Minami Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
April 2011
1. What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they beneficial?
A: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential
nutrients for health. We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body
functions, such as contributing to healthy eyes and supporting cell
membranes in the brain; they are associated with many other health benefits,
including maintaining heart health.
Our bodies cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids so we must obtain them through
food or supplementation. There are two major types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) - found in some vegetable oils, such flaxseed,
chia seed, rapeseed (canola), soybean and in walnuts. ALA is also found in
some green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad
greens. The body only partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - found mostly in
fatty fish. EPA has been found to promote a healthy circulatory system and consequently
a healthy heart, support proper immune function, support joint flexibility,
promote good mood and emotional well-being and is essential for learning and
focus. Research shows the benefits of EPA consumption in individuals over
the age of 5 or 6, showing anti-inflammatory and mental and emotional
benefits.
DHA has been found to be essential for memory and cognitive function and
supportive of a healthy pregnancy. The visual and brain development of
fetuses and infants is dependent on DHA. DHA is also known to reduce the
harmful effects of stress and support a healthy heartbeat. Our bodies
actually convert EPA into DHA, but not the other way around. Research shows
benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children ages 0-5
who take a supplement containing a higher amount of DHA to support growth
and development. 2. Which foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids?
A: Our bodies cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids so we must obtain them
through food or supplementation. There are two major types of omega-3 fatty
acids:
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) - found in some vegetable oils, such flaxseed,
chia seed, rapeseed (canola), soybean and in walnuts. ALA is also found in
some green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad
greens. The body only partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA.
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - found mostly
in fatty fish.
3. What is EPA and why is it beneficial?
A: See question #1 above 4. What is DHA and why is it beneficial?
A: See question #1 above 5. What is Minami Nutrition?
A: Minami Nutrition is a premium line of Supercritical Distilled Omega-3
Fatty Acid supplements, sourced from fish and algae. Minami is the only
company to provide 100% Supercritically Distilled Omega-3 fatty acids,
providing the most highly concentrated and the purest Omega-3 oils on the
market. 6. When and where did Minami Nutrition originate?
A: Minami was founded by Jo Wyckmans in 1999, in Belgium. In the 1980’s, Jo
began using Salmon oil supplements as part of his health regimen, but saw an
increase in his triglycerides. When looking for highly concentrated fish
oils, he was disappointed in the purity levels of the fish oil products
available. With increasing scientific evidence pointing towards the
importance of EPA over DHA, Jo was one of few front runners in Europe to
support the use of high EPA products for health. Jo Wyckmans search for “the best” in nutritional supplements for himself and
his family left him dissatisfied, but luckily led him to develop his own
product line of highly concentrated, therapeutic Omega-3 oils. In 1999, Jo
founded Minami and launched MorEPA, a molecularly distilled, high
concentration, high EPA, low DHA supplement. In 2002, Jo learned about
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Distillation and got exclusivity on the
manufacturing process in order to create Omega-3 products for the commercial
market. This process was shown to create products of the highest Omega-3
concentration and highest purity. CO2 distillation was and is an
eco-friendly process, leaving the smallest carbon footprint possible.
7. What products does the Minami line include?
A. The Minami product line distributed in the United States includes:
8. How are Minami oils different from typical fish oils?
A: Minami offers formulas with unsurpassed concentration levels, which means
more Omega-3 nutrition, no fillers and fewer capsules to take. Minami’s
patented Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 technology gently and safely
concentrates Omega-3s, yielding unique selectivity of the most biologically
active Omega-3 fatty acids—EPA and DHA. Using less heat, less repeat
processing, and natural Carbon Dioxide as a solvent, allows Minami to reach
peak concentrations of 95% Omega-3, omitting superfluous fats and fillers.
Minami’s products are so highly concentrated that you need only two capsules
per day. With other leading brands, you need to take three, four, five, even
six capsules of fish oil to achieve our beneficial dosage.
9. What is the Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 Technology?
A: Minami Nutrition uses a patented, low-heat Supercritical Dual-Process CO2
technology that provides unprecedented levels of concentration, purity,
sustainability and unique, custom formulations based on the latest advanced
research.
