A few years ago, the F.D.A. approved a fish oil drug called Lovaza. They say that it is contaminant free and has a high concentration of omega 3s. These are the same statements made by several high quality over-the-counter products that can be bought on the Internet. These claims are all true but there is a difference - cost. Your bank account will hardly notice the price of an over-the-counter supplement. You can buy Lovaza or put a down payment on a set of chairs and couches. Lets look at both products and see if we can get comparable health benefits and stay financially solvent.
Fish oil has been a staple in diets since we learned how to catch fish. In the past 40 years, various research groups have studied people who live by coastal areas throughout the planet. They speak different languages, have different customs but their seafood diets are loaded in omega 3 fatty acids. They also share two other traits.
1] Western diseases such as clinical depression, heart problems, arthritis and out of balance immune systems are statistically very small.
2] Prescription drugs are used very sparingly.
There are two specific omega 3s in fish oil that are given credit for the benefits I just mentioned - EPA and DHA. An omega 3 fish oil product has EPA and DHA in it. Some over-the-counter[OTC] supplements will add another omega 3 called ALA. It is derived from flax seed and is not needed. It is also not used in Lovaza.
By the way, Lovaza used to be called Omacor. They are the same and currently the only prescription fish oil drug. There are, however, several high quality OTC supplements that are just as pure as Lovaza and can prove it with independent lab reports. Go to their websites. Look for a Certificate of Analysis [COA]. It will tell you exactly what is in the product but what is not - ocean toxins, chemical additives etc
Considering the price differential, you may be wondering if there is any difference at all? There is one thing - dosage. Lovaza has over 800mg of EPA/DHA per capsule. Most of the better OTC brands have around 450mg. per capsule. That is the difference.
The American F.D.A. does not classify omega 3s as medications. They are nutritional supplements. Consumers do not need to get food from a drug manufacturer. If you go out to dinner, is there an F.D.A. approved special on the menu? Has the chef been trained by a drug company?
Let's return to price. Two capsules of my OTC supplement has more DHA and EPA than one of the prescription fish oil. The omega 3s are the same and they are just as contaminant free - maybe more. Saving an extra $150/month will also keep my bank account healthy.
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