1. Is the source of Optimal DHA fish oil clean and tested?
Yes and Seeking Health Optimal DHA is certified by IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards). Launched in 2004, IFOS provides a way for companies to test their products to the highest quality, safety, and purity standards in the world. Products that get IFOS-certified are typically omega-3 supplements like fish oil. They are tested against standards for:
- Active Ingredient Content – Does the product contain the amount and specific types of omega-3s the label says it should?
- Too often, the amount of active ingredient listed on the label doesn’t match what is actually inside the product. Too low, and it may not be effective. Too high, and it could be unsafe for consumption. This is especially common with omega-3 supplements. Some brands will claim to have certain quantities of EPA and DHA in them, when really the capsules contain another (usually cheaper to manufacture) type of omega-3 altogether. IFOS provides you with peace of mind so you can easily find products that deliver what the label promises.
- Contaminants – Does the product contain unsafe levels of harmful chemicals?
- This certification ensures that the product contains the lowest levels of contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and furans, dioxin-Like PCBs, mercury, lead, cadmium, and inorganic arsenic. Why are these chemicals found in fish oil in the first place? They enter the environment from industrial activity and persist for a long time, bioaccumulating in large fatty fish. This means that oil derived from these fish could contain too-high concentrations of contaminants. There’s no way to tell if your supplement is contaminated just by looking at it, or even by reading the label (companies typically only have to show testing documentation to sell legally, and there’s no guarantee of accuracy or legitimacy). Only laboratory testing can tell you for certain.
- Stability – Is the product as fresh as possible, or has it gone bad (oxidized)?
- An omega-3 supplement that has “gone bad,” whether from poor handling by the manufacturer or passing its expiration date, is ineffective at best. Worse, it could be unsafe to consume.
Stability, also known as shelf-life, refers to how quickly and easily a product will deteriorate under normal storage conditions. Spoiled products may have an unpleasant fishy taste or smell, but this is not always the case, especially for encapsulated products.
Why is stability a problem for omega-3 products? Similar to how a cut apple turns brown when exposed to oxygen, oil-based ingredients are naturally prone to oxidation. This means that fish oil that has been exposed to unsuitable conditions at any point in the supply chain, such as high temperatures or excess humidity, could be spoiled or rancid by the time it makes it to the shelf.
IFOS takes the burden off you by testing products for stability to make sure they are as fresh and shelf-stable as possible. Stability results are shown in IFOS Product Reports so that you can rest easy knowing you are not wasting money on a spoiled product.
2. Who is Optimal DHA intended for?
If you have a brain or eyes, you want to seriously consider Optimal DHA, especially if you are not a fan of eating cold-water fish. DHA is an essential component of your eye and brain health.*
If you’re a woman wanting to become a mother or breastfeeding, Optimal DHA is important to use especially because fish consumption is often something women are concerned about due to higher heavy metal content and other contaminants, and low-mercury fish may be harder to find. DHA is very important for your developing baby’s brain.* Optimal DHA is tested and IFOS certified ensuring purity, potency and freshness.
If you’re a man wanting to become a father, Optimal DHA is a must for you. DHA is found in high amounts in healthy sperm. Over 50% of infertility cases are due to male infertility and a common issue in men is poor sperm health.* (1)
Children are developing their brains and eyes so Optimal DHA is very important for them to use especially if they are not eating cold-water fish. This product is suitable for children 4 years of age and older, unless otherwise recommended by a qualified physician.*
3. How do I take Optimal DHA?
Take 1 capsule daily with any meal, or as recommended by your healthcare physician. Since Optimal DHA is in monoglyceride form, it’s easier on the stomach, gallbladder and this leads to enhanced absorption.*
4. What is the reasoning for each ingredient in Optimal DHA?
| MaxSimil® DHA Fish Oil Concentrate |
The only active ingredient is simply pure DHA sourced from clean, cold water fish in monoglyceride form to enhance absorption.*
DHA provides the longest fatty acid chain and most unsaturated fatty acid found in humans |
5. What are the ingredients in Optimal DHA derived from?
The DHA is derived from anchovy, sardine and/or mackerel.
6. Does Optimal DHA contain gluten, soy or grain?
The mixed tocopherols are from highly refined soybean oil, but because of the refinement process, soy protein is not present and therefore exempt from product labeling. This product does not contain gluten, corn or other grains. However this product is not labeled “free from” these ingredients as we have not done testing to verify this. Do note that Seeking Health facilities are cGMP certified, and this ensures practices help to prevent contamination by gluten, corn, other grains or allergens.
7. Is Optimal DHA free from GMOs?
Optimal DHA does not contain ingredients derived from GMOs.
8. Is Optimal DHA suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
No, the Optima DHA is derived from fish, making this unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. However, it is suitable for pescetarians, as the gelatin is derived from fish, not bovine.
9. What are the possible interactions or side effects of using Optimal DHA?
Given that the Optimal DHA is in monoglyceride form, it is designed for superior absorption which, in turn, should minimize burping, nausea or bloating.*
Fishy aftertaste (if your product is made from fish oil), nausea, bloating, or burping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
