Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that cannot be constructed by humans from any known chemical pathway and, therefore, must be obtained from the diet. Human metabolism REQUIRES certain amounts of essential fatty acid consumption for general health and well-being as well as disease prevention. There are two families of EFAs – Omega-6s and Omega-3s.

a) What are Omega-6 EFAs?

Omega-6 EFAs are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids which have in common a carbon-carbon double bond in the 6th carbon atom position from the end of the fatty acid. Omega-6 EFAs are PRO-INFLAMMATORY in nature. The most potent Omega-6 EFA is arachadonic acid (AA). A plethora of medical research has suggested that the excessive amounts of Omega-6 EFAs found in the American diet, along with the lack of Omega-3 EFAs in the American diet, is at the root cause of many inflammatory-based illnesses, e.g., cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid and auto-immune disease, mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disease, and the neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and ADD/ADHD. Omega-6 EFAs are found mainly in vegetable oils, saturated fats, most cheeses, high-fructose corn syrup, and most processed food.

b) What are Omega-3 EFAs?

Omega-3 EFAs are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have in common a carbon-carbon double bond in the 3rd carbon atom position from the end of the fatty acid. Omega-3 EFAs are ANTI-INFLAMMATORY in nature. A plethora of medical research has suggested that the lack of Omega-3 EFAs in the American diet is at the root cause of many inflammatory-based illnesses, e.g., cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid and auto-immune disease, mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disease, and the neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and ADD/ADHD. Omega-3 EFAs are found mainly in certain plants (e.g., green-leafy vegetables, legumes, flax) and fish. However, the Omega-3 EFAs eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are best utilized by humans for general health and well-being as well as disease prevention and treatment. Since humans poorly convert (<1%) of plant Omega-3s to EPA and DHA, these essential nutrients must be obtained from a fish source.

c) What are Omega-9 Fatty Acids?

Omega-9 fatty acids are a class of unsaturated fatty acids that have a carbon-carbon double bond in the 9th carbon atom position from the end of the fatty acid. Omega-9 fatty acids are NON-ESSENTIAL in that they can be created by the human body from unsaturated fat and, therefore, are not essential to be consumed in the diet. They are common components of animal fat and vegetable oils and have no known medical value.

Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

An 18 carbon Omega-3 fatty acid with 3 double bonds. Alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed, green-leafy vegetables, legumes, and other plants. Unfortunately, less than 1% of ALA converts to EPA & DHA in humans. Thus, we cannot derive the benefits of Omega-3 EFAs from a plant source, such as flax.

EPA is a 20 carbon Omega-3 fatty acid with 5 double-bonds, which is found in high concentration in certain fish oils. EPA directly competes with its Omega-6 counterpart, arachidonic acid (AA), in many biochemical pathways. Arachadonic acid is converted into highly inflammatory compounds (eicosanoids), which are crucial in certain conditions. But if arachadonic acid activity is unchecked, the inflammatory process can lead to many different disease states. EPA has the most anti-inflammatory potential of the Omega-3 EFAs. EPA’s anti-inflammatory properties, along with its inhibition of arachidonic acid conversion into the highly inflammatory eicosanoids produces many health benefits, including reduced rates of heart attack, less inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and reduced depressive illnesses.

DHA is a 22 carbon Omega-3 fatty acid with 6 double bonds. Certain fish oils are rich in DHA. DHA is crucial for neurological and visual development in the human fetus and newborn, and is found in high concentration in the brain throughout life and thus can help prevent cognitive decline, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.

Arachidonic acid is 20 carbon omega-6 fatty acid with 4 double bonds. AA is responsible for triggering the inflammatory cascade in humans. Unfortunately, the American diet is dramatically out of balance with Omega-6 EFAs ubiquitous in our food (e.g., vegetable oils, animal fat, most cheeses, and high fructose corn syrup).

EPA and DHA are manufactured in the chloroplasts of certain phytoplankton (algae), and then concentrated in the fish as they feed on the phytoplankton. No vertebrate animal can make Omega-3 or Omega-6 because we lack the enzyme that can put a double bond at the 3 or 6 position of the fatty acid molecule.

