Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question which is not covered here please contact us either via 'Liveperson' on our website, or use our contact form to email us, or telephone us.
How Pure are Xtend-Life Omega 3 DHA Esters?
This is one of our biggest strengths. We pride ourselves with having the toughest specifications in the world and we back this up with hard data from independent government approved laboratories.
What is the recommended dosage?
We recommend between 2 – 4 soft gels per day. In other words 1 – 2 bottles per month.
Can you overdose on Omega 3/DHAs?
There is some debate over a maximum level of Omega 3/DHA to take per day. Some ‘experts’ have claimed that mega doses are helpful for athletic purposes or even for people suffering from severe depression.
Our suggestion would be that you take between 2 to 4 soft gels per day, unless you have severe depression or Crohn’s disease in which case the dose can be as high as 6 per day. Some people even get good results on just one soft gel per day.
However, it must be kept in mind that Omega 3/DHA also acts as a natural blood thinner. In other words like a natural form of aspirin. Therefore in high doses it has the potential of contributing to bleeding and bruising, particularly if used in conjunction with blood thinner medication.
Some companies suggest much higher dose rates. Why don’t you?
This is likely to be because with most products you need to take more soft gels to get the same amount of DHA as we have in our advanced formula. The DHA is the most important component of Omega 3s.
When I take fish oil supplements I get a fish ‘repeat’ aftertaste and sometimes some stomach sensitivity. Are these side effects normal?
This is a common side effect with most fish oils but one that is rarely experienced by customers of Xtend-Life Omega 3 DHA because of the purity of the oil. Many mass produced oils are somewhat rancid when encapsulated which can exaggerate this problem.
There are a few considerations to help with any occasional ‘repeats’ or aftertastes:
1. Although it is rare with our formula, if it does occur it is likely due to your digestive system being slightly imbalanced, or your pH level not being optimum. This is why we often recommend taking our Omega 3/DHAs together with our Total Balance formula, as Total Balance will help to rebalance any minor digestive disturbances and help to balance your pH. After a few days/weeks aftertastes or repeats are likely to disappear in the rare instances they occur.
2. Many customer report that keeping the Omega 3/DHAs cool, i.e. in a refrigerator, helps to stem any ‘repeat’.
Do you supply your Omega 3/DHAs in liquid form?
No. This is primarily because it is concentrated. You only need a total of 2 grams a day which is well less than a teaspoon full. Also, we do not add any flavors or deodorize the oil. This is needed for a liquid form and can negatively impact on the effectiveness of the oil.
I have heard that fish oils contain cholesterol, how then can your product help cholesterol balance?
Some more cheaply produced fish oils may contain a lot of cholesterol due to the fact that they have not been molecularly distilled. That is not the case with the Xtend-Life product.
All fish oil contains some cholesterol, albeit a small amount. Our purification process removes the cholesterol and laboratory analysis has established that the presence of cholesterol is virtually zero.
What is the DPA in the Omega 3?
DPA is the third most common Omega 3 in fish oil. There has not been a lot of research carried out on this component. However, it does appear that there are some real benefits from DPA as like DHA it is a complex fatty acid with 22 carbon bonds, unlike EPA which only has 20 carbon bonds. Omega 3 DHA/Esters is quite rich in DPA compared to other fish oil products.
Why do you have a lower level of EPA than many of your competitors?
Unless you use a mixture of fish the decision has to be made when concentrating whether to focus on DHA or EPA. Most companies focus on EPA as it is easier to concentrate and less expensive given that it only contains 20 carbon bonds instead of the 22 which DHA has. Also, most fish species naturally contain more EPA than DHA.
We choose to focus on DHA as this is in the best interests of our customers. Recent research confirms that it is the most valuable component of Omega 3. (Remember that it is the most important fatty acid in the brain). In addition, it is difficult for the body to convert EPA to DHA because it has to add 2 carbon bonds. On the other hand the body only has to ‘drop off’ two carbon bonds from DHA to create EPA.
What is the soft gel made of?
It is made out of a highly purified pharmaceutical grade bovine gelatin extract. There is zero risk of BSE from using these soft gels which are a standard in the pharmaceutical industry.
Are there any side effects associated with taking Omega 3/DHA Esters?
There have been no reported side effects of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters.
I cannot take your fish oil esters as I am allergic to fish products. Is there an alternative?
A less desirable alternative is to use flax seed oil which is Omega 3 oil in the form of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Omega 3 from plant sources does not contain either DHA or EPA. It has to rely on the body to convert the ALA. This can be problematical with some people as it relies on everything functioning well to achieve it.
ALA only has 18 carbon bonds, so it needs to add two in order to convert to EPA and then add another two to convert that to DHA.
A number of fish oil products claim to have a 60% content of Omega 3. Your Omega 3/DHAs have a high DHA content only. What is the difference?
Our total Omega 3 can vary between 42 – 53%. Those companies that quote a specific content on their labels are only taking a guess, (usually at the upper end). This is because each batch of product will vary both in Omega 3 content and its components. This is why we quote a range of values on our labels but publish specific Certificates of Analysis produced by independent government approved laboratories.
Even in cases where the total Omega 3 in a product may be higher than the Xtend-Life product it may not mean a lot. The key is the amount of DHA present.
I have a problem with stiff joints, although I have not been diagnosed with Arthritis. Will I notice a difference?
Yes, it is very possible you will notice quite a difference. General stiffness in joints and aching/creaking bones often benefit from a regular intake of this product.
What is an 'ester' and why is an ester form needed?
An ester is formed when an alcohol combines in reaction with an acid to form an organic compound.
Most fish oils are in a triglyceride form. The body has to convert this triglyceride compound into an ester before it can be used. Therefore, by providing the compound in an ester form already we are providing the body with less work to do, enabling it to concentrate on actually using the benefits!
Can Omega 3/DHA Esters be taken while pregnant or nursing?
Most physicians recommend this product for pregnant or nursing mothers as it may help with positive development of the child’s brain, neurological and physical systems. It can also play a very important role in preventing post natal depression. This is because the fetus can draw off precious stores of the mothers DHA which can lead to depression.
Will Omega 3/DHA Esters interfere with other prescription medications?
It is rare that there is any interaction with a prescription medicine. However, high doses may enhance blood thinning. If in doubt please consult your physician or contact us and we will check our databases for any potential conflicts.
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