General

What are Bioriginal’s distribution capabilities?

Bioriginal is a global omega solution provider, with a distribution network spanning six continents. Bioriginal has offices and facilities in Canada, the United States, Europe, South America and Asia.

What is the process of developing a customized Omega product?

For more information about customized Omega products, please phone us or fill out the Contact Us form, providing your contact information and a description of your request. Upon receiving your request, one of Bioriginal’s Sales Teams will contact you to further discuss your business needs and work with you to identify potential opportunities. Discover what it’s like to work with Bioriginal, explore how we do business.

Does Bioriginal provide marine-based Omegas?

Yes! Bioriginal provides many marine-based omegas ingredients. Our portfolio includes fish oil, cod liver oil, BioPure DHA®, salmon oil, and RIMFROST SUBLIME Krill oil.

Omega Fatty Acids

What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential nutrients just like other vitamins and minerals, and are polyunsaturated fats, which are considered “good” fats. EFAs contribute to the healthy functioning of cell membranes, and are also critical for the synthesis of eicosanoids, a family of hormone-like substances that help in cell maintenance on a minute-to-minute basis. Just like other essential vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids are necessary for the maintenance of good health.

Research with omega fatty acid supplementation has shown promise in a number of areas including: rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, and cancer.

What are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids?

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are scientific names for two different categories – or families – of essential fatty acids. These names are derived from the chemical composition of the fatty acid molecules. Omega-3 fatty acids include Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Omega-6 fatty acids include Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Linoleic Acid (LA), and Arachidonic Acid (AA). The body needs a balance of each fatty acid, regardless of the family it belongs to. For this reason, it may be easier to think not in terms of families but simply about the importance of each of these essential fats; like vitamins, the body needs all of them for good health.

Which omega fatty acids are essential?

Physiologically speaking, there are two fatty acids that are truly “essential”. These are Linoleic Acid (LA) omega-6 fatty acid and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acid. The body cannot manufacture these fats itself, yet they are essential for health. A healthy body uses LA and ALA to produce other fatty acids, which, in turn, produce beneficial hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids. There are also derivative fatty acids which each play specific roles in the maintenance of good health, and we generally include them when we talk about essential fatty acids: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). There is one other derivative fatty acid that isn’t always a good in large quantities, but it, too, is necessary in small amounts: Arachidonic Acid (AA).

Omega-6 Fatty Acids:

Linoleic Acid (LA)

LA is found in eggs, nuts, poultry, avocado, soy and vegetable oils. LA helps improve skin conditions. It may also be partially converted to GLA in the body (see more on GLA below). It is plentiful in the typical North American diet and supplementation is generally not necessary.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

The richest natural source of GLA is borage Oil. GLA is also found in black currant and evening primrose oils. Many people are deficient in GLA so supplementation is necessary. GLA has been clinically indicated to have therapeutic benefits in health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. The body needs GLA and most North Americans are likely not getting enough of it.

Arachidonic Acid (AA)

AA is found in meats, eggs and some shellfish. It is necessary for the infant brain development and small amounts are required for overall fetal development. It is also necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. However, it is not generally deemed a “good” fat, because, in excess, AA may be linked to chronic inflammatory conditions in adults. Diets in industrialized countries are high in AA, so supplementation is not required.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)

ALA is found primarily in flax seed oil and in found in blackcurrant oil. The positive effects of supplementation with ALA have been documented in a number of areas including: regulating blood cholesterol, blood pressure and immune system function. The body also converts a portion of ALA into two other fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) & Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

These two difficult-to-pronounce fatty acids are responsible for the health benefits from fish oils. EPA produces eicosanoids that have many beneficial effects in the body. Research demonstrates that supplementation with fish oils containing EPA and DHA have therapeutic benefits in areas including regulating blood triglycerides and blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), infant brain and eye development, mental health and inflammation.

Are lignans found in flax seed oil?

The particulate matter that remains after the oil is pressed out of the flax seed is called the “cake”. Lignans are part of the particulate matter that stays behind in this flax cake. Flax cake is very nutritious and contains high amounts of lignans, vitamins and minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, and protein. The cake may be ground up and consumed as a nutritional supplement, or used to enhance the nutritional content of other foods such as baked and processed foods. It is also used in other applications such as in pet or animal foods to enhance their nutritional profile.

Because most lignans remain behind in the cake during oil processing, they are not found in appreciable amounts in flax seed oil. However, lignans are often added back into the oil, providing what is commonly referred to as high lignan flax oil. High lignan flax oil can be used the same way as regular flax oil but has the added nutritional benefit of lignans. It may be used as an alternative for individuals who do not want to consume milled flax seed, but still want the health benefits of lignans.

Why would I take a fish oil supplement when I can obtain Omega-3s from flax seed oil?

You need to make sure you’re getting enough of the fatty acids EPA and DHA

Although the ALA in flax seed oil offers numerous benefits on its own, many of the beneficial effects of ALA in flaxseed oil are due to its metabolic conversion to EPA. However, some studies show that, even under ideal conditions, only 20% of the ALA ingested will be converted to EPA. This percentage can be much smaller in many individuals – many factors may impair the conversion of ALA to EPA, including excessively high consumption of LA and other lifestyle factors such as smoking, sugar and alcohol consumption, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and high levels of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids in the diet. Some disease states, such as diabetes and eczema, are also associated with impairment of the enzyme needed to convert ALA to EPA.