STEP ONE: Supercritical Fluid Extraction. In this step, fish oil is
decontaminated and Omega-3s are gently concentrated without the use of high
heat or harsh chemical solvents. Supercritical CO2 is used as a gentle and
effective solvent, requiring low heat, protecting the heat-sensitive omega-3
fatty acids from oxidation. Saturated fats, cholesterol, and other
superfluous fats are removed. STEP TWO: Supercritical Fluid Chromatography. In this next step, the
pre-concentrated fish oil is further decontaminated, gently concentrated and
separated into batches of pure EPA, and pure DHA. From here, Minami can
create unique ratios of EPA and DHA based on the latest, advanced science
using less heat and fewer repeat processes. The combination of these two technologies is a patented process delivering
Omega-3 fish oil at the highest possible quality with the lowest possible
impact on the environment. 10. What are the benefits of Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 Technology?
A: The patented Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 Technology poses many
advantages:
- 400% less heat used during the entire process than molecular distillation,
with no oxygen exposure. Natural CO2 is used as gentle alternative to
organic solvents and protects the final product from oxidation.
- The most highly concentrated Omega-3 fatty acids available. Ordinary fish
oil contains 30% Omega-3 and 70% added filler fats. Minami’s formulas
contain 65%-95% Omega-3 fatty acids with no saturated fats as filler.
- Carbon dioxide in its supercritical state enables unique ratios of EPA and DHA, to reflect current scientific evidence on omega 3’s.
- Unprecedented Purity. Each batch of Minami’s oils are analyzed, exceeding
strict international standards for heavy metals, PCB’s, pesticides and
dioxins.
11. Are Minami Nutrition products Pharmaceutical Grade?
A: Yes. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil means the fish oil has been
manufactured at a true Pharmaceutical API (active pharmaceutical ingredient)
facility that has passed stringent audits devised by the pharmaceutical
industry. The product must be in excess of 99 percent purity without any
binders, fillers, excipients, dyes, or unknown substances.
12. How are heavy metals, pesticides and other impurities removed from
Minami’s products?
A: Our technology involves a patented three-step purification process,
providing oils that are virtually free of contaminants (PCBs, dioxins)
and/or heavy metals (such as mercury).
- Activated Carbon Filtration
- Super Critical Fluid Extraction (SFE)
- Super Critical Fluid Chromatography (SFC)
Activated Carbon Filtration allows for impurities to be irreversibly held in
a porous carbon receptacle. To follow, both SFE and SFC use carbon dioxide
in a super critical state, known as supercritical CO2. This advanced
technology gently extracts Omega-3 fatty acids without applying excessive
heat and/or chemical solvents. Thereby, this process eliminates the
possibility of the formation of any isomeric (molecules of altered
structure) or other unwanted by-products (excess fatty acids), of exposure
to contamination and of residual solvents in the end product.
13. Why do the majority of Minami’s products contain such high amounts of
EPA and smaller amounts of DHA?
A: EPA and DHA, both Omega-3 fatty acids, have been found to act very
differently in the body. Advanced Omega-3 research suggests that a high
concentration of EPA, along with DHA, can support mood, cognitive function,
and cardiovascular health. Most early research on fish oils focused on the
many benefits of DHA, but increasingly, EPA has come to the forefront. Where
DHA is important structurally (especially when you are very young), EPA is a
more functional Omega-3 fatty acid. Additionally, EPA can be converted into
DHA as needed by the body. 14. What species of fish are used in Minami’s products?
A: Minami Nutrition obtains small fish such as herring, mackerel, anchovies
and sardines from sustainable managed cold waters around Antarctica (from
the South Pacific Ocean) off the coast of Chile and Peru. These small fish
are low on the food chain reducing the accumulation of harmful contaminants
that are more prevalent in larger fish with longer life spans. Minami only
uses abundant, sustainable fish species that are subject to stringent
fishing quotas. 15. How do I decide which Minami Product to use?
A: Minami offers a unique line of omega-3 products beneficial for certain
target users and certain age groups. Our packaging gives helpful information
about the benefits of each formula and the intended user. Minami has Omega-3
formulas for all ages. If you have any questions please call Garden of
Life’s technical hotline at 1-866-465-0051. If you have a medical condition,
please consult your health care practitioner. 16. What is
Minami PLATINUM? Who would benefit from using this product?
