About... Essential Fatty Acids

Flax Oil

Flaxseed oil is the single best vegetarian source of the Omega-3 fatty acid, providing 50-60% alpha-lipolenic acid (ALA, a precursor to 3-series prostaglandins), and linoleic acid (Nutr Rev 2004;62:18-27). Controlled clinical trials have found ALA helpful for maintaining healthy blood pressure (J Human Hypertension 1990;4:227-33). ALA shares with fish oil fatty acids similar beneficial effects on vascular elasticity, platelet function, and other hemostatic factors (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1997;17:1163-70; Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:591-8). The Lyon Diet Heart Study conclu-ded that diets high in ALA have significant cardioprotective qualities in a general population (Lancet 1994;343:1454-9).

GLA/Borage Oil

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid used by the body to produce prostanoid substances such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). These substances are known to have a balancing effect on production of 2-series prostanoids associated with immune system activation, blood viscosity and smooth muscle irritability (Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:1526-33). GLA is normally produced in the body from linoleic acid. However, this process may be impaired due to aging, health problems, inadequate micronutrients and dietary excesses of saturated and hydrogenated fats (J Holistic Med 1981;3:118-39). Borage seed oil is the richest source of GLA, containing 20-26% GLA, whereas evening primrose oil contains only 9% GLA. Borage oil has been found useful for preserving the health and comfortable function of joint structures in controlled clinical trials (Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:1808-17; Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73). Sources of GLA support optimal nerve function in the distal extremities (Diabet Med 1990;7:319–23). GLA supplementation may also be helpful for maintaining normal tissue consistency in the breasts of premenopausal women (Aust N Z J Surg 1999;69:492-4; Lancet 1985;ii:373–7).

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids associated with multiple health benefits. Fish oil has repeatedly been shown to support normal blood pressure and optimal serum triglyceride levels (Circulation 1993;88:523–33; BMJ 1995;310:819–20). Fish oil has also demonstrated balancing effects on platelet stickiness and the rhythm of heart contractions (N Engl J Med 1988;318:549–57). Controlled clinical research has established the ability of fish oil to affect arterial blood flow capacity in a manner consistent with heart and vascular health (Ann Intern Med 1999;130:554–62). The American Heart Association recommends regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish to all people to maintain cardiovascular health, and consideration of fish oil supplements for those diagnosed with coronary heart disease (Circulation 2002;106:2747-2757). EPA and DHA help the body balance the effects of other fatty acids that promote the release of immune system-stimulating biochemicals (N Engl J Med 1985;312:1217–24; Lipids 1999;34:317–24). This effect is especially useful for maintaining long-term, comfortable function of joint structures (Arthritis Rheum 1995;38:1107–14; Ann Rheum Dis 1988;47:96–104). The prostaglandin-balancing effects of EPA and DHA additionally support maintenance of a healthy immune system (Nutrition 1998;14:627-33). Neurobiological research has indicated that the large amounts of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in the brain play vital structural and functional roles in the nervous system (Int J Dev Neurosci 2000; 18:383-99).

FlaxCaps

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Best vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids

Product # 4102

100 softgels

gelatin softgels

Flax oil is the only concentrated vegetarian source of the important omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega 3 fatty acids such as ALA compete with the more abundant omega-6 fatty acids in western diets, helping to normalize production of prostaglandin E2 and leukotrienes series 4. ALA is recognized as an important contributor to cardiovascular health. FlaxCaps is stored under refrigeration and shipped with a cold-pack to assure freshness.

• Refer to About…Flax Oil (see above).
• FlaxCaps contains pure, organically grown, cold-pressed, virgin flaxseed oil which has been processed in the absence of light and oxygen, and nitrogen-packed to preserve freshness.
• FlaxCaps is stored under refrigeration in Karuna’s warehouse and shipped with a cold-pack to avoid damage to this oil’s fragile fatty acid bonds and the resultant formation of lipid peroxides, a measure of rancidity.

Supplement Facts Serving Size - 1 Softgel Capsule Servings per container 100
Amount per serving:		%DV
Calories	10.9
Calories from Fat	9
Total Fat	1 gm	2%
Saturated Fat	90 mg	<1%
Trans Fat	0
Unsaturated Fat	910 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	180 mg	†
Polyunsaturated Fat	730 mg	†
Flaxseed Oil***	1000 mg	†
Yielding:
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3)	450 mg	†
Oleic Acid (omega-9)	160 mg	†
Linoleic Acid (omega-6)	120 mg	†
† Daily Value (DV) not established
% Daily values are based on 2000 calorie diet

Other Ingredients: gelatin, glycerine, purified water, carob extract

Kept refrigerated prior to shipping for your protection.

Suggested use for adults:

• 1-6 softgel capsules, 1-3 times daily, best taken with meals, or as directed.

GLA-240

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Concentrated source of rare omega-6 fatty acid

Product # 4104

30 softgels

gelatin softgels

Product # 4105

90 softgels

gelatin softgels

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a metabolite of linoleic acid, is a critically important fatty acid and friendly prostaglandin precursor, the endogenous production of which is blocked in many diseases and by the aging process itself. Credible research has concluded that GLA helps preserve comfortable joint function, helps to normalize hormonal effects on breast tissue, and supports optimal nerve function in the distal extremities. Karuna GLA-240 is 100% pure borage seed oil, organically grown and cold-processed to prevent oxidation and preserve potency. Borage oil has 1.5 times more GLA than Black Currant oil and almost 3 times more than Evening Primrose oil. The Karuna product is hexane-free – no solvents are used in processing.

