Absolute Organix – Omega Pure Vegan DHA Vegecaps

Description

Ingredients:

Algal oil, sunflower oil (non-GMO), natural tocopherols, Capsule: Modified potato starch, glycerol, sorbitol, eucheuma seaweed, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, and carnauba wax

Instructions for use:

Adults: 1-2 capsules per day
Children (age 8-12): 1 capsule per day
Each Capsule contains 200mg DHA.
Product of France

More about DHA

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is involved in many pathways and processes in the human body (discussed below). DHA is part of the omega-3 conversion chain, with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) at the top of the chain, which then converts into DHA and EPA (given the required nutrients for these conversion processes). Many people, especially vegans and vegetarians, are often concerned that their DHA stores may not be adequate, due to a low dietary intake of omega-3 containing foods or due to concerns that these conversion pathways are not effective enough to convert ALA from food into DHA. In clinical trials using the algae oil in Omega Pure, Geppert et al. (2005) found that vegetarians significantly increased their levels of DHA when compared to a placebo group. They also found a significant increase in EPA levels. In the study, after 8 weeks, DHA levels increased by 161% and EPA levels by 33% in the trial group. There was zero change in the placebo group.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is another fatty acid that is part of the omega-3 conversion chain. However, DHA conversion into EPA is generally very effective and can even be reversed to convert EPA back into DHA, should the body require it. Supplementing with DHA should therefore be adequate to address both DHA and EPA requirements, alongside a diet providing ALA-rich foods (such as chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts).

The human brain is approximately 60% fat, with DHA being the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, comprising a whopping 40% of the brain’s polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). DHA is particularly concentrated in brain cell (neuron) membranes and is therefore an essential part of effective communication between brain cells. DHA is highly concentrated in the regions of the brain that are involved with memory, with various studies demonstrating that DHA is involved in memory retention and learning processes. DHA is also involved in the synthesis and function of brain chemicals (‘neurotransmitters’) that are involved with numerous regulatory processes in the body, including cognitive capacity, mood regulation and even appetite regulation. DHA has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may therefore also protect brain tissue against inflammation and oxidative stress (which may negatively influence brain cell integrity and function). In conclusion, cognitive function (including concentration, memory, learning ability and alertness) is undeniably dependent upon adequate DHA levels in the brain, suggesting that Omega Pure may be useful for anyone who seeks to support optimal cognitive processing, from students to corporates to moms with busy kids.

Sperm contains approximately 15% of DHA, emphasizing the importance of this fatty acid in the integrity, function and health of sperms. DHA may therefore be useful as part of preconception care for the father, alongside a nutrient-dense, whole food diet to ensure optimal nutrient intake.

DHA is also a critical part of the baby’s brain development during pregnancy and also during the post-natal (‘after pregnancy’) period. DHA is also required for the optimal development of the baby’s retina and visual cortex, suggesting the importance of DHA for both brain and visual development. During pregnancy and lactation, the nutrient requirements of the fetus enjoy dominance over the mother’s nutrient requirements; therefore, to ensure adequate availability of this fatty acid during pregnancy and lactation, the mother’s DHA stores need to be taken care of during the preconception period – both for herself and the fetus. Unfortunately, many women only start taking DHA-containing supplements during pregnancy and, if maternal DHA stores aren’t optimal, DHA may be drawn from the mother’s stores (especially from the mother’s brain tissue) to ensure the fetus/infant is receiving adequate amounts. Maternal DHA depletion may contribute to post-natal depression and impaired cognitive function. DHA is integrally part of effective communication between brain cells and therefore directly involved in mood regulation and cognitive functioning – does ‘mommy brain’ make sense now?

The standard Western diet is generally low in omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids are required for many processes and pathways in the human body, so if the diet doesn’t provide the body with sufficient amounts, it may impair health in more ways than one, especially on a cellular level. Omega 3 fats are highly concentrated in cellular membranes and help to keep membranes flexible, thereby enabling effective communication between cells, allowing hormones and other messengers to ‘speak’ to cells, allowing waste material to exit cells for recycling purposes and allowing critical components to cross over the membrane into the cell as needed.

DHA has demonstrated powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful to support overall health and also conditions/symptoms that are related to excessive inflammation, such as joint pains / arthritis, menstrual cramps, brain fog, skin conditions, etc. An imbalance between omega 6 and omega 3 stores in the body may contribute to excessive inflammation; therefore, supplying the body with DHA may assist in balancing out omega 3 and omega 6 to regulate inflammatory processes in the human body.

Hormone regulation is dependent upon effective cellular communication and cellular processing of these hormones. As mentioned, DHA is highly concentrated in cellular membranes, so if DHA levels are inadequate it may reduce the ability cells to respond effectively to hormones.

DHA may also be useful for fertility; brain health; pregnancy; preconception care; breastfeeding; hormone regulation (PMS, etc.); mood regulation (depression, anxiety, stress, etc.); skin conditions (dermatitis, acne, dry skin, etc.); cardiovascular health (DHA and EPA are indicated in preventing platelet aggregation thereby reducing clot formation and may help to lower blood triglycerides and blood cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol; anti-inflammatory activity protects against inflammatory damage to arteries).

Absolute Organix is South Africa’s leading supplier of natural and organic products. With over 500 lines in our warehouse, including organic foods, premium supplements, natural bodycare and eco-friendly household products. We exclusively represent leading international brands such as Holle organic baby foods (Swiss), Naturata organic foods (Germany) and Garden of Life wholefood supplements (USA). Further to being a certified organic processor (BCS Oko), Absolute Organix have a national sales and distribution infrastructure that has been supplying health and food stores, pharmacies and health professionals since 2004.