Omega 3 Acid Ethyl Esters - What Are They?

Make sure to look for an abundance of omega 3 acidEthyl ester form maintains freshness
ethyl esters when researching and choosing a fish oilSince this form is easier to assimilate, it is less likely
supplement to take. With the hundreds of "fishy"to cause that rancid odor and less likely to give you
products and wild claims out in the market today, it isthat fishy burp. Omega 3 acid EE can maintain
hard to keep track of all of them, let alone to makefreshness even longer than triglyceride-based fish oil
the right choice.supplements.
You have probably seen the term "omega 3 acidThe EE form is supported by scientific research
ethyl esters" during your search for a good qualityCompared to triglyceride form, it is backed by more
supplement. What is this term all about and whatscientific and clinical research studies and papers. It is
makes these kinds of supplements different from allalso the form that is often preferred for high doses
of the ordinary products we see on the shelf?of DHA and EPA.
Triglyceride vs. Ethyl EstersThis is not to say though that the triglyceride form is
Fish oils, when sourced from fish; naturally containnot effective. In fact, triglyceride omega 3 fish oils
triglycerides with DHA and EPA. When the fishare actually very effective. In many studies, the EE
undergoes purification process through "molecularform produced similar or better clinical results
distillation," the fatty acids become liberated andcompared to the triglyceride form. In one study,
become the ethyl ester free form.even at equal concentrations, the EE form showed
Some fish oil products synthesize the ethyl esterbetter results in lowering triglycerides and reducing
form back into triglyceride form in hopes ofplatelet aggregation. This is not a sweeping and
preserving the original oil content and reportedly forexhaustive study but it does give a good indication
better stability to sit for longer periods on the storethat the EE form is superior.
shelves.What are omega 3 acid EE and what does this all
However, many other companies, including manymean to you when you choose fish oil supplements?
pharmaceutical companies, maintain the purified ethylThe truth is, both triglyceride and ethyl ester fish oil
ester form. But which of the two is better?supplements produce health benefits because they
If you do research on these two forms, and getare rich in DHA and EPA.
past all of the technical mumbo-jumbo, you willHowever, if you have access to this oil, which
probably agree that:contains omega 3 acid EE, then you are maximizing
1. Both are good...the potential for you to enjoy all the health benefits
2. However the omega 3 acid ethyl ester formthat these fatty acids can provide. It all makes sense
actually is more advantageous.this way- why choose the triglyceride fish oil form
Here's why.when there is a better one in ethyl ester form and it
3. Omega 3 ethyl ester fish oil is bio-availabledoes not cost any more? Your body will thank you
In order for the body to use fatty acids such asbecause it will more easily benefit from the goodness
DHA or EPA, they must first be liberated into ethylof the supplement without having to convert it into
ester (EE) form. The EE form is what we could thinkthe bio-available ethyl ester (EE) form.
of as the "pre-digested" form of oil that is readilyThese statements are not medical advice and have
absorbed by the body.not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Detailed studies on this oil absorption have indicatedAdministration. Supplements are not intended to
that the EE fish oil form may be more bio-availablediagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any
and more readily processed by the cells anddisease.
incorporated into cell membranes.