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Post by catatonic on Sept 21, 2004 1:28:02 GMT -5
There are three types of Omegas. All are essential fatty acids, but they have their first double-valence bond in different spots, which is why they have different numbers. Omega-9 has its first double bond on the 9th carbon, Omega-6th on the 6th carbon, Omega-3 on the 3rd. Your body needs all of these in varying amounts, and some are more available from foods than others: 1.) Omega-9 : Found in practically all naturally occuring fats. You really shouldn't ever need to buy an Omega-9 supplement. Particularly rich sources are avocados, almonds, olive oil, macadamia nuts. 2.) Omega-6 : These are your fatty acids with "names" like LA, GLA, DGLA. It's readily available in meat, eggs, dairy, corn oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, soy bean oil. This is generally quite plentiful in diet as well and you shouldn't need to supplement to assure an extremely adequate intake. HOWEVER...research indicates that essential fatty acid supplementation is more successful when you are consuming approximately 50mg GLA along with your Omega-3. You can get that 50mg GLA quite easily by taking a small Evening Primrose Oil capsule each day. As long as it is preserved with Vitamin E (or "mixed tocopherols"), which virtually all of them are, then it is Feingold safe. Many people don't bother with this and their Omega-3 supplementation doesn't seem harmed at all. 3.) Omega 3 : This is increasingly difficult to take in sufficient quantities through diet alone. It's found most abundantly in fish, also in flax and walnut oil. There is a large -- and growing -- body of research on the link between Omega-3 deficiency and ADHD, between maternal Omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy and ADHD, between Omega-3 deficiency and declining neurological health in general, Omega-3 deficiency and cardiac disease...you get the picture! Link to Purdue article on Omega-3 deficiency and ADHD: www.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/9606.Burgess.html Unless you plan to dine exclusively on Alaskan salmon and ostrich fed on flax grass, you'd better plan on purchasing Omega-3 in supplement form. That means deciding which type of formulation is best for you. Basically, you have two main choices -- high EPA or high DHA. DHA is the ultimate goal of the Omegas, the longest of the long-chain fatty acids, the one your body will work to build from all the others. EPA is the second longest and doesn't require much conversion by your body. Nutritional research seems to have established 480mg DHA daily as a threshold number for effective treatment. Whatever supplement you choose, make sure you are providing at least 480mg of DHA. If you want your Omega-3 in a small, concentrated capsule, buy a high-DHA formulation like DHA-250. These have the advantage of being smaller sized, which might be important depending on how well your kids swallow pills. Very young children (under age 5) ought to take high-DHA Omega-3. I prefer high-EPA for a couple of reasons. Newer research seems to show that high-EPA formulas are more effective in treating ADHD. Not sure why. I can post links to specific studies if anyone is interested. Most important (to me), the high-EPA is what works for my son. DHA only formulations don't seem to do much for him. So I stick with what works. Finally, keep in mind that an Omega-3 deficiency takes approximately 12 weeks to correct if you are faithful with the supplements. You may begin to see behavioral improvement within a couple of weeks or not until close to the full 12 weeks have passed. It was about 6 weeks here. It's important to take a Vitamin E capsule along with your Omega-3. Not only does the Vitamin E aid with Omega-3 metabolism, its antioxidant function helps protect against free-radical damage as the oil is broken down. Some experts recommend a 100IU capsule with each dose of Omega-3, others recommend 200IU. We use the 100IU capsules. (They're very cute and tiny.) Dr. Jacqueline Stordy's book "The LCP Solution" is an excellent source of information on Omega-3 supplementation. It's comprehensive and readable and scientific without overwhelming you with technical material.
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Post by ohmama on Sept 22, 2004 17:43:32 GMT -5
Some good sources for Pharmaceutical Grade and Molecularly Distilled omega-3 oil: RxOmega-3 Factors (400mg EPA & 200mg DHA) manuf. by Natural Factors 120 Softgels $13. or $15. depending on the quanity you order. Free shipping available. www.iherb.comNordic Naturals Products, best price I've found is from www.houseofnutrition.com I use the Ultimate Omega Liquid 4 oz. bottle (875mg EPA & 625mg DHA) $29.96. They have the other Nordic Natural fish oil too. Quality is important so always look for Pharmaceutical Grade. If anyone knows of a product that is of equal quality please post it here. I have an update on finding a better price.... I just discovered a price decrease on the Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid that is posted above from www.houseofnutrition.com You can now (today is 1-12-05) get this exact product for only $20.21!! Don't you just love finding a better price! Update 1-18-05 ...Looks like the price has changed again. It's $33 and change. Bummer!! I'll bet they just made a mistake with the $20 price and caught it when so many people were ordering it at that price. I'm so glad, I ordered 8 bottles!
