Lovaza: From Fish Oil to Medicine

Reader Comments
Back to article

Lovaza is the highest level of EPA/DHA per gram I have found. It is prescription only and VERY expensive. You can get the exact same thing under the original name of Omacor outside of the US. I have ordered it from Canadadrugs.com and it is approx. 1/3 the price of Lovaza. Googling for hours on the subject I have also identified the highest potency EPA/DHA OTC fish oil supplement I can find online. It has 420/300 mg of EPA/DHA per gram. Compare that to Lovaza with 465/375. Most all other fish oil supplements are in the range of 300/200 and less. Trying to find and compare the exact levels of different brands is near impossible as the marketing hype is pushed and the facts or usually obscured. The problem with taking the typical 4 grams per day Lovaza prescription (4 pills) in a typical over the counter less potent brand is you would have to take up to 12 pills per day. The down side is gastrointestinal issues, the 'fish burp' is exaggerated. Additionally, the potential risk of toxins (mercury, etc.) is higher because of the large quantities you have to take.
As far as the question about flax seed omega-3, plant derived omega-3 is "short-chain" and must be converted to "long-chain" by your body to receive certain benefits and this conversion is considered slow and inefficient. USA Today has this article about it: http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/diet-fitness/2009/04/08/fish-oil-supplements-epa-dha-and-ala-does-your-omega-3-source-matter.html

Brad L. of TX 1:52PM May 01, 2009

Is there anything wrong w/ taking lovaza instead of other brands of fish oils? It's so much more affordable, because you get as a prescription and with express prescription plans, one co-payment of $30 applies for almost the whole year.
Do you know how much we can trust the mercury content?

lorraine Sasso of NY 3:37PM December 12, 2008

Lately,I have been researching myself on Omega 3 and DHA and EPA and everything associated. I find that no other supplement or nutrient has been talked about more or considered to give as much overall health as Omega 3. From head to toe..not only for your heart. I continue to take it long after I gave birth to my first child and had never suffered from Post Partum Depression...and trust me I tell EVERYONE I know about this.. As Cheri from NY mentioned I did try the GNC brand however found that the supplement I ordered form Neurovi,com is much more higher in quality while still affordable.
Thank you for the info

JenniferH of TX 9:01PM October 26, 2008

Which is the better supplement?

of MA 11:34AM August 28, 2008

A meta-analysis (rigorous scientific review) published in the American Journal of Psychiatry about two years ago showed that omega-3 FAs (DHA + EPA) that totaled 2 gm per day were effective in alleviating mild-moderate depression. Exercise independently is an effective self-care method for minor-moderate depression, though the combination of exercise plus omega-3s has not to my knowledge been studied. These two self-care approaches ought to be the first steps in the management of mild to moderate, uncomplicated depression. "Uncomplicated" means no concurrent substance abuse, suicidality, or other conditions such as severe anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or underlying medical cause for the depression (e.g., drug side effect, brain disorder, etc.) Lack of improvement after a few weeks of exercise and/or omega-3 FAs warrants investigation by a physician or mental health specialist.

Steven Locke, MD of MA 12:13PM August 27, 2008

Sashi Inchi oil derived from an ancient vegetable grown within the Amazonian region of Peru contains 98% Omega 3. That would be enough ALA converted into long chains EPA and DHA to provide the benefits of fish oil without the discomfort and issues associated with fish oil.
Many times the vegetable is grown within established organic conditions Sashi Inchi would be the most perfect form of both Omega 3 & 6 in the world.

Paul of NC 11:43AM August 25, 2008

why doesn't anybody ever mention the benefits of flaxseed to achieve the omega 3 intake and cholestrol lowering benefits of ground flaxseed???

bbrady of NJ 4:26PM August 21, 2008

I started taking 4 Gm's of omega 3's in May for a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. By July my overall cholesterol had dropped 40 points, from 242 to 202, and my triglycerides went from 114 to 78. My aching joints have also improved, although there is no change in the swelling. I take a liquid rather than pills, Twin Labs emulsified omega 3, through GNC.

Cheri MacLean of NC 10:41PM August 20, 2008

It is obvious to me that very few people have read or studied the benefits of MonaVie and the acai berry. The acai berry is the crown jewel of the MonaVie blend. When properly freeze-dried, acai boasts an ORAC score higher that that of any other fruit or vegetable tested to date, based on available USDA data. It is no wonder that for ages the indigenous cultures of the Amazon have revered acai as a source of health and vitality. Recently, modern science has validated the remarkable health benefits of this fruit and studies have shown acai to contain the following beneficial nutrients:
Antioxidants
Phytonutrients
Essential fatty acids (Omega 3)
Amino acids
Vitamins and minerals
Complex carohydrates
Dietary fiber
Trace minerals.
Studies have also shown that freeze-dried acai powder boasts anotioxidant capacity more that 15 times higher than bluberries and more than 20 times higher than raspberries. The final MonaVie blend incorporates the flavors abnd benefits of the acai berry and 18 other healthful and delicious fruits. Visit my webpage for further information: www.mymonavie.com/CherylAker

Cheryl Aker of OR 4:59PM August 13, 2008