A:
Minami PLATINUM is an ultra premium Omega-3 supplement utilizing
supercritical CO2 extraction technology that delivers an unprecedented
1,100mg of Omega-3 nutrition and 75% Daily Value of Vitamin D in a
convenient, once daily serving. Minami PLATINUM supports cardiovascular
health, cognitive function, mood and the immune system and offers a clean,
orange flavor with no fishy aftertaste. This formula is designed for adults
who want an ultra premium, convenient, once daily fish oil with the highest
available Omega-3 concentration (92%) and added vitamin D3.
17. What is
Minami MorEPA? Who would benefit from using this product?
A:
MorEPA is a premium Omega-3 supplement utilizing supercritical CO2
extraction technology that delivers 800mg of Omega-3 nutrition in a
convenient, once daily serving. With unsurpassed purity levels, MorEPA
offers a clean, orange flavor with no fishy aftertaste. MorEPA is the
solution for those who seek the benefits of increased EPA consumption,
specifically for cardiovascular health, cognitive function and mood. With
580mg of EPA and 130mg of DHA, MorEPA provides high concentrations of
Omega-3s (80%) in one single softgel. 18. What is
Minami CardiO-3? Who would benefit from using this product?
A: Omega-3 fatty acids are notable for many benefits, especially their
ability to support a healthy heart. Omega-3s like EPA and DHA have been
shown to aid in the support of healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels
already in the normal range.
CardiO-3 from Minami contains a high
concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids (90%) meaning more Omega-3s to support
heart health, and less of the saturated fats you may be trying to avoid.
CardiO-3 contains 635mg of EPA and 194mg of DHA in a once daily orange
flavored formula that provides you with a healthy dose of convenience as
well. 19. What is
Minami PLUSEPA? Who would benefit from using this product?
A:
PLUSEPA is a unique, one-of-a-kind Omega-3 formula. Minami uses patented
technology that allows for the first 90% EPA formula available in the United
States. Emerging Omega-3 research is focused on high concentrations of EPA
for the support of cognitive function, mood, immune system and
cardiovascular health. Like most of the Minami formulas, PLUSEPA is a once
daily formula, offering 500mg EPA per serving. PLUSEPA is the first Omega-3
formula available that features a 95% concentration of Omega-3s, meaning
more Omega-3s and less fillers like saturated fats. For anyone looking to
see the benefits associated with a pure EPA formula, PLUSEPA is the smart
choice. 20. Why is DHA recommended for Pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A: From the start of the third quarter of a pregnancy until 18 months DHA is
an essential nutritional component for the healthy development of a baby.
Pregnant women lose up to half of their own DHA reserve, and supplementation
during pregnancy and breastfeeding is typically recommended as a result.
21. What is
Minami MorDHA? Who would benefit from using this product?
A:
MorDHA is a premium Omega-3 supplement utilizing supercritical CO2
extraction technology that delivers 465mg of DHA nutrition in a convenient,
once daily serving. A woman’s demand for DHA increases during pregnancy and
DHA taken during lactation enhances the quality of breast milk. DHA is also
essential for the proper development of infants and children. 600mg of Total
Omega-3s is twice the minimum recommendation (300mg according to the
National Institute of Health (NIH)) of daily Omega-3 intake in one
easy-to-swallow softgel, one of the highest potency formulas available on
the market. MorDHA offers a clean, lemon flavor with no fishy aftertaste and
undergoes rigorous testing to ensure unsurpassed purity, providing you and
your child all of the benefits of Omega-3s AND peace of mind.
22. What is
Minami MorO-3? Who would benefit from using this product?
