By Andrew Gaeddert
Since the introduction of EPAQ Krill Oil, our Herbal Helpline has fielded many questions regarding this newest product. This article presents some of the frequently asked questions about EPAQ by practitioners. Use this article, along with our other Professional Newsletter, EPAQ Krill Oil: A New, Improved Fish Oil, Volume 13, Number 4.
Why did you develop EPAQ Krill Oil?
At our clinic, we have suggested our clients incorporate fish into their diets. Fish oil has several significant benefits, including protecting the body against inflammation, reducing heart attacks, and reducing stroke. It is associated with the reduction of symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis.
Supplements of fish oil have been used in the treatment of ADD, ADHD, and depression. In our clinic, there were two major problems with standard fish oil supplements: poor compliance and digestive issues. First, it is not uncommon to recommend 10 or more fish oil capsules per day to get a clinically effective dosage. Second, standard fish oil products have digestive side effects such as regurgitation, bloating and bad breath.
As a result, we are offering EPAQ, extracted from krill oil. It has demonstrated clinical effectiveness at lower dosages than fish oil, and does not seem to produce digestive side effects. It contains EPA/DHA, naturally occurring phospholipids and antioxidant activity. Typical dosage is just three capsules daily.
One of the unique components of EPAQ is the phospholipid known as phosphatidylserine or PS. PS works with other phospholipids to build cell membranes. In addition, it has been found to improve mental function. Another phospholipid found in EPAQ is phosphatidylcholine (PC), which also supports cell membrane activity and helps transport fats. It has been used to treat liver damage, as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders in conjunction with standard therapies.
The krill oil in EPAQ has been the subject of scientific studies. It has been useful in the treatment of pain and mood disorders. The krill is ethically harvested to make sure that adequate supplies are available for whales. It is tested to make sure it is free of toxic heavy metals.
You say that EPAQ krill oil is more effective than fish oil. However, the levels of EPA and DHA contained in EPAQ are low compared to fish oil. How is it, then, that EPAQ is more effective?
First, EPAQ also contains phospholipids and the antioxidant astaxanthin, thus making it considerably more bioavailable. Second, the clinical studies show a lower effective dosage when compared to fish oil (please refer to my newsletter, EPAQ Krill Oil: A New, Improved Fish Oil, Volume 13, Number 4).
How does EPAQ compare to flax and other fish oils?
First, the conversion of flax to EPA/ DHA is poor. While an excellent approach to treating constipation, flax oil does not appear to have anti-inflammatory effects, nor does it relieve joint pain. As it does not meaningfully convert to DHA, it is not associated with supporting brain function.
I believe that fish oil is best incorporated into the diet by eating fresh fish such as wild salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, anchovies or sablefish. Standard fish oil supplements often cause digestive side effects, especially at a clinically effective dose of 3-10g per day of Omega-3’s which translates to 6-20 capsules per day. In my clinical experience, it is rare for a client to take a therapeutic dose of fish oil. Conversely, EPAQ has a therapeutic dosage of just three softgels per day. What makes EPAQ more effective than standard fish oil products is the unique blend of EPA, DHA, phospholipids, and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which helps to make it more bioavailable. Thus the nutrients enter cells more readily. Ideally, clients with conditions such as heart disease, MS, and skin disorders would supplement EPAQ with a diet that includes fresh fish several days a week.
Can EPAQ be taken with food, herbs, and other supplements?
While herbs are generally best taken between meals, it is ideal to take EPAQ with breakfast and lunch. Some supplements are best taken on an empty stomach, others with meals.
Does EPAQ contain iodine or GLA? Is the softgel material vegetarian?
It does not contain iodine. It does contain a small amount of GLA. The softgel material is not vegetarian; it is made of gelatin.
How would you compare EPAQ and Polilipid in treating hyperlipidemia?
If a person is basically healthy, they could just use Polilipid for hyperlipidemia. It is effective at lowering LDL and raising HDL. However, for best results I would suggest taking both. If a person is trying to prevent high cholesterol or maintain healthy cholesterol, they could supplement with EPAQ (2 soft gels per day for the first 30 days, 1 soft gel per day thereafter) along with dietary modifications. (For more information, see the Professional Newsletter, Anti-cholesterol Herbs, Volume 12, number 3.)
What is the best way to store EPAQ? Can it be frozen or refrigerated?
In most cases, EPAQ can be stored in the home away from extreme heat and moisture. However, let’s say you live in a hot and humid place like Florida and you don’t have air conditioning. In this case, we recommend to keep a bottle in the refrigerator stored inside of a zip-lock bag, a Rubbermaid container, or some other material that can act as a barrier between the product bottle and the moisture of the refrigerator. It is not recommended to freeze EPAQ.
Does the human body have what it takes to digest EPAQ, or is it necessary to use an additional supplement like Lipase?
Yes, the body has what it takes. No additional supplementation is necessary. I recommend taking EPAQ with meals. If you have a client with a lot of digestive problems, they should take EPAQ with Chzyme, which combines herbs for food stagnation with digestive enzymes, including Lipase.
How is EPAQ 34 times stronger than CoQ10? Also, when fish oil is so much cheaper, how can EPAQ compete?
The antioxidant effect of EPAQ is significantly stronger than CoQ10. It is not the same thing as CoQ10. The benefit of EPAQ is the combination of EPA/DHA, phospholipids and antioxidants that readily enter the cells.
Compared with fish oil, EPAQ is a much better value. It is significantly more bioavailable, it does not produce digestive side effects, and it contains important co-factors not found in standard fish oil.
The diet of many whale species consists primarily of krill. By harvesting krill for human consumption, aren’t you negatively impacting the marine ecosystem?
Antarctic krill are known to be one of the most abundant animal species with female krill laying up to 10,000 eggs at a time, several times in a season. Their significance in the marine ecosystem has not gone unappreciated. In 1981, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources devised a treaty. According to the terms of the treaty, the total catch of krill is limited to 4 million tons per season out of a sustainable krill harvest of around 150 million tons. Currently, less than 10% of the allowable amount of krill are fished worldwide.
EPAQ Krill Oil Nutritional Analysis*
Two softgels contain the following:
FATTY ACIDS PROFILE
Total Omega-3: 300mg
EPA: 150mg
DHA: 90mg
Total Omega-6: 20mg
Total Omega-9: 85mg
PHOSPHOLIPID PROFILE
Total Phospholipids: 400mg
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylethanolamine
Phosphatidylinositol
Phosphatidylserine
Cardiolipin
ANTIOXIDANTS
Astaxanthin: 1500mcg
VITAMINS
A (all-trans retinol): 100IU
E (alpha-tocopherol): 0.5IU
Fat: 950mg
Total lipids as fatty acids: 700mg
Saturated: 320mg
Monounsaturated: 90mg
Polyunsaturated: 300mg
Carbohydrate: 0.50mg
*This Nutritional Analysis applied to an earlier batch/lot before improved the formula (2017).