The typical Western (American) diet has an overabundance of Omega-6 EFAs (pro-inflammatory) and a lack of Omega-3 EFAs (anti-inflammatory). This lack of Omega Balance precipitates many inflammatory based illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, Rheumatoid and autoimmune diseases, neuro-cognitive diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia, ADD/ADHD), and perhaps some cancers.

When we evolved as hunter-gatherers, we consumed a natural 1:1 balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 which modulates our immune system in terms of inflammation vs. anti-inflammation. An ideal Omega balance would be 1:1 but up to 4:1 is still considered very healthy (e.g., Mediterranean diet). Unfortunately, the American diet is significantly out of balance with Omega-6 consumption as high as 25 to 50 times greater than Omega-3. Many researchers believe this Omega Imbalance is the basis for the rising epidemic of inflammatory-based diseases in America (e.g., CVD, rheumatoid and other autoimmune diseases, arthritis, ADD/ADHD, and other neurocognitive disease such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and perhaps some cancers).

The Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids are essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. that the body cannot make or store and must be EATEN. Like oxygen and water, your body also needs certain amounts everyday. These nutrients are beneficial and necessary for everyone at any age. They promote emotional well-being, mental clarity, protect cardiac health, and lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure. Indeed, they help support every organ system in the body. The benefits of the Omega-3 nutrients in PRN products are well established in the scientific literature. The American Heart Association recognizes the importance of the Omega-3s in cardiac health and in lowering blood triglyceride levels.

Every cell in the body requires Omega-3 fatty acids to form normally functioning cell membranes - the envelope surrounding every cell. In addition to this structural role in the cell membranes, the Omega-3 fatty acids are converted into a class of compounds called the eicosanoids (e.g. prostaglandins). The eicosanoids have numerous functions in the body, including the heart, joints, blood vessels, and the brain. Consuming even moderate amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids reduces the rate of first heart attack by about 30%. In patients that have had a heart attack, Omega-3 fatty acids appear to reduce the frequency of fatal arrythmias (these electrical disturbances in the heart are the most common cause of sudden death during and after a heart attack). Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the symptoms of a number of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. In the blood vessels, Omega-3 fatty acids prevent the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to "hardening of the arteries" and heart disease. There are many other health benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids that are being discovered on a regular basis.

Each person has a different individual response and results can be seen in as little as two days or can take up to several weeks. You may continue to see further improvements over a much longer period of time as your body is replenished with the Omega-3s in PRN products.

Yes, eating more fish would be a healthy choice for most Americans, However, data from the FDA's website suggests that freshwater fish in the United States is essentially inedible, due to industrial pollution leading to residues of heavy metals (e.g. mercury) and organochlorine carcinogens (e.g. PCBs). Ocean fish are more variable, with some species likely to be very clean, while others may be highly contaminated. It is difficult to make general guidelines regarding how much fish is safe. The alternative way to receive Omega-3 fatty acids is through supplements, especially when the supplement is in the same natural triglyceride (TG) form as the fish for maximum absorption and potency. PRN products are derived from sardines, herring, and anchovies off the southern tip of South America. These small fish appear to be uncontaminated. As one moves up the food chain, more and more toxins can accumulate depending on the diet of the fish. Smaller size fish species, such as anchovies, are far down the food chain. Finally, PRN products are highly concentrated forms of EPA and DHA, distilled from fish oil. PRN's distillation process would separate the EPA and DHA from any toxins anyway, if they were present. A reasonable recommendation would be to eat moderate amounts of fish combined with a highly concentrated Omega-3 supplement to ensure an adequate intake of Omega-3 EFAs.