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Post by jwm on Oct 1, 2004 18:10:37 GMT -5
HI my family takes Coromega, Omega 3 fish oil supplement. It is a small packet and is orange flavored (kind of yogurt or pudding texture) EPA 290^ DHA 190^
For a 90 packet box it costs $29.00
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Post by ryansmom on Oct 27, 2004 13:02:16 GMT -5
I bought some coromega packets last week. I told the kids I would try it with them. Boy, did it taste awful s*ck but I smiled and said Yummy! so the kids would try it. Well this lasted a week now they are protesting so I am going to look for the pill form.
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Post by ohmama on Oct 27, 2004 21:56:22 GMT -5
I wasn't crazy about the taste of this either but the kids said it was ok. I thought it was too expensive. You can get a free sample if anyone wants to try it at www.coromega.com
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Post by Heather on Nov 8, 2004 17:48:05 GMT -5
Ok I have read the info on omega 3's and from what I remember when I took them before is the pills are HUGE! my dd is 12 but has a big problem with taking pills (even the size of strattera). and hates anything that has a taste as far as meds..........
Does Omega 3 have a nasty taste? and is there a small pill or anything? does it come in liquid??? what is the best kind that isn't a huge pill and how much would she take? she weighs about 92lbs I believe.
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 8, 2004 17:55:48 GMT -5
My son uses Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid - it is Lemom flavored and he only needs to take 1/2 a teaspoon a day for the recommended mgs EPA & DHA. You can get it at: www.houseofnutrition.com
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Post by Heather on Nov 8, 2004 18:29:20 GMT -5
thanks. I put that in my fav. there is a strawberry flavored gel cap too that says small but wonder HOW small. LOL
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 8, 2004 19:43:47 GMT -5
thanks. I put that in my fav. there is a strawberry flavored gel cap too that says small but wonder HOW small. LOL I don't think it contains enough EPA and DHA that your child needs - so your dd might have to take multiple pills to make up the mgs.
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Post by rachelmom on Nov 30, 2004 8:09:56 GMT -5
My daughter is 14. weighs 124 pounds. I want to start her on the nordic ultimate omega liquid. Will 1/2 t be enough for her weight. Thanks for your help
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DenverMom
Full Member
Science is only as good as the questions we ask of it.
Posts: 81
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Post by DenverMom on Nov 30, 2004 10:49:55 GMT -5
For Omegas you really want to concentrate more upon getting the therapeutic amount than your child's weight. The minimum you want is 480mg of DHA. Also, keep in mind that it can take up to 12 weeks to correct a deficiency of these. However it doesn't have to. My son showed improvement in his mood within days. Good luck!
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DenverMom
Full Member
Science is only as good as the questions we ask of it.
Posts: 81
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Post by DenverMom on Nov 30, 2004 10:55:53 GMT -5
For those who are looking for a smaller pill. The Natural Factors Learning Factors are great! They are about the size of a large pea. I use these for my 3 year old (who is not ADHD). For my ADHDer I use Natural Factors Omega Rx. They provide more bang for your buck as far as DHA goes, but they are big. (Fortunately my ADHDer is open to taking a shot glass full of supplements with every at-home meal). y*y
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Post by Heather on Nov 30, 2004 11:35:30 GMT -5
Denver----- thanks for the info on the smaller pill. From what I understand it has 65 mg of DHA so she would need to take 7 pills for them to be effective? is this right or am I reading the ingredients wrong?
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Post by ohmama on Nov 30, 2004 11:40:23 GMT -5
Good advice Denver mom! How are you doing?
Don't forget to take your antioxidants (vitamin E & C) when you give the omega 3. We also use L-Carnitine to help with fatty acid transportation. This would be especially important if you are using a mood stabilizer such as Depakote.
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DenverMom
Full Member
Science is only as good as the questions we ask of it.