A:
MorO-3 is a triglyceride form of Omega-3 fish oil that uses patented
technology that does not require excess heating through multiple
distillation processes. MorO-3 is highly concentrated Omega-3 fish oil that
delivers 1,040mg of total Omega-3s, with 608mg of EPA and 288mg of DHA in a
twice daily formula. MorO-3 is for people who prefer their fish oils in
triglyceride form, but don’t want the excess heating that is often present
in conventional means of processing fish oil. Additionally, like all Minami
fish oils, MorO-3 undergoes the most rigorous testing to ensure a fish oil
of unsurpassed purity. MorO-3 offers a clean, orange flavor with no fishy
aftertaste and a balanced ratio of EPA to DHA to support cognitive function,
cardiovascular health and the immune system. 23. What is
Minami PlusKenkO? Who would benefit from using this product?
A: Minami fish oils aren’t just for heart and brain health support!
PlusKenkO is a complete spectrum fatty acid formula, containing Omega
3-6-7-9 that supports a healthy mind, body and skin. PlusKenkO is a source
of highly concentrated marine Omega-3s from small deep-sea fish, GLA from
borage oil and extra zinc for skin support. PlusKenkO also provides a
meaningful amount of EPA and DHA, while adding ingredients that support your
beauty from within in a once daily formula. PlusKenkO supports
cardiovascular health, mood and healthy skin. 24. What is
Minami MorEPA MINIs? Who would benefit from using this product?
A: Omega-3s are important for everyone, but especially for our young ones.
MorEPA MINIs is a high-EPA formula for children 10 and older, and contains
482mg of EPA alongside 66mg of DHA. Best of all, MorEPA MINIs are smaller
softgels. As children enter their adolescent years, their health needs grow
along with them. Providing your child with a quality Omega-3 fish oil like
MorEPA MINIs can help you ensure that they are getting the premium nutrition
they need. 25. What is
Minami MorDHA MINIs? Who would benefit from using this product?
A: Omega-3s are important for everyone, but especially for our young ones.
MorDHA MINIs is a high-DHA formula for children 10 and older, and contains
241mg of DHA and 33mg of EPA. Best of all, MorDHA MINIs are smaller softgels.
DHA plays a key role in children development. Unfortunately, many children
do not consume enough fish in their diets and may be lacking in healthy
amounts of DHA. MorDHA MINIs are the perfect solution for parents who
recognize the benefits of increased DHA to support the health and well-being
of their children. 26. What is
Minami MorEPA Chewable? Who would benefit from using this
product?
A: Kids can be notoriously finicky and repeated studies show that our
youngsters are not eating enough fish. Parents of children 4 and older can
rely on
MorEPA Chewable to provide their children with premium Omega-3
nutrition, with a taste that kids will love. A daily serving of MorEPA
Chewable delicious orange-flavored Omega-3 softgels provides 500mg of EPA
and 69mg of DHA. Parents can be assured that they are providing their
children with the Omega-3 fatty acids that all children need to support
their health and well-being. 27. What is
Minami VeganDHA? Who would benefit from using this product?
A: Those who embrace a vegan lifestyle are often challenged to acquire
certain nutrients through their diet. Many vegans do not get an adequate
supply of DHA due to the limited number of plant-based foods rich in DHA.
VeganDHA uses a special marine algae (Schizochytrium sp.) that is rich in
DHA. Like all Minami formulas, VeganDHA is processed utilizing our
Supercritical CO2 technology which is a low heat, hexane-free process. With
300mg of DHA and 1.5mg of Astaxanthin in just two mini softgels, VeganDHA is
the perfect choice for anyone looking for a plant-based option to experience
the benefits of this important Omega-3 fatty acid. In VeganDHA Gluten-free starch is used for the vegan caps, this starch is
primarily potato starch because potato allergy is rare.
28. Are Minami products clinically studied?
A: Yes, Minami Nutrition products have been the subject of 11 clinical
studies. 29. Are Minami Nutrition products vegetarian?
A: No, Minami oils are sourced from fish. However,
VeganDHA is a Vegan/Vegetarian
formula sourced from marine algae. 30. Are Minami Nutrition products Dairy Free?
A: Minami Nutrition products do not include dairy.
31. Are Minami Nutrition products Gluten Free?
A: Minami Nutrition products do not include gluten-containing ingredients.
32. Do Minami Nutrition products contain soy?
A: Yes; mixed tocopherols sourced from non GMO soy bean oil are used as
antioxidant protection for the oils. For this reason, there may be traces of
soy in Minami products. 33. Why are mixed tocopherols better than alpha-tocopherol or Vitamin E?
