about linseed is that it has a strong inhibitory effect on omega-6 metabolic pathway. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17016414&itool=pubmed_DocSum) so although I've been concerned about the relatively poor conversion rate of ALA to EPA the fact of this inhibitory action on omega 6 uptake means it's effect on the ratio is more pronounced than might be expected.

Remember a gram of omega3 is not the same as a gram of fish oil. The fish oil capsules contain around a third of a gram so you need 3x1000g capsules to provide 1g of omega 3.
I use ZIPVIT OMEGA JUICE (http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?cs) and one teaspoon of that provides 1.5g of omega 3.
If you are wanting it to improve arthritis/depression/Cardiovascular disease you may want to take 2tsps.
The beneficial effect of omega 3 tends to plateau off around 5g/d and there is little or no extra benefit above 9g/d.

More on oily fish from the FSA
(http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/#elem225446)

[Jet]

I buy Omega 3 capsules for myself from Zipvit.

I've tried various omega 3 capsules for my 8 year old son (including the omega juice) but the only one he will take is the haliborange tablets which I buy when on offer at Boots. I know they are not a particularly high dose, but better than nothing.

I see Zipvit have introduced a chewable omega 3 capsule - has anyone tried them on their kids? Did they like them? They work out about the same price as the haliborange ones. £8 for 90 capsules.

Does anyone know what the dosage is of the Zipvit capsules compared to the haliborange ones?

[Jet]

Just had 5 mins and phoned them and asked about epa and dha.

DHA (per capsule) 80mg
DPA (per capsule) 13.75mg

RDA 2 capsules per day.

This isn't very good is it?

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I buy Omega 3 capsules for myself from Zipvit.

I've tried various omega 3 capsules for my 8 year old son (including the omega juice) but the only one he will take is the haliborange tablets which I buy when on offer at Boots. I know they are not a particularly high dose, but better than nothing.

I see Zipvit have introduced a chewable omega 3 capsule - has anyone tried them on their kids? Did they like them? They work out about the same price as the haliborange ones. £8 for 90 capsules.

Does anyone know what the dosage is of the Zipvit capsules compared to the haliborange ones?I realy don't think it is in any way sensible to use these omega3 for kids chews.These are the Haliborange ingredients.
Average Values
Per 2 capsules
%RDA*
Fish oil
400mg
*
Providing Omega-3 Nutrients
260mg
*
of which DHA
200mg

of which EPA
28mg

Vitamin A
800µg
100
Vitamin D
5µg
100


Vitamin E 3mg30Vitamin C 60mg100Energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat negligible



RDA = EC recommended daily allowance


* = RDA not established


Ingredients:
Capsule shell (glycerol, gelling agent: gelatin, modified starch, colours: (iron oxide, titanium dioxide), acidity regulator: citric acid, sweetener: sodium saccharin, flavour: orange). Fish oil, sweeteners (mannitol, aspartame), hydrogenated vegetable oil, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), flavour: orange, emulsifier: lecithin, vitamin E (dl alpha tocopheryl acetate), vitamin A prep., vitamin D prep.

You will see I've made bold the ingredients that I think simply shouldn't be in any produce for children. Seems to me totally pointless to give your child omega 3 designed to alter the ratio of omega3<>omega 6 laced with hydrogentated omega 6 which actually defeats the object of the exercise.

Here is the list of ingredients for Zipvit chews Gelatine
glycerin
citric acid
aspartame
fish oil of which DHA 160 EPA 27 total 187mg (two capsules)
vitamin C
hydrogenated vegetable oil
vitamin E acetate
lemon flavour
vitamin A palmatate
vitamin D
antioxidant

I've had to phone Zipvit to find out the actual omega 3 content of the chewables. Not at all surprised they don't advertise it in their catalogue or onsite. Pathetic. A tin of sardines costing 18p from nettos will contain at least 2g of omega 3 More than 20 Zipvit capsules. with a ration probably around 1200mg EPA 800 DHA (I'm guessing here as I haven't a tin to hand)

If you really cannot get your child to eat oily fish reguarly then Healthspan brain boosters (http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?id=O3BB) may be the way to go if you cannot afford the overpriced overhyped EyeQ. This is their ingredient list.
Nutritional info Per 2 capsules: Pure Fish Oils – 606mg, of which Omega 3 fatty acids represent 358mg (DHA is 180mg, EPA is 120mg).
Ingredients: Mannitol, Pure Fish Oils, Glycerin, Gelatin, Vegetable Fat, Modified Potato Starch, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Natural Orange Flavours, Lemon Oil, Sucralose, Sodium Saccharin, Titanium Dioxide, Coconut and Palm Kernel Oils, Yellow Iron Oxide Paste, Curcumin Powder. allergen information Capsules contain fish, soya and sulphur dioxide. Free from aspartame, gluten, sugar, wheat & yeast
Still with artificial sweetner and saturated fat but at least it's not hydrogenated which doubles the danger. Code to get £2 off £15 spend is LSR-RN

I should also point out the research on which most of the claims are based used around 700mg omega 3, admittedly this was on children showing some symptoms which MAY be associated with low omega 3 levels. If you could get your son to swallow ordinary fish oil capsules rather than chew them it would be better to use an adult formulation that resulted in an intake of around 700mg that would be 2 1000mg or 4 500mg. It would work out cheaper and better and avoid the artificial sweetners and saturated hydrogenated fat issues.

[Jet]

Thanks Ted.

After having a scan through other threads, I've ordered this http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=CODL from the same site. The DHA is 460mg and EPA is 345mg.

I really hope he likes it more than the zipvit juice!

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Thanks Ted.

After having a scan through other threads, I've ordered this http://www.healthspan.co.uk/shop/product.aspx?Id=CODL from the same site. The DHA is 460mg and EPA is 345mg.

I really hope he likes it more than the zipvit juice!I've not tried it but others say it's fine. It's a better price, better strength and doesn't have the usual crap in it.

[louise24769]

Hi There,
Today,This morning,is giving away 5000 x 3 months worth of Omega 3 oils.

Fill in the form and see if you are one of the lucky ones.
www.itv-thismorning.co.uk/NewsAndFeaturesArticle.aspx?fid=1535&tid=3

BE QUICK THOUGH!

Louise

[Westywoodpecker]

Thank you. Must be worth a go!

[coyotekate]

I have a headache now,read all I can find on omega 3 here ,can anyone tell me what works for them ,as in the child takes it and it gives the right levels without taking 3/4/5 capsules at a time

9yr old ,not terrific diet (which needs addressing obviously) poor attention in school and fidgety,head has recommended trying omega 3 but don't know which is best/palatable