Posts: 81
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Post by DenverMom on Nov 30, 2004 11:56:26 GMT -5
Unfortunately you are reading correctly. However the 480 threshold is for the therapeutic amount for ADHD. Since everyone is different you may be able to get away with less. My advice would be to give 2 with every meal if possible for 6 total per day and then after 12 weeks you may be able to scale back. If you drop to 4 a day and then notice a relapse in behavior or cognitive function, go back to 6. Otherwise 4 should be fine. Either way if there is a deficiency you will undoubtedly see improvement. It's a lot to take but worth it when you begin to see the improvement! My 3 year-old non-ADHDer has been sleeping through the night much better since we started him on these (and by default me too ). OhMama things are going good! Still holding off on the meds and hoping that between the modifications made at school and the additional supplements we can still avoid them. We'll see.... Overall target is doing great with the exception of talking back and disrespecting authority. Working on that one
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Post by Heather on Nov 30, 2004 12:57:12 GMT -5
Denever---- thanks. my DD is 12 and had ADD and we have LOTS of issues at school with many things never mind the issues at home. Right now we are trying some herbal stuff for ADD but I also want to try this and see if it helps even more.
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Post by rachelmom on Nov 30, 2004 20:38:13 GMT -5
Good advice Denver mom! How are you doing? Don't forget to take your antioxidants (vitamin E & C) when you give the omega 3. We also use L-Carnitine to help with fatty acid transportation. This would be especially important if you are using a mood stabilizer such as Depakote. what doage of vitaman E & C to you use? what dose of L-Carnitine? Thanks for the information.
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Post by ohmama on Nov 30, 2004 22:42:55 GMT -5
Rachelmom, At least 100 IU vitamin E for every 450mg of omega 3 will cover you for antioxidant protection (give this at the same time as the vitamin E).
On Vitamin C, at least 500mg twice a day.
L-Carnitine 250mg per day given with the omega 3.
I use a higher dose of these than what I am suggesting for you because of what I am treating and the meds I am giving for bipolar, anxiety, ocd require more to help with side effects.
There is also good information on the other vitamins and dosages under the topic "Vitamins and Minerals" you will probably want to check out. Also, the topic "Antioxidants" will explain the benefits of using C and E together in a little more detail.
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Post by dmom32002 on Dec 15, 2004 6:23:44 GMT -5
I don't get all these things I'm reading trying to find things that might help.
My son's 19 year olds that is, vitamins aren't touching the fatigue or the chronic illness he has. And he didn't seem to have any help with it. SO I'm searching ideas for things that might help. But I am realistic enough to know there is no way I can get 4 pills in him during a day. So any ideas.
donna
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Post by catatonic on Dec 18, 2004 8:07:05 GMT -5
I'd suggest trying magnesium. Clinical research indicates that magnesium deficiency may be at least in part responsible for symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Magnesium also plays an enormous role in attentiveness. I'd start there and see what happens.
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Post by G on Dec 23, 2004 10:27:52 GMT -5
Hi, just wanted to add something that i learned about omega 3's. A very good friend of mine is a nurse at a pain managemnet clinic. When I was telling her about my recent purchase of omega 3's for myself and my dd she was telling me that one of the pain management doctors has her patients take omega 3's. It is the first thing she prescribes. omega 3's 3 times a day for their pain. HMM, i thought that was interesting.
I bought the book Indigo Children yesterday, has anyone read it. It is very interesting. It talks about the new kids that are emerging...our kids. How they will be ready for what lies ahead of them. It breaks them down into 3 sub groups of indigo. A lot of kids who have been diagnose ADD or ADHD are just this new type of personality that is evolving/...and the world , the schools need to change for them...the old ways of thinking wont work anymore. An interesting read....i am not done with it completely. have a merry christmas everyone. thanks for all of your help.....one of the nicest christmas presents you could give is you share your knowledge with others....thanks from the bottom of my heart!! nat
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Post by swmom on Dec 29, 2004 6:12:32 GMT -5
I plan to begin giving my dd10 omega 3. I'm thinking about using Nordic Naturals Complete Omega. I like the fact that it has the GLA in it. That seems to help with dry skin and dried out looking hair, which my daughter has. In 2 capsules(soft gels), there is the following:
296 mg - EPA 196 mg - DHA 146 mg - other omega 3 _______ 638 mg total omega 3
There is also borage oil for the GLA.