Supplementation with fish oils that are rich in EPA and DHA is necessary to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of these nutritionally important fatty acids. Overall, it’s a beneficial to supplement with fish oil, in addition to flax oil, to meet your omega needs.

How should I supplement my diet with Omegas to make sure I’m getting enough?

Daily supplementation with a combination of borage oil, flax seed oil, and fish oil is the best way to make sure you get what you need.

Your body needs omegas just like it needs other essential vitamins and minerals. The average person does get some omegas through diet – but not enough to meet recommended daily amounts.

Daily supplementation is the best way to ensure that you get the health-protecting benefits of omegas. For the average person, supplementation with the following omegas is required for the maintenance of good health:

  • GLA (500mg daily): This amount is found in 2 grams of borage oil or 4 grams of evening primrose oil.
  • ALA (500-1000mg daily): This amount is found in 1-2 grams of flax oil.
  • EPA/DHA (400 mg daily for both combined): This is found in 2 grams of fish oil daily.

A practical solution is to look for a blended oil product that combines a balance of these essential fats in one convenient capsule. People with specific disease conditions should follow the recommended dose for the individual fatty acids for a therapeutic effect.

Is it possible to get too many Omegas?

In thousands of studies worldwide, no serious side effects of omega supplementation have ever been reported. Minor side effects may include: bloating, nausea, upset stomach, burping, and loose stools (diarrhea). To avoid these minor side effects, take omega supplements with meals, start with lower doses and increase gradually, and/or divide the daily dose into smaller portions. Dividing the dose helps absorption and minimizes side effects.

Why are Omega’s good for me?

Every cell in your body uses omega fatty acids — and healthy cells make healthy people!

Omegas control or modulate an amazing number of cellular processes. Omega fatty acids regulate a large number of mechanisms including increasing the fluidity of cell membranes and improving their “gate-keeping” abilities. These mechanisms help keep harmful toxins out and bring healthy nutrients into your cells. Omega fatty acids also influence the activation of cell genes, act as second messengers and produce good eicosanoids. These hormone-like compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, help keep blood from clotting, and help keep your blood vessels dilated. Furthermore, a diet rich in omegas can be beneficial against many diseases.

I’ve heard that Omega-6s are “bad” and Omega-3s are “good”? Is this true?

To say that all Omega-6s are “bad” is an oversimplification. It is true that we generally get an excess of the Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA) in our diet, and it has been shown that excess LA can have negative effects. However, GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that provides a variety of health benefits. Many factors of our modern lifestyle hamper the body’s ability to produce this beneficial Omega-6: consumption of sugar, alcohol, saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, diabetes, aging, stress, prescription medications, and viral infections to name a few. Insufficient quantities of zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6, C, and niacin also slow the process. For this reason, it is a good idea to supplement with a readily absorbed source of GLA such as borage or evening primrose oil in addition to supplementing with sources of Omega-3 fatty acids such as flax and fish oil.

Products

Are Bioriginal’s containers/packaging BPA free?

Yes! All Bioriginal packaging is BPA free. Bioriginal works closely with our suppliers to ensure that all of our packaging options are safe and of the utmost quality. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and quality of our products and packaging for our customers and their consumers.

Why are liquid products packed in PET and glass bottles vs. HDPE bottles?

Liquid products are packed in PET and/or glass bottles as these packaging options provide better stability (extended shelf life) over HDPE bottles. The improved stability is a result of these packaging options having a much lower permeability to oxygen than HDPE. Although PET bottles have greater stability than HDPE, Glass packaging provides optimal stability.

What kind of gelatin is used in the softgels Bioriginal offers?

Porcine and bovine are the two most common kinds of gelatin used in our softgels/capsules. However, we can also provide marine and vegetarian based softgels/capsules as well.

What is cold-pressing?

Cold pressing is a mechanical oil extraction method that crushes the seed to release the nutritional oil. Cold pressing is also known as expeller pressing. This gentle process does not involve the application of external heat. It enhances stability and helps preserve the nutritional components of the oil.

Recipes

Shrimp Quinoa Risotto with Baby Kale

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total Prep: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Virgin Coconut Oil, separated
  • 8 ounces of shrimp, uncooked
  • 2 ½ tbsp Liquid Coconut Oil
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ¼ cup quinoa, rinsed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 6 cups baby kale (or quick-cooking green such as spinach, arugula, etc)

Preparation:

  • Bring the broth to a simmer, lower heat and keep warm.
  • Heat 1 tbsp Virgin Coconut Oil in a large saucepan over medium.
  • Add shrimp and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until pink, flipping halfway through, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Heat the Liquid Coconut Oil in the pan.
  • Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
  • Add garlic, stir and cook an additional 30 seconds.
  • Add quinoa, stirring to coat with the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add wine and stir constantly until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Add ½ cup broth and the lemon juice. Stir constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the broth ½ cup at a time.
  • When all broth is almost absorbed, add the remaining tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil, the shrimp and fold in the kale.
  • Continue to stir until all liquid is absorbed and the kale is wilted.
  • Serve immediately.