Marine omega-3 fatty acids occur in their most natural form in fish. Therefore, fish consumption is the best option, at least if you discount heavy metal load.

Some of the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids through Fish oil instead of fish consumption It is worthwhile on the one hand to avoid contamination with heavy metals (NORSAN fish oils are purified of heavy metals, pollutants and PCBs through a special 3-fold method) and on the other hand because fish consumption alone does not provide sufficient marine omega-3 fatty acids.

As natural as possible means, among other things, that the NORSAN team thinks very little about farmed fish. The ever-growing fish farming industry is not only a problem for nature, for example for the biotope of the Norwegian fjords. Fish farming also indirectly consumes what the fish have been fed, including various chemicals and antibiotics. From this belief follows the naturalness principle, ,that for our omega-3 oils we only use fish from sustainable wild catches, never farmed fish. Furthermore, as natural as possible means that we, NORSAN, use only Natural fish oils and no concentrates use.

What this means. A natural fatty acid complex in fish consists of more than 50 different fatty acids, with omega-3 fatty acids making up no more than about 35%. The other fatty acids are mainly saturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-7, omega-9 and omega-11. Even though the omega-3 dosage plays an important role for us, we believe that humans mainly benefit from consuming this natural fatty acid complex in a fish oil because it is based on the natural triglyceride form.

It is tempting to use an omega-3 concentrate in product development because these concentrates contain up to 90 % of omega-3. However, this is not something found in nature because concentrates have an unnatural fat structure.

It is still unclear to what extent this artificially produced form of fat leads to negative health risks. Moreover, the chemical modification of omega-3 fatty acids causes them to become more unstable, increasing the risk of oxidation. We clearly believe here that nature has the better answer.We use only naturally high-dose fish oils, but never concentrated fish oils in our products.

As natural as possible also means that we consider it critical that many important secondary nutrients are removed during the fish oil purification process. Scientific research, including a study by Professor Bjarne Østerrud of the University of Tromsø, has shown that cold-pressed virgin olive oil replaces many of the removed active ingredients to some extent. The Positive Synergy between Fish Oil and Olive Oil has been confirmed in practice and thus the Omega-3 TotalNORSAN's main product is a special, cold-pressed olive oil. We obtain this olive oil from an olive oil farmer in Spain who works strictly according to organic guidelines. In the complex of secondary plant substances in olive oil, polyphenols play a special, remarkable role, which is why the olive oil used by NORSAN contains a high percentage of polyphenols. The strong antioxidant effect of the polyphenols helps to protect the omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil from oxidation, not only during storage in the bottle but, much more importantly, also during transport in the blood through lipoproteins.

Quality, purity and durability

Our products are a reflection of our product philosophy, in which we believe that the quality of our finished products is directly dependent on the raw materials we use. Therefore, we always strive to use only the very best raw materials select.

The use of fish liver (which also counts as fish waste) has proven its value in the production of high-quality cod liver oil (similar to cod liver oil). Therefore, we also offer an arctic cod liver oil (Omega-3 Arktis). What we explicitly never use are fish oils obtained from other fish residues.

Fish and fish stocks are a limited and valuable resource. Therefore, we see it as our duty to emphasize sustainable fishing and responsible use of marine resources in our products. This ethical duty goes beyond independent sustainable certifications. NORSAN greatly appreciates the opportunity to reap the fruits of the sea. We see it as our duty to behave and act responsibly.

The best quality fish oil is obtained by using the whole fish. Our main product, the Omega-3 Totalis obtained from small fish such as anchovies, mackerel and sardines. In selecting raw materials, we maintain long-term and close partnerships, getting involved in the purchasing process at an early stage and benefiting from a mutually close and trusting relationship.

In general, we can also obtain fish oil from various fish residues that have not been used in the production of other goods. We are fundamentally skeptical about this. In line with our product philosophy, a high-quality fish oil is obtained from the whole fish. The use of fish liver (which also counts as fish waste) has proven successful in the production of high-quality cod liver oil (similar to cod liver oil).

Simple and effective

NORSAN products must be simple and relevant. We strive to use as few ingredients as possible in each individual product. Basically, it would be desirable if there was only one ingredient, 100% fish oil or 100% algae oil. Our Omega-3 Arktis For example, nearly 100% consists of cod liver oil.

Customized and optimal dosage

Opinions and recommendations on the daily dose of omega-3 vary widely, from about 0.3 grams of omega-3 per day (equivalent to about two conventional omega-3 capsules) to 4-5 grams per day. The actual "right" dosage depends on individual factors such as the rest of the diet, the body's ability to absorb and the person's weight. This means that there is actually no right or overall wrong dosage because right/wrong always depends on individual factors.

Fortunately, you can measure your omega-3 level (omega-3 index) relatively easily, with the help of a fatty acid analysis in the body, which shows a possible omega-3 deficiency (for example, at the specialized laboratory Omegametrix GmbH).

After more than 10,000 fatty acid measurements on our clients, we know that normally more than 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day are needed to regulate an omega-3 deficiency.

Measuring and analyzing fatty acids makes it possible to test the effectiveness of different omega-3 sources and fatty acids.

Still, it may be advisable to add some additives, as in our Omega-3 Total :

• Organic olive oil: Selected for its good symbiotic interaction with fish oil and the important oxidation-inhibiting effect of the polyphenols in olive oil.
• Vitamin D: In addition to omega-3, we consider vitamin D to be an important dietary supplement. According to our health philosophy, the addition of 800 units of vitamin D3 per daily dose has a positive effect on individual health.
• Natural lemon oil: For flavor, 1.5 drops of lemon oil are added per bottle. There is also a variant without lemon oil.

Why is flaxseed oil alone not enough to correct an omega-3 deficiency?

Flaxseed oil contains more than 50 % of the plant omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the health benefits of the long-chain marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are particularly important. Although it is beneficial to consume freshly pressed flaxseed oil, only a small portion of ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA in the body. Measurements confirm that flaxseed oil consumption is not sufficient to regulate omega-3 EPA and DHA deficiency.

Why doesn't NORSAN stock krill oil products?

Krill oil is a good omega-3 oil with a strong antioxidant. With a effective dosage of about 2 grams of omega-3 per day, however, production costs for krill oil are quite high. Hat can lead to a price for consumers of 200-300 euros per month. Krill oil is usually recommended in a much lower dosage, which reduces the price but at the same time compromises the effect. Due to the high price, krill oil does not fit into NORSAN's product philosophy.