To get the recommended omega 3, I'd have to give her 5 capsules a day. That gives us 490 of the DHA, 740 of the EPA and 365 of other omega 3s. That's a total of 1,595 mgs. omega 3/per day. Plus the borage oil. Is that too much? Would you give her 2 in the a.m. with breakfast, 2 in the afternoon and 1 at night? Do you need to introduce this gradually, i.e. 1 a day, 2 a day, 3 a day, etc. Is it OK to give at the same time we give her the medications, i.e. Strattera and Lexapro?
Also, for those who are using omega 3, what sorts of things did you see in your children that told you it was working?
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Post by swmom on Dec 29, 2004 6:25:25 GMT -5
Oh yea, I forgot to ask this. I know we need a vitamin E supplement. Is one kind better than other? What are you all using?
Is it necessary to give vitamin C as well for the omega 3 to be properly absorbed?
Thanks for any advice.
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Post by catatonic on Dec 29, 2004 8:49:53 GMT -5
You do need a Vitamin E along with the Omega-3. I give my son a tiny 100IU capsule in the morning and evening, but there's no reason you can't use a single 200IU capsule just once a day, since it's a fat soluble vitamin. I prefer to break it up, but it's not truly necessary. 5 capsules a day of your fish oil sounds just right. I don't believe it should interfere with the medication you are using. Omega-3 does not interact with medications. Borage oil and evening primrose oil, however, may lower the seizure threshold and shouldn't be taken if you are on anti-seizure medication or have a seizure disorder. You probably don't need to build up the dose gradually, though you may notice softer stools while taking fish oil. When my non-ADHD son who has asthma and allergies began taking Omega-3, his eczema -- which had been a problem since about age 2 -- disappeared completely. My ADHD son took quite some time to begin showing a response to the Omega-3, about 6 weeks. His concentration improved noticeably along with his ability to sit still for longer than 3 minutes at a stretch. Be patient, it won't work immediately, but you will begin to see steady, gradual improvement.
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Post by jwm on Dec 29, 2004 17:42:25 GMT -5
hi my son is ADHD inattentive. We stopped Concerta for the last 2 weeks to see how he does. So far he is fine. He never was a behavior problem. We stopped to see how he would do. I have been concerned about his weight. He has done fantastic on concerta but I just need to see where he stands. I spoke with his teacher (5th grade) and she said to try him for 1-2 weeks without the concerta. She will watch him and see how things go. She said if he struggles too much she will contact me immediately. After the 2 weeks we will sit down and look at all his work and see how he is doing. If its too much for him without the concerta we will use it only on school days. He is currently taking Coromega as well which he loves the taste of. In fact the whole family takes it every day. Should I be giving him a vitamin E supplement as well?
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Post by catatonic on Dec 30, 2004 8:36:18 GMT -5
You ought to include Vitamin E along with fish oil supplements. As your body metabolizes the oil, free radicals can form as a breakdown product and these can do damage to your brain and other organ systems. Vitamin E scavenges these free radicals and renders them harmless. (Hydrogenated oils -- like Crisco -- pose a far greater risk and ought to be avoided.)
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Post by jwm on Dec 31, 2004 18:53:01 GMT -5
thanks! I will pick up some vitamin E capsules. Have a great New Year!!
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Post by G on Jan 4, 2005 10:15:06 GMT -5
If they get vitamin E in their multivitamin, is it necessary to also give them addtitional vitamin E? I worry about giving too much of that, vitamin E is fat soluble and you can become toxic. thanks, nat
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Post by catatonic on Jan 5, 2005 5:53:56 GMT -5
You're right to be careful with the Vitamin E. As long as you have at least 100 IU in your multi-vitamin, you can probably safely skip the additional supplement. (200IU is preferable, though.) There are established safety limits for Vitamin E, and they are extremely conservative, based on half the dose at which toxic effects have been known to occur. The guidelines for upper tolerable limits are: age 1-3: 300IU age 4-8: 450IU age 9-13: 900IU age 14-18: 1,200IU adults: 1,500IU
The Linus Pauling Institute (Oregon State University's nutritional branch) holds that adults may safely take up to 800IU daily without risk of side effects. The most common side effect associated with Vitamin E is due to its anti-coagulant action. Some people bleed more freely (ie nosebleeds that are harder to control) or show more bruising. If you know you're going to have surgery, stop taking Vitamin E a month before. So don't go overboard with it, but do make sure you are giving enough.
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Post by jwm on Jan 5, 2005 19:10:46 GMT -5
thanks for the info.
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