Yes. The Omega-3 fatty acids are absolutely necessary during pregnancy and lactation. Babies have an absolute need for the Omega-3 fatty acids for their brain and visual system development. Babies obtain their Omega-3 fatty acids from the mother through the placenta during pregnancy and from breast milk in the post-partum period. In fact, the baby will take the mother's supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, even if the mother is relatively deficient. This means that a new mother who has a low consumption of fish or other Omega-3 sources will become profoundly depleted after having a baby, which may lead to post-partum depression. There are research studies showing that this depletion will get worse with each pregnancy. Women giving birth to twins or triplets are even more susceptible to Omega-3 depletion. It is safe to say that all pregnant women should be receiving Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA which is critical for brain and neurologic development in the newborn and beyond. However, the best way to receive Omega-3s is controversial. Too much fish can expose the mother and baby to toxins found all too often in fish, such as heavy metals (e.g. mercury) or organochlorine carcinogens (e.g. PCBs). Therefore it may be safer to use an Omega-3 supplement that has been tested for purity. Mom’s Omega Advantage with a 1:3 EPA/DHA formulation is ideal for supplementation prior to, during, and post partum during the nursing period. This may also prevent post-partum depression.

Yes. In fact, the Omega-3 fatty acid nutrients in PRN products are a necessary building block for a child's brain and nervous system. There is emerging research to suggest that a nationwide deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids is present in the United States and other developed Western nations. The implications of this deficiency may be enormous for heart disorders, asthma, arthritis and general health. This may be a large part of the reason for the epidemic of depression in children and adolescents. There is also evidence that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids. Controlled studies of omega-3 fatty acids in children with depression or ADHD are underway. In the meantime, because the Omega-3 fatty acids are so safe, adding PRN’s Kid’s Omega Advantage to your child's nutritional plan will benefit your child's health in many ways.

The American Heart Association recognizes the importance of the Omega-3s in decreasing your chance of a heart attack, decreasing your chance of sudden death and in lowering blood triglyceride levels. EPA is especially important in its anti-inflammatory potential to prevent atherosclerosis and stabilize plaque. CardiaBeat (see tab) is a form of Omega-3 and plant sterol with further benefit of lowering triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and elevating HDL (good) cholesterol. We believe our CardioPlus Omega Benefits product with CardiaBeat is the finest natural product on the market today for cardiovascular health.

There is definitive evidence that most Americans are depleted of Omega-3 fatty acids because of changes in our diets over the past 100 years. Many Omega-3 containing foods are not eaten anymore, such as wild game. Wild game (venison, etc.) has more than 7 times the Omega-3 content as domesticated cows, pigs, and chickens. In addition, many wild plants contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, while many of the vegetables and grains we eat today have little or no Omega-3 oils. Finally, our consumption of fish has declined dramatically in recent decades and fish are the major source of EPA & DHA. This overall depletion of EPA and DHA places people at risk for chronic inflammation, which is the root cause for almost all illnesses. Since almost all fish carry some contamination (e.g., mercury, PCBs, dioxins), the safest and best way to consume the required daily amounts of EPA & DHA is with an omega-3 supplement THAT IS IN THE SAME NATURAL TRIGLYCERIDE (TG) FORM AS FISH. All PRN supplements are in the natural TG form.

Omega-6s form pro-inflammatory series of Eicosanoids; Omega-3s form anti-inflammatory series of Eicosanoids. The optimal dietary ratio is 1:1. Current "western" diet: Omega-6 >> Omega-3 Omega-6s increased risk increased risk increased more higher higher worse more more less less Health Impact sudden cardiac death coronary artery disease platelet aggregation vasoconstriction blood pressure triglycerides rheumatoid arthritis pain inflammation major depression mood elevation mood stabilization Omega-3s decreased risk decreased risk increased less lower lower improved less less more More.

a. PRN products are simply the finest Omega-3 supplements. No other Omega-3 supplement even comes close.

b. The PRN product formulation is 100% natural in the same TG form as fish, and was developed by doctors to be the highest quality Omega-3 supplements available for you and your family.

c. PRN products are highly potent Omega-3 supplements. PRN products follow nature's way to promote cardiac health, mental clarity, positive mood and emotional well-being, as well as healthier joints, better digestion, and to facilitate weight loss and overall good health.

