Kyolic EPA Garlic Supplements 90 Capsules
A SOURCE OF UNADULTERATED FATTY ACIDS IS NEEDED:
It is well established that polyunsaturated fats, of which omega-3 fatty acids are a type, must be included in the diet, as humans cannot produce these themselves. However, many of the fats in the diet are hydrogenated (made into saturated fats which are solid at room temperature as opposed to liquid). The reason manufacturers hydrogenate them is to increase their usefulness in food production. As a result, trans fats are generated that are not useful to the body, and may increase cholesterol, and inhibit the metabolism of even the good fats. Therefore, a source of "unadulterated" polyunsaturated fats is essential (raw vegetable oils, nuts, and fish oils are good sources of essential fats).
QUALITY SOURCES OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE FEW:
According to a review article on omega-3 fatty acids in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1 , an optimal intake for omega-3 fatty acids appears to be 800-1100 mg/day. The current amount consumed in the US population is 50 mg EPA and 80 mg DHA per capita per day, suggesting that the present diet does not provide adequate amounts of these fatty acids. There are few sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in our diet, which some studies suggest may be even more necessary/useful in our diets than omega-6 fatty acids; found plentifully in vegetable oils. In addition, modern agriculture, with its emphasis on production, has decreased the omega-3 fatty acid content in the few foods that contain them (green leafy vegetables, animal meats, eggs, and even fish).
FISH OIL VS. LINSEED (FLAX OIL):
The human body has the ability to synthesize EPA from linolenic acid (linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid found in flax oil and other sources). However, this conversion is quite slow, especially in people eating typical western diets rich in linoleic acid (linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid derived mostly from vegetable oils, with some found in meats, nuts and other fat sources). Specific enzymes (delta 4,5 and 6 desaturase) are necessary to convert the fatty acids in our diets into active forms (prostaglandins, etc). Some of these enzymes are used by both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The body enzymes tend to favor the omega-6 fatty over the omega-3 so high amounts of vegetable oils or other sources of omega-6 fatty acids can limit the conversion of omega-3 fatty acids into their active forms in the body. The conversion of omega-3 fatty acid sources to EPA and DHA by the body, which is the most potent and active forms of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, is somewhat limited and rather slow2. Fish oils have been shown to increase tissue EPA levels ten times more efficiently than other omega-3 fatty acid sources such as linseed (flax oil)3. Therefore, there appears to be an advantage in consuming fish oils for their direct supply of EPA and DHA.
VITAMINS IN FISH OILS:
A noteworthy concern among many users of fish oils is vitamin A and D toxicity. According to a review article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1, and ideal supplement "would contain high amounts of EPA and DHA but little or no cholesterol or vitamins A and D". Cod liver oil is a dense source of these fat-soluble vitamins and it is advised that the recommended dosage for cod liver oil tablets not be exceeded in order to avoid vitamin A and D toxicity. However, our product, KYOLIC-EPA, is not derived from cod liver and is not a significant source of either vitamin A or D (<2% of the RDI per 2 capsules), or of cholesterol). Our fish oil is highly concentrated to yield an even higher amount of EPA, which is standardized to 280 mg per capsule. Each capsule of Kyolic-EPA also contains DHA, at a potency of 120 mg. It has recently been suggested that DHA may suppress colon cancer growth4 and breast metastasis5. Additionally, vitamin E (5 I.U.) is added to each capsule of Kyolic-EPA to protect the fish oils from oxidation. Extensive testing is conducted on every lot to confirm that the oils have not oxidized, and to assure that the product is free of contaminants, such as heavy metals like mercury and lead.
FUNCTION AND BENEFITS OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS:
The cell membranes in all of our tissues are composed of the type of fats that we consume. Saturated fats produce saturated membranes that are hard and rigid. Nutrients cannot easily move into these cells and waste products cannot easily be removed. The cells essentially become "constipated". On the other hand, unsaturated membranes (which can be generated by the consumption of unsaturated fats) are more fluid, allowing wastes to leave and nutrients to enter the cell. KYOLIC-EPA is a natural dietary source of unsaturated fatty acids, which function as a convenient way to get the good fats necessary of healthy cells. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) also function to competitively inhibit the enzymes that convert omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oils) into the compounds in the body that increase blood pressure, inflammation, and cause the blood to clot. Benefits of KYOLIC-EPA include studies showing their beneficial effect on depression and bipolar disorders6,7,8 as brain food (reducing risk of dementia)9 , for healthy joints10,11,12, and for supplementing cardiovascular health.13,14
SAFETY OF FISH OILS:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are easily destroyed by oxygen, light, and heat, and need to be protected by fat-soluble antioxidants that prevent them from going rancid. According to the previously mentioned review article on fish oils1, "vitamin E should be added to prevent oxidation of these highly unsaturated fatty acids". In the body, these fatty acids still need protection, which therefore increases the need for fat-soluble antioxidants. Further solidification of Kyolic-EPA's quality is that it is certified to be free of peroxides, which is a measurement of rancidity. In addition, Wakunaga uses a molecular distillation method to process the fish oils in Kyolic-EPA. This processing method reduces/removes environmental contaminants (PCB, dioxin and pesticides), and we are tested free of heavy metals. Therefore, since Wakunaga takes every precaution for safety, and employs the best processing methods, Kyolic-EPA is a choice omega-3 supplement. As far as safety is concerned, a long-term study conducted on omega-3 fish oils showed that 3600 mg of EPA, taken for one year, and 1800 mg of EPA, taken for the following six years "did not indicate any adverse side effects"15.
WHEN COMBINED WITH AGED GARLIC EXTRACT IN KYOLIC-EPA:
The benefits of Aged Garlic ExtractTM alone are very well documented in areas such as cardiovascular health, antioxidant functions, immune-boosting abilities, etc. When combined with essential fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, current research suggests that garlic and omega-3's work synergistically to help lower both cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. There are 120 mg of AGE in the Kyolic-EPA. This garlic is organically grown in a completely pristine, and natural environment, without the use of pesticides. Kyolic is naturally aged for up to 20 months, without heat, thus preserving the natural beneficial properties of the garlic. At the same time, our natural aging process causes harsh, irritating, and pungent compounds in raw garlic to be bioconverted into gentle, mild and beneficial compounds (such as S-allyl cysteine), to which many of the benefits of garlic are attributed. Most impressive is that Kyolic is well researched. More than 350 scientific studies, from more than 50 prestigious universities and institutions worldwide, have been conducted on Aged Garlic Extract and the unique compounds that it contains. Based on all of this, it could be prudent to add Kyolic-EPA to ones' daily supplemental intake.
**KYOLIC®-EPA is not a drug and we make no claims that it will work or be effective to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. However, it may be a healthy addition to anyone's diet and may be an excellent adjuvant to physician recommended diets and therapies. A multifacteted approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, exercise, good nutrition, and a good attitude are necessary for optimal health, so having a source of fish oils and garlic may compliment such efforts.
Ingredients:
Soft Gelatin Capsule, Glycerin and Beeswax.
Free of: Sodium, Yeast, Dairy, Preservatives, Sugar, Gluten, Artificial Colors or Flavors.
Recommended Use:
As a dietary supplement, take two capsules with a meal twice daily.