Optimal EFA FAQs

1. What makes Optimal EFA different from other essential fatty acid products on the market?

Optimal EFA is a unique blend of stabilized oils from plant sources only, making this a choice essential fatty acid source for vegetarians and for those who want to avoid any level of PCBs and other toxins that are found in supplements made from fish oils.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are synthetic organic chemicals. Even though PCBs are no longer manufactured in the United States, people are still being exposed to them mostly through the consumption of fish. Recent studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that there are health consequences associated with the exposure such as neurological and developmental deficits in newborns and children, increased cancer risks, effects on the reproductive system, and many more.

Most essential fatty acid products on the market contain fish oils. It is important to note that the terms "medical grade" and "pharmaceutical grade" for fish oils do not have a set standard definition. Some products may even state "pharmaceutical grade" if it was manufactured in a FDA certified facility. In general it is used to classify oils that contain less than 10 ppb PCB��s per gram. Using fish oils forces the manufacturer to highly process the oils thus making them more unstable. This can produce an unstable molecule that creates trans-fats that actually cause disease.

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2. What is the breakdown of essential fatty acids found in Optimal EFA?

Optimal EFA contains both omega-3 (45%) and omega-6 (55%) essential fatty acids.

One capsule contains:

• 100 mg of Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) - an omega-3 fatty acid
• 150 mg of Docosahexanenoic Acid (DHA) - an omega-3 fatty acid
• 300 mg of Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) - a healthy omega-6 fatty acid

3. What are the sources of Optimal EFA��s fatty acids?

• Alpha- linolenic Acid (ALA) - Flax seed oil, the richest source of LNA
• Docosahexanenoic Acid (DHA) - Algae, the only vegetable based DHA source
• Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) - Borage oil, the richest source of GLA

4. Consuming plant sources of Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), how do I increase the conversion of this fatty acid into DHA?

There are several dietary factors that have a significant impact on the conversion process of ALA to DHA. The following is a list of positive lifestyle habits that promote maximum conversion:

• Eliminate alcohol consumption
• Eat nutrient dense foods avoid white flour and sugar products
• Reduce the consumption of trans fatty acids

5. Why are mixed tocopherols added to Optimal EFA��s fatty acid blend?

Oils are added during the manufacturing process for the consistency of the essential fatty acids to pour into the capsules. Many companies will use synthetic oils. Optimal Health System has chosen NOT to use these synthetics oils and instead uses mixed tocopherols from whole foods. Using this whole food oil also increases the antioxidant capability of our formula.

6. Essential fatty acids are sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. How are the fatty acids in Optimal EFA stabilized?

It is very important that essential fatty acids are delivered stabilized to the end consumer. These fatty acids are very delicate and thus every measure has been taken by OHS from the manufacturing process to packaging to ensure that the fatty acids remain potent and stable. Optimal EFA capsules are produced in a unique process that creates a nitrogen rich environment to protect the oil from oxidation. These sealed capsules are then packaged in dark containers to reduce light exposure. The process is done in Europe and then shipped to us here in the United States.