Omega 3 Fish oil supplements have gained notoriety due to the increasing demand for a preventive measure against fatal heart diseases.
According to the CDC (Centre of Disease Control and Prevention), 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart diseases. It may vary by race and ethnicity, but the fact remains that it is a widely common health problem. Due to its prevalence, several studies have been made which suggest that early action is important to prevent a heart attack. This is where the benefits of omega-3 fish oil supplements come into play.
Why would we benefit from Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that are considered essential nutrients because our body cannot synthesize them on its own. They must be obtained through our diet by way of whole foods or supplements. The federal advisory committee who authored the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 advised adults to eat about 8 ounces of a variety of seafood each and every week.
The guideline was intended to provide you with the necessary amounts of two essential omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The brings us to question whether Omega 3 / QH Ultra is able to deliver the nutritional requirements. What more can it offer? And, what makes it any different from the other fish oil supplements in the market?
Xtend-Life’s Omega 3/QH Ultra Fish Oil Supplement
Omega 3 / QH Ultra is said to be a nature-inspired supplement that is designed to help maintain and enhance your health through a unique blend of ingredients. It is part of the roster of products from Xtend-Life, which would have you questioning if it also provides the same quality as the other popular supplements the brand carries.
Xtend-Life is a company that markets itself to provide natural products. They claim to combine nature with science to create effective natural supplements, superfoods, and even skincare. With almost 2 decades in the market, they have earned several positive reviews that support the quality of their products.
What does it claim to provide?
It includes Kaneka Ubiquinol™, Lyc-O-Mato® lycopene, and AstaPure® Astaxanthin. With all that, it claims to be the best Omega 3 and Co-enzyme Q10 combo produce out there. That list may seem like alien language because these ingredients are unfamiliar to the regular shopper.
So, let’s take a closer look.
- Kaneka Ubiquinol™
Ubiquinol is considered the most readily absorbed form of CoQ10, and the most powerful antioxidant in the body. Kaneka Ubiquinol™ was developed by Kaneka Corporation, a Japanese international chemical manufacturing company and the only manufacturer of biodegradable Ubiquinol globally. This product was introduced as the next-generation Coenzyme Q10. It provides a defense against oxidative damage to the body’s cells, lipids, proteins, and DNA which can result in diseases.
- Lyc-O-Mato®
This is a complex lycopene extract that includes a combination of phytochemicals that offers several health benefits against cardiac issues, colorectal problems, prostate cancer, and even skin problems. A simple search would show you several brands that incorporate Lyc-O-Mato already. Some brands even went on to say that it is a convenient way to add the benefits of tomato lycopene to your diet.
- AstaPure® Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that is produced from natural algae that were extracted through a closed bioreactor system. It is used for cardiovascular health, eye health, anti-inflammatory benefits, anti-aging, eye health, and sports nutrition. Their claim to fame is their guarantee for solvent-free products derived from a highly controlled manufacturing process. This means that it provides you with pure ingredients.
These three ingredients are already quite impressive. On its own, each shows extensive scientific evidence showing its effectiveness in supporting overall cardiovascular health and in replenishing natural energy levels.
However, there are no independent studies to support the effectiveness of these three based on the specific formula by Xtend-Life.
Directions
The directions on the bottle say that you must take 2 soft gels 1-2 times per day. While this may seem straightforward, it pays to be cautious. Ask your doctor about appropriate dosing based on your body type and pre-existing conditions, to ensure your safety.
The website states that if you are taking statins, you must take CoQ10 supplements to support your heart and circulatory system. Verify this first with your doctor to see if the ingredients in this formula are safe, especially if you are already taking maintenance medications.
Remember that supplements don’t have to undergo FDA approval, so you need to take precautions not to harm your body while chasing after health.
How does it work
CoQ10 is designed to help increase the efficiency and volume of your heart’s pumping mechanism. It can also increase the amount of blood that the heart can pump which results in elevated levels of usable oxygen throughout the body.
Since Omega 3/QH Ultra does not use ubiquinone, an oxidized form of CoQ10 which the body then processes to make ubiquinol. Rather it uses ubiquinol which bears several benefits for the body. Individuals over 40 may no longer be able to process ubiquinone as effectively, so they derive little benefit from supplements that use it. Xtend-Life incorporates ubiquinol directly into their formula so that the body no longer has to do the extra processing. This means faster and more efficient absorption.
When combined with the omega-3 properties of fish oil, Lyc-O-Mato, and AstaPure, it can give potent protection against disease.
Benefits
Through the combined effects of the ingredients it can provide the following benefits:
- Increased cardiovascular endurance
- Improved heart health
- Low blood pressure
- Higher energy levels
- Rapid muscle growth
- Relief of migraine headaches
- Enhanced focus and concentration
Do take note that these benefits are the ones extrapolated from the benefits of the individual ingredients. More studies are needed to verify the collective benefit derived from Xtend-Life’s Omega 3/QH Ultra formula.
Side Effects
The side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. Xtend-Life’s Omega 3/QH Ultra has no reported side effects as of this writing. However, one must be cautious when using this kind of supplement because it can interact with drugs that affect blood clotting. It is also uncertain if people with seafood allergies can safely take fish oil supplements. So, you might have to consult your primary care physician before you try this product.
Within my price range?
At $27.95 USD for a bottle of 60 capsules, the price of this product is mid-range. However, you can get it a lower price of $25.16 USD if you sign-up for a membership. If you think this is something you can add to your daily health regimen, the price is not so bad for the long term.
Final Thoughts
Omega 3 / QH Ultra does offer more than your usual fish oil supplements. Based on the primary ingredients in their formula, you can see an effort to come up with a product that delivers the benefits from the best sources around.
However, it does help if there are more studies to support the effectiveness of this supplement, and maybe its side effects. With a lot of substandard supplements in the market today, you just can’t leave your health to chance.
Overall, this supplement would be worth a try but with your physician’s guidance. $27 is not a bad price for a month’s maintenance, but you should go ahead with it with the right precautions.