d. Attention to quality at every step provides you with an extremely pure, Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplement. PRN products are a Pharmaceutical quality Omega-3 dietary supplement. PRN products are purified with multiple molecular distillation steps at FDA-approved pharmaceutical distillation facilities, with GMP ("Good Manufacturing Practices") certification. The oil undergoes multiple distillation steps to provide you with the highly potent, pure, and natural TG form of Omega-3 supplementation that is unique to PRN. PRN products have scientifically formulated to promote health and well-being with our special blends of EPA & DHA.

e. The Omega-3 in PRN products start with natural fish oil from small, short-lived, non-predatory fish in the clean waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. Small fish that don't eat other fish and don't live for very long do not accumulate pollutants or toxins.

f. PRN products are free of environmental toxins and free of heavy metals, such as mercury. PRN products are tested at key points during the manufacturing process to ensure purity and Omega-3 concentration.

Selecting an Omega-3 supplement for yourself or for your family can be frustrating and confusing. There are many products to choose from - with differing features, quality, and prices. A high quality Omega-3 supplement should have the characteristics listed below.

a) TG Form – absorption: Natural TG form for high potency. The triglyceride form of fish oil is the form that is found in fish and is up to 300% more absorbable than the synthetic ethyl ester forms found in almost all other fish oil products.

b) Concentration – potency: PRN products are molecularly distilled to produce the highest concentration of Omega-3s. Most brands contain only 30% Omega-3s. The only thing that counts in fish oil is the concentration of EPA & DHA.

c) Condition specificity: PRN formulates products based on the scientific evidence that supports the anti-inflammatory and “brain food” benefits of EPA & DHA.

d) Purity: No mercury, PCBs, or other pollutants: PRN products are guaranteed to be free of heavy metals and organic pollutants. The source of the Omega-3 oil in PRN products comes from small fish in unspoiled waters, and the molecular distillation steps further ensure a highly pure Omega-3 oil.

e) Pharmaceutical grade: PRN products are designated as Pharmaceutical Grade, because it is manufactured to exacting standards in a pharmaceutically licensed facility that uses GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) under FDA oversight.

f) Free from aftertaste or burping: Because PRN products are in the natural, more absorbable TG form, there is no burping or aftertaste.

g) Price: Because PRN products have the highest potency (absorption times concentration) in the marketplace today, the lowest cost per therapeutic dose is provided to the consumer.

PRN PRODUCTS ARE THE ONLY OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENT THAT HAS ALL OF THE ABOVE CHARACTERISTICS.

The fish oils used in PRN products originate mainly from small marine fish such as sardines, anchovies or herring.

No PRN products do not contain any flax oil, PRN products are 60% Omega-3 essential fatty acids derived from marine fish oils. The fish oil is distilled from very small fish from the cold waters off the southern coast of South America. The omega-3 EPA + DHA are produced in phytoplankton in the natural TG form. The total Omega-3 concentration is 60% with 90% absorption resulting in a 54% potency (concentration x absorption). Flax seed oil is from a plant source and is a 18 chain Omega-3 EFA and does not provide the Omega-3 benefits of EPA & DHA.

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of the Omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 fatty acid with a shorter carbon chain than EPA and DHA. This structural difference confers different biochemical properties to ALA. Some ALA gets converted in the body to EPA and DHA, but this conversion is probably less than 1% and is not adequate to meet the body's need for EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is also more palatable than typical commercially available fish oil, but has a stronger taste and odor than highly concentrated, distilled fish oil products. There have been anecdotal reports of flaxseed oil precipitating mania or hypomania and one study showing possible accelleration of prostate cancer. Flaxseed oil will not supply the body’s requirement for Omega-3s.

No. PRN products do not contain any seed oils. PRN products are Omega-3 essential fatty acids derived from marine fish oils. The fish oil is distilled from very small fish from the cold waters off the southern coast of South America. Borage, Black Currant, and Evening Primrose oils have high concentrations of Omega-6 EFAs, which may further aggravate the inflammatory response.

