Jump down to: Medications, Side Effects and Allergies

Product-Related Questions

1. How many pills should I take?

2. When should I take OmegaVia?

  • OmegaVia is best taken with or before a meal.
  • The Omega-3 in fish oil is better absorbed if you take the pills with a meal that contains some fat.

3. Can I take more than one softgel at once?

  • Yes. You may take 2 to 4 softgels at once. However, if you have not taken Omega-3 before, it is best to start with one softgel at a time to see how your body reacts.
  • If you are already on blood-thinning medication, please consult your physician before taking more than 1 softgel per day.

4. If I miss a dose, can I double up the next day?

Yes, you may but it is not necessary. You may take up to 4 softgels a day if they are spread out through out the day. Do not take more than 4 softgels a day.

photo

5. Is Omega-3 and Fish Oil the same thing?

  • Fish Oil contains Omega-3. Omega-3 is the most important nutrient found in fish oil.
  • Retail brand fish oils usually have 30% Omega-3. The other 70% are useless lard-like fat and oils.
  • High quality fish oils have 75% or more Omega-3.
  • On this website, “Omega-3″ and “fish oil” are used interchangeably.

6. How much Omega-3 does one softgel OmegaVia have?

Each OmegaVia softgel has 1000 mg of Omega-3. Of that,

  • 700 mg is EPA Omega-3
  • 150 mg is DHA Omega-3
  • 150 mg is other essential Omega-3
  • Most retail fish oil supplements have about 300 mg Omega-3.

7. How is OmegaVia different from LOVAZA®?

  • LOVAZA® is a prescription Omega-3 drug for lowering triglycerides, while OmegaVia is a dietary supplement.
  • You need a prescription from your doctor to obtain LOVAZA® from your pharmacy. OmegaVia does not require a prescription.
  • One softgel of LOVAZA® contains 840 mg Omega-3, while one softgel of OmegaVia contains 1000 mg Omega-3.
  • One softgel of LOVAZA® costs about $1.40, while one softgel of OmegaVia costs $0.41.

8. Do I have to take OmegaVia with meals?

No, it is not necessary to take OmegaVia with meals, but taking it with meals increases absorption.

9. What does “Pharmaceutical Grade” mean?

  • “Pharmaceutical grade” or “concentrate” are terms used by fish oil manufacturers and marketers to mean high purity fish oil.
  • Pharmaceutical grade is not an official scientific or government term. It usually means that the oil contains very high levels of beneficial Omega-3, typically 75% or higher.
  • Regular or retail fish oil with only 30% Omega-3 is usually referred to as “18-12 oil” due to the18% EPA and 12% DHA content. This grade of fish oil is not recommended because 70% of the oil is lard-like non-Omega-3 fat.

10. Is it possible to overdose on OmegaVia fish oil?

  • You may take up to 4 softgels safely.
  • Taking more than 5 or 6 softgels per day can cause minor temporary stomach discomfort such as gas or burping.
  • The Food and Drug Administration suggests that 3000 mg of Omega-3 fish oil per day is generally considered safe.
  • Most health agencies and scientific organizations feel strongly that between 500 and 1000 mg of Omega-3 from fish oils must be consumed every day for overall health and reduced mortality from heart disease.
  • Taking more than 4 softgels per day can have a slight blood thinning effect and may prolong bleeding time. Consult your doctor about taking Omega-3 before undergoing surgery.

11. How should I store the product?

  • Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
  • Refrigeration is not necessary.
  • But, if you are going to keep the product for more than a few months, it should be refrigerated or frozen.

12. How long is the product good for?

  • Check the side of the package for expiration date.
  • OmegaVia contains anti-oxidants that increases the life of the product.
  • If you freeze OmegaVia, you can extend the shelf life by an additional two to three years.

13. Is the product FDA certified?

  • FDA does not certify supplements because supplements provide nutrients that are already present in our foods.
  • OmegaVia is manufactured and packaged in a facility that has the following quality certifications:
    • FDA-certified for Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
    • NSF-certified and registered for Good Manufacturing Practices.
    • Organic-certified by NAI.

14. Is it made in China?

  • No. No part of the product is made in China. The fish are harvested in Chile and Peru. The fish oil is processed and purified in Norway.
  • Softgel encapsulation and packaging happens in California, USA under stringent FDA approved conditions.

15. Is OmegaVia mercury-free?

  • Yes. OmegaVia is mercury-free. A patented process called molecular distillation is used to ensure that all mercury, heavy metals and any other man-made contaminants are completely removed.
  • Also, because the form of mercury found in seafood (methyl mercury) is soluble only in water and not oil. So, the fish oil used in OmegaVia (and most other fish oil supplements) contains no mercury.
  • OmegaVia is certified by a neutral third party testing lab to prove that mercury is not present.