• Refer to About…GLA/Borage Oil Isee above).
• GLA-240 provides borage seed oil, the highest concentration (26%) of any botanical source of a rare fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid.

Supplement Facts Serving Size - 1 Softgel Capsule Servings per container 30 or 90
Amount per serving:		%DV
Calories	10.88
Calories from Fat	9.03
Total Fat	1 gm	1%
Saturated Fat	150.42 mg
Trans Fat	0
Unsaturated Fat	852.58 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	450.69 mg	†
Polyunsaturated Fat	401.39 mg	†
Vitamin E (natural mixed tocopherols)	5 IU
Borage Oil	1000 mg	†
Yielding:
Natural Mixed Tocopherols	7 mg	†
Linolenic Acid	380 mg	†
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)	240 mg	†
Oleic Acid (omega-6)	170 mg	†
† Daily Value (DV) not established
% Daily values are based on 2000 calorie diet

Other ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, purified water

Kept refrigerated prior to shipping for your protection.

Suggested use for adults:

• 1-3 softgel capsules daily, or as directed.

MegaEPA

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High potency fish oil concentrate for maximum omega-3 protection

Product # 4106

90 softgels

softgel

Product # 4107

180 softgels

softgel

MegaEPA provides the highest omega-3 fatty acid (EPA, DHA) concentration of any fish oil supplement commercially available, and research has shown EPA and DHA to specifically help maintain healthy blood pressure, blood lipid levels, platelet dynamics, and cardiac rhythm, all of which support cardiovascular health. As a result, the American Heart Association recommends regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish to all people, and advises patients with heart disease to consider fish oil supplements. EPA and DHA also favorably enhance the balance of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes to promote the health of numerous tissues and organ systems.

• Refer to About Fish Oil (see above).
• MegaEPA is a refined concentrate of natural marine oils which are a rich source of cholesterol-free polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids as stable esters.
• MegaEPA provides the highest omega-3 fatty acid concentration of any fish oil supplement commercially available.

Supplement Facts Serving Size - 1 Softgel Capsule Servings per container 90 or 180
Amount per serving:		%DV
Total Calories Calories from Fat	10.38 8.6
Total Fat Saturated Fat Trans Fats Unsaturated Fat Monunsaturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat	955.46mg 75.51 mg 0 mg 879.95 mg 130.21 mg 749.74	1%
Cholesterol	5 mg	2%
Vitamin E (natural d-alpha tocopherol)	5 IU	17%
Marine Lipid Concentrate	1224 mg	†
Yielding:
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)	367.20 mg	†
DHA (Docoshexaenoic Acid)	244.80 mg	†
† Daily Value (DV) not established
% Daily values are based on 2000 calorie diet

Other ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, purified water

Kept refrigerated prior to shipping for your protection.

Suggested use for adults:

• 2-6 capsules in divided dosages, with meals, or as directed. It is recommended that people who take MegaEPA also supplement vitamin E in order to protect against oxidative damage.

OmegaPlex New Formulation!

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Botanical/marine combination for prostanoid balance

Product # 4108

120 softgels

gelatin softgels

OmegaPlex is a broad-spectrum essential fatty acid supplement, providing special fatty acids from both the omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and omega-6 (GLA) families in easy-to-swallow capsules. In addition to the separate benefits of flax, borage, and fish oils, combinations of these have been shown to favorably benefit the immune system and bone density; future research promises to explore additional synergistic effects. Given the evidence that Americans seldom obtain sufficient amounts of these essential fatty acids, OmegaPlex is a valuable adjunct to many supportive nutrition interventions.

• Refer to About…Flax Oil, GLA/Borage Oil and Fish Oil (see above).
• Borage seed oil, in combination with fish oil, favorably influences the immune system through effects on interleukins and other cytokines (Biochem Soc Trans 1997;25:343S).
• Combined sources of GLA and EPA/DHA are helpful adjuncts to a nutritional program to help maintain normal bone density (Aging (Milano) 1998;10:385-94).

Supplement Facts Serving Size - 1 Softgel Capsule Servings per container 120
Amount per serving:		%DV
Calories	8.59
Calories from Fat	7.21
Total Fat	801.9 mg	†
Saturated Fat	119.37 mg	†
Trans Fat	0	†
Unsaturated Fat	681.72 mg	†
Monosaturated Fat	204.94 mg	†
Polyunsaturated Fat	476.78 mg	†
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl)	5 IU	17%
Evening Primrose Oil	200 mg	†
Borage Oil	200 mg	†
Organic Flaxseed Oil	200 mg	†
Marine Lipid Concentrate	200 mg	†
Yielding
Omega - 3	160 mg
Omega - 6	287 mg
Omega - 9	65 mg
† Daily Value (DV) not established
% Daily values are based on 2000 calorie diet

Other ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, water, d-alpha tocopherol

Kept refrigerated prior to shipping for your protection.

Suggested use for adults:

• 2-4 capsules, taken with meals, or as directed.