As part of our strict quality control program, we test every batch of PRN products for dioxins, PCB's, Mercury and other heavy metals. Batch numbers appear on every PRN bottle to insure quality and purity. Each batch is sent to an independent external lab for third-party testing.

We usually ship within 2 to 3 business days.

Most fish oil products sold commercially are low in Omega-3 concentration (20-30%) and are in a poorly absorbable (20-30%) ethyl ester form. The potency (concentration x absorption) is, therefore, so low that it would require as many as 20 capsules daily to reach therapeutic doses. This would make the cost of these products prohibitive and could even result in ethyl ester (alcohol) toxicity. For overall wellness and prevention, approximately 1-2 ABSORBABLE grams of EPA and DHA is recommended. For inflammatory conditions, 3-4 ABSORBABLE grams of EPA and DHA is recommended. Because of the high potency and absorbability of PRN products only 3-6 softgels daily are needed. Thus, the PRN product provides the lowest cost per therapeutic dose.

Based on the recommended servings on each product, one bottle of PRN Omega-3s should last one month.

For optimal absorption, the best time to take PRN softgels is with a full meal. In addition, 7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide additional bioflavonoid antioxidants, as well as other health benefits. For the best results, it is important to reduce your intake of omega-6 containing seed oils such as corn oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil and decrease your intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids found in processed and fast foods. Canola oil and olive oil are recommended, in moderation, as cooking oils. To support and promote cardiovascular health, emotional well being, and reduce inflammation, take 3-6 softgels per day regularly with a meal. You may take all the softgels with one meal or split them up with meals. It is important to take PRN products on a regular daily basis. Individuals vary in their time to achieve a response. Some people feel significantly better after several days, although most individuals take several weeks to a month to experience the health benefits from PRN products. To support and promote cardiac and physical well-being, take 3-6 softgels per day regularly with a meal.

People often increase the number of softgels after several weeks if they do not have the response they desire. Your health care practitioner may recommend that you increase your dose further.

If you do not see results in two to three weeks gradually increase your dose. If you have further questions you may check with your health care provider.

It is recommended to keep PRN at room temperature or below and out of direct sunlight, with as little humidity as possible. However, once our liquid products are opened, they should be refrigerated.

There are no drug-like side effects to PRN products. Rarely a person may have some GI distress such as diarrhea when taking PRN products, but these effects are temporary and can be ameliorated by taking the products with food or dividing the doses.

PRN products are mainly manufactured as softgels, however, for customers who have difficulty swallowing pills/gel caps, we recommend piercing the softgel with a sterilized pin and squeezing the oil into a liquid (juice, etc.) or pudding immediately prior to ingestion. This will not compromise the effectiveness of PRN products. Also, customers can get the same Omega-3 purity in our Omega Essentials or Kid’s Omega Advantage liquid formulas.

PRN products are a safe natural highly purified source of Omega-3 essential nutrients in marine fish oil. In all matters concerning health it is always important to check with your physician before starting a new program.

Just like aspirin (or Motrin, Advil, and the other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)), Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the aggregation ("stickiness") of platelets. Platelets are necessary for blood clotting. Despite this theoretical risk, there are no established cases of excessive bleeding during Omega-3 fatty acid treatment. However, if you have hemophilia or a different bleeding disorder, or if you are receiving anticoagulants, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or high-dose aspirin or NSAIDs, check with your health care provider prior to using PRN products.

PRN products can be taken with most medications. However each individual is unique and it is important to check with your healthcare provider regarding any food supplement when you are on medications. By FDA law we are unable to provide medical advice regarding the use of PRN products. All questions regarding use of PRN products and medications or particular health problems should be discussed with your health care provider. For anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or high-dose aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and others, check with your health care provider prior to using PRN products. Omega-3 fatty acids in general can mix with any medication without danger of an interaction. Indeed, by enhancing cell membrane permeability, Omega-3 EFAs may increase the efficacy of all medications and nutrients.