16. Is there cholesterol in OmegaVia?

  • No. Because the fish oil used in OmegaVia is so highly purified, virtually all traces of cholesterol are removed.
  • Less purified forms of fish oil, such as “retail grade” may contain cholesterol.

17. How is the fish oil processed?

  • The fish oil used to make OmegaVia goes through 10 steps of purification.
  • Many of these steps are patented because of the unique scientific methods developed to produce the purest fish oil.
  • The most important step is the Cold Molecular Distillation process – this step is where fish oil is transformed into Ultra-Pure Omega-3 and also where most of the impurities and contaminants are removed.

18. Why do supplements have different levels of EPA and DHA?

  • Fish oils naturally contain a mixture of EPA and DHA. Fish oils almost always have more EPA than DHA Omega-3.
  • When crude fish oil is first refined, it only has 25% to 30% Omega-3. The rest of the fish oil is a combination of bad saturated fats and ‘lard-like’ oils. Unfortunately, this is the “consumer” or “retail grade” oil that is sold in corner drug stores and many big retailers. In the trade, this oil is called “18-12″ oil because it generally has 18% EPA Omega-3 and 12% DHA Omega-3.
  • A higher “grade” of fish oil is often marketed as “pharmaceutical grade.” There is no scientific definition for “pharmaceutical grade.” However, this grade of oil is higher in Omega-3, usually containing 50% or more Omega-3. Some may contain as much as 70% Omega-3.
  • Recently, fish oil purified to 75% – 90% Omega-3 have become available. These oils are ultra-purified and have very little “lard-like” fats.

19. Why is OmegaVia made with this higher grade of ultra-purified fish oil?

Higher Omega-3 levels mean fewer pills required for noticeable benefits. Also, because all of us at OmegaVia take our own products daily and give them to our families and pets (yes, the job has its perks!)… and we do not like the idea of consuming retail grade fish oil. This is the #1 reason why OmegaVia was founded.

20. Where does the fish oil for OmegaVia come from?

  • The fish used in OmegaVia are harvested off the coasts of Chile and Peru.
  • The oil is then processed in Norway using a patented cold-process technology that preserves the Omega-3 nutrients.

21. Is OmegaVia environmentally sustainable?

  • The Anchovies, Mackerel and Sardines used are harvested ONLY during two weeks of the year, allowing the fish population to recover.
  • The fish oil used in OmegaVia is fully regulated and licensed by the General Law of Fishery of Chile and Peru.
  • The Marine Institute of Peru (IMARPE) is one of the world’s foremost fishery management institutes. They are considered world experts because they have successfully managed fish populations with responsible catch policies for almost 50 years.
  • An IMARPRE inspector makes daily visits to every fishing facility.
  • Chilean & Peruvian fisheries are audited by a Swiss third party auditing firm Societe Generale de Survelliance (SGS).
  • SGS supervises all catches in the fishing vessel, in the processing plant and at the moment the fishing vessel arrives at the dock.
  • This short fishing period is established by scientists, not fishing companies.
  • All fishing boats are monitored with GPS units to make sure that they only fish in clean, approved fishing areas.

22. Are dolphins caught or harmed during the fishing?

  • No. Marine mammals like dolphins and seals are untouched because of the law that forbids harming these animals.
  • Catching or harming dolphins will result in revoked fishing license and carries a very high fine.

Medications, Side Effects and Allergies

1. Will Omega-3 interact with my prescription medications?

  • In general, Omega-3 does not interfere with medications.
  • If you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication, you should talk to your doctor about taking Omega-3 supplement.
  • Omega-3 are “good fats” that everyone needs. They should be a natural part of a healthy diet.
  • If you are using blood thinners like Coumadin®, taking high doses of aspirin, or anticipating surgery, talk to your doctor about taking Omega-3.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking Omega-3 if you have a blood clotting disorder.
  • Omega-3 can help cholesterol-lowering drugs work better. They can also improve the effect of anti-depressants.

2. I take Lipitor® for lowering cholesterol. Do I still need a fish oil supplement?

  • Yes. Always check with your doctor before changing your prescription drug routine.
  • Fish oil and Omega-3 fats do not reduce cholesterol as much as Lipitor® but fish oil will reduce triglycerides.
  • Omega-3 are not just for your heart and cholesterol. Fish oil can help with joint comfort, brain health, skin health, depression and mood disorders.
  • Combining fish oil with cholesterol-lowering drugs increases the benefit and reduces triglycerides much more than just taking either product.

3. Can I take fish oil supplements while on an anti-coagulant?

  • If you are taking a blood thinner or anti-coagulant like Coumadin®, please talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
  • Some studies have shown that taking very high levels of Omega-3 (For example, 4 or more OmegaVia softgels per day) can slightly increase bleeding times, although typically not to an unsafe level.
  • To be safe, please talk to your doctor and monitor your clotting times if you are taking both an anti-coagulant and a fish oil supplement.