A: Other tocopherols, beta, delta and most importantly gamma, are related
but distinct compounds with a different antioxidant range, enhancing the
protective activity of alpha-tocopherol. 35. Do Minami Nutrition products contain filler ingredients, artificial
colors or preservatives?
A: No. Minami Nutrition products do not contain any fillers or artificial
ingredients. 36. What is the shelf life of Minami products?
A: All Minami products have a shelf life of 2 years unopened. 37. Do Minami products require refrigeration?
A: No, but we recommend you store Minami products in a dark, cool, dry place
(max 77° F). 38. Are there any cautions or contraindications for Minami products?
A: CAUTION: As with any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare
practitioner before using this product, especially if you are pregnant,
nursing, allergic to iodine, use blood thinners, anticipate surgery, take
medication on a regular basis or are otherwise under medical supervision.
39. What kind of gelatin is used in Minami products?
A: Minami uses either Tilapia (fish) gelatin or Halal-certified bovine
gelatin for all products except
VeganDHA. In VeganDHA Gluten-free starch is
used, this starch is primarily potato starch because potato allergy is rare.
40. What is the suggested usage for Minami formulas?
A: Minami products are so highly concentrated that you only need one or two softgels per day. With other leading brands you need to take 3, 4, 5, or
even 6 capsules of fish oil to achieve our high concentration formulas.
Minami Product Usage:
41. Should someone take more servings than recommended of any Minami
product?
A: We recommend that you follow label suggested use to get the optimum
benefits from these highly concentrated oils. However consult your
practitioner who will be able to advise you as to whether you will benefit
from taking more than the recommended dosage. As all fish oils have blood
thinning properties, it is important to check with your doctor first.
42. Are Minami softgels enteric coated?
A: No, Minami softgels are encapsulated in either fish gelatin or Halal-certified
bovine gelatin. Capsules are designed to resist stomach enzymes and acids,
ensuring that the oil inside reaches the lower part of the intestine. Minami
does not use enteric coating because it is not natural or necessary.
43. Is Minami Nutrition a sustainable company?
A: Minami only uses abundant, sustainable fish species that are subject to
stringent fishing quotas. Minami fish oils are processed in unique
energy-efficient facilities, reusing all by-products throughout the entire
process. Over 95% of the CO2 used during processing is recycled. All excess
oils not used for product are converted into energy which powers the
facility and the local community. The Omega-3 fatty acids in Minami oils are
extracted using Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 technology requiring less
heat and energy output, as well as no harsh chemical solvents.
44. What is EMAS?
A: Minami nutrition is the only Omega-3 fish oil manufacturer to receive EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certification, a stringent European
environmental standard that audits everything from fish sourcing to the ink
on the packaging.
45. Why is the NPF logo on the Minami cartons?
A: For every bottle of Minami adult product purchased, Minami proudly makes
a donation to the leading nonprofit dedicated to research and education of
Parkinson Disease, the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF).
www.parkinson.org.
Click here to Return to the Minami Fish Oil Introduction Page.
References: Richardson, AJ, Montgomery P. The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized,
controlled trial of dietary supplements with fatty acids in children with
developmental coordination disorder. Pediatrics 2005; 115(5): 1360-6
Richardson AJ. Clinical trials of fatty acid treatment in ADHD, dyslexia,
dyspraxia and the autistic spectrum. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty
Acids 2004; 70(4): 383-90.
Hibbeln JR. Seafood consumption, the DHA content of mothers’ milk and
prevalence rates of postpartum depression: a cross-national ecological
analysis. J Affect Disord 2002; 69(1-3): 15-29.
De Vriese SR, Christophe AB, Maes M. Lowered serum n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acid (PUFA) levels predict the occurrence of postpartum depression: further
evidence that lowered n-PUFAs are related to major depression. Life Sci
2003; 73: 3181-7.
Clandinin MT, VanAerde J. Formula supplementation and growth. Pediatrics
2003; 112(6 Pt 1): 1456-8; author reply 1456-8.
Note: The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure prevent
any disease. |
