The purest omega-3 food supplement: heart, brain, vision...

Super Omega 3 has been formulated to offer an optimal intake of marine-source omega-3 fatty acids. These natural lipids have scientifically proven effects on the composition of cell membranes as well as on numerous biochemical and physiological processes: regulation of blood pressure, anti-inflammatory responses, platelet aggregation, secretion of mood-influencing neurotransmitters, neuron activity…

Who is Super Omega 3 aimed at?

Super Omega 3 is for all sections of the population.

The World Health Organization, along with all Western countries, recommends a minimum intake of 500mg a day of EPA+DHA in order to maintain health (1), and in particular, to support brain development and function.

Yet numerous studies have shown that this level of intake is a long way from that currently achieved by American and European populations (2-8 times lower than daily recommended amounts).

And while these recommendations apply to healthy individuals, all the indications are that certain categories of people need more of these fatty acids (up to 1000mg/day (2)):

• Those over 50 (to protect against cognitive decline).
• Those suffering from chronic inflammation.
• Those with a large waistline (excess adipose fat).
• Those with hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia or hyperglycaemia.
• Those suffering from fatigue or low mood.
• Those at risk of cardiovascular problems.

What are the recognised benefits of EPA and DHA?

EPA and DHA are molecules that penetrate cell membranes – the layers of fat that demarcate our body’s cells. From this strategic space, they influence a wide variety of the body’s functions.

They affect chronic inflammation and metabolic problems.

When cell membranes take up EPA and DHA, they become more fluid and permeable. This is a really important point as when they’re more rigid, membrane exchange is restricted, promoting chronic inflammation.

In addition, in cases of systemic inflammation, the body can ‘dip into’ this store of omega-3 fatty acids and convert them into anti-inflammatory molecules. With omega-6, the complete reverse happens – they are converted into pro-inflammatory compounds which encourages the development of metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin-resistance and metabolic syndrome.

They reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems

In recent years, 12 studies have demonstrated the benefits of supplementing with omega-3 for preventing acute coronary syndrome and other cardiovascular problems (7).

Several mechanisms are responsible for these effects. First and foremost, supplementing with omega-3 helps lower omega-6 concentrations in membranes, and as a result, reduces their conversion into pro-inflammatory derivatives (8). It also acts on the atheromatous plaque that causes cardiovascular problems: omega-3 help lower blood pressure and reduce triglycideraemia (9) - high levels of triglycerides being a recognised risk factor for heart problems - by lowering the liver’s production of these fats and by increasing their elimination via LDL-transporters. They also stabilise atheromatous plaque by reducing production of inflammatory cytokines and by preventing monocytes from adhering to the vascular wall (10-11). Last but not least, omega-3 regulate a large number of genes, particularly those involved in fat metabolism.

They optimise cognitive function

Several studies, including a prominent one published in 2002, show that supplementing with EPA for several weeks produces a significant decrease in depressive disorders in a high proportion of people suffering from major depression (12-13).

In the same vein, post-partum depression may actually be linked to a reduction in cellular levels of EPA and DHA in pregnant women, resulting in significantly reduced reserves by the end of their pregnancy (14). Scientists have discovered that it takes around a year for initial reserves to be restored to the levels required for healthy functioning of the serotonergic and cholinergic systems (DHA normally represents 10-20% of the fatty acid composition of the brain (15)). Low DHA levels in brain cell membranes do not only result in depression. They also lead to a lack of dopamine in the brain’s cortical regions, which may play a role in cognitive decline and impair the growth and development of the nervous system.

Once integrated into the membrane, DHA makes it more flexible, improving the speed of transduction and neurotransmission. It also affects neural extension development, synapsis establishment, neural plasticity, maturation of neurons and their migration towards appropriate sites, and thus plays a significant role in motor, sensory and cognitive abilities (16). Carlson and his team thus demonstrated the benefits on learning capacity of a diet rich in omega 3.

They protect visual function

DHA represents more than 30% of all the fatty acids present in the retina (17). It is one of the most important compounds constituting the membranes of the outer segments of photoreceptors (18). The constant renewal of these cell components requires a regular and high intake of DHA or its precursors. DHA also supports a fundamental step in the phototransduction mechanism (19) which allows the conversion of light energy into a nerve signal (20). It is thus no surprise that deficiencies in DHA are associated with a number of visual dysfunctions such as AMD (21-23).

What makes Super Omega 3 so exceptional?

1) It’s a 100% natural supplement with optimal bioavailability

Like all the omega-3 supplements available to buy at Supersmart (Super EPA and Super DHA), Super Omega 3 contains EPA and DHA fatty acids in their natural form (triglycerides). These are more expensive than the synthetic form (ethyl esters), but studies show they may be easier to digest (no ethanol is released) and twice as bioavailable.

In addition, unlike many other laboratories, we have chosen to develop our product from wild fish oil. A number of studies have shown that farmed fish contain less omega-3 and more omega-6 (24). This is because such fish are fed inferior food: whereas wild fish feed on tiny fish, crustaceans and microalgae which are very rich in omega-3, farmed fish are often fed cereals and vegetable oils high in omega-6. What’s more, they are often farmed in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, and are routinely given antibiotics and anti-fungals.

2) The production methods used respect the environment

To ensure it offers optimal quality, Super Omega 3 is produced from a top-quality fish oil, obtained from fishing zones off the coasts of Peru and Chile free from any industrial contamination. Fish are selected for their naturally high content in omega-3 fatty acids (sardines, mackerel and anchovies). These fish oils are thus certified Friend of the Sea® which means they come from sustainable fisheries that meet strict criteria, with guaranteed management of fishing quotas. Smaller fish are prioritised as larger ones have lived longer and have accumulated waste products: mercury, dioxins and even pesticides.

3) It hasan optimal safety profile

In order to guarantee it is completely free from contaminants (PCB, heavy metals, dioxins), SuperSmart uses patented purification technology. This is a natural process called enzymatic hydrolysis which produces the highest concentration of EPA and DHA in a 100 % pure oil.

In addition, as omega-3 fatty acids are highly vulnerable to oxidation, we add natural ingredients to protect them and maximise their shelf life. Indeed, when omega-3 are oxidised, they are converted into trans fatty acids devoid of any health benefits. It’s therefore essential to protect them with antioxidants so that they retain their beneficial effects over time. That’s why SuperSmart has chosen to add tocopherols (vitamin E) to this exceptional formulation. It’s also why it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.