4. I am taking Concerta® for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Is it okay for me to take Omega-3 too?

  • More studies are needed to see the combined effect of ADHD medication and fish oil. So please discuss with your doctor.
  • Research studies have shown excellent benefits from taking fish oil supplements for attention deficit.
  • Omega-3 is a very important nutrient for the brain and combining Omega-3 with ADHD medication can have additional benefits.
  • As always, talk to your doctor about what supplements you wish to take.

5. Are there any OTC (Over-The-Counter) medications that I should NOT take with Omega-3 supplements?

  • Yes. Do not combine the weight loss product Alli® with Omega-3 supplements. The active ingredients in Alli® can bind with the Omega-3 and flush it out of the body, wasting the benefit of both products.
  • Omega-3 supplements should be taken 6 hours before or after taking Alli®.

6. I’m on a beta-blocker for high blood pressure. Is it OK to take Omega-3 fish oil?

  • Always talk to your doctor if you are already taking a prescription medication.
  • Omega-3 has been shown to help moderate high blood pressure.
  • Taking Omega-3 with your beta-blocker can have an additive benefit.

7. I take Zoloft® for mild depression and anxiety. Is it OK to take Omega-3 fish oil?

  • Always talk to your doctor if you are already taking a prescription medication.
  • Research shows that Omega-3 fish oil helps with mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
  • Combining Omega-3 with Zoloft® can have an additive benefit.

8. Can fish oil supplements be taken with other supplements?

Yes, fish oil can be taken with all supplements. Fish oil is extremely well tolerated and Omega-3 are “good fats” that everyone needs and which should be a natural part of a healthy diet.

9. Do Omega-3 supplements have side effects?

  • In general, no negative side effects are noticed.
  • Some people notice burping, but that typically goes away with daily use or if the softgels are taken before a meal.
  • Omega-3 supplements provide your body with nutrients your body needs every day.
  • If you take more than 4 softgels a day, you may experience a slight blood-thinning effect. Please talk to your doctor if you are already on blood-thinning medication.

10. I’m allergic to fish. Is it OK for me to take Omega-3 from fish oil?

  • Generally, yes. When people are allergic to fish, they are reacting to the protein in fish muscle.
  • Omega-3 is a type of fat and is not a protein.
  • But if you want to be extra cautious, it is best to take plant-derived Omega-3 like Echium oil. Flaxseed oil is common but your body uses only 5% to 10% of the Omega-3 from flax. So you would have to take about ten flaxseed pills to equal one fish oil pill.
  • So, if you prefer the ease of fish oil supplements, you should talk to your doctor about possible allergic reactions.

11. I am allergic to soy. Is it OK for me to take Omega-3 supplements?

  • The Vitamin E (Tocopherols) added to fish oil to maintain freshness is made from soybeans.
  • Usually, people allergic to soy can still take Vitamin E even if it was made from soy. This is because the Vitamin E is highly purified and contains no soy proteins, which is what people are usually allergic to.
  • Almost all fish oil supplements contain some Vitamin E, so if you want to be extra cautious, you may wish to eat more salmon or other fish instead.
  • Talk to your doctor to find out if fish oil supplements may be right for you.

12. Is Omega-3 safe for everybody?

  • The Food and Drug Administration considers Omega-3 to be safe. The FDA lists Omega-3 supplements under a class of products titled ‘GRAS’ or Generally Recognized as Safe.
  • If taken at the recommended doses, Omega-3 supplements are safe.
  • Omega-3 are “good” fats. All human beings and animals require Omega-3 to function normally.

13. How much Omega-3 is safe to take in one day?

  • When patients were given 6 grams (or the same as 6 OmegaVia softgels) of Omega-3 per day, they had no negative side effects.
  • Most people don’t need to take that many pills. So listen to your stomach. Many of us here at OmegaVia take 3 to 4 softgels every day with no side effects at all.
  • If you are on blood-thinning medication, please talk to your doctor before you begin taking Omega-3 supplements.

14. Can I overdose on Omega-3?

  • It is very difficult to overdose with Omega-3 supplements.
  • One clinical study had patients eat 16 grams (same as 16 OmegaVia softgels) of Omega-3 per day and there were no negative side effects.
  • Temporary stomach discomfort is the most commonly reported side effect at extremely high doses.
  • As always, talk to your doctor if you are using blood-thinning medications or are about to have surgery.


Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Lipitor® is a registered trademark of Pfrizer Inc.
Concerta® is a registered trademark of ALZA Corporation
Alli® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

Print Friendly and PDF
omegavia
Click to See Product Label

Testimonials

My blood pressure has really normalized!

“I don’t buy fish oil vitamins online. But after a relative gave me his box of OmegaVia, I gave it a shot. My blood pressure has really normalized! Thank you! — S.M., Singapore