The day is finally here! I couldn’t be more excited to bring you an essential product that has been in the works for a long time. Since the beginning, FullWell’s most popular request has been for a safe, sustainable, ultra clean, high-quality fish oil, and I was bound and determined to make it happen. 

But you know the adage: Good things take time.

And to adhere to our own strict, sky-high production standards, the FullWell team and I had to test our patience. Creating our new, premium fish oil took a ton of time, research, expertise, hard work, dedication, and as always, an unwavering commitment to transparency and doing things right. This product took a full two years to get right and rivals the prenatal in terms of challenges along the way. To say the team is excited to share this fantastic product with you is a colossal understatement.

But before we get to all of the details on FullWell’s Fish Oil, let’s back up and look at why it’s such an essential staple in your routine in the first place.

What is fish oil?

Fish oil comes from fatty fish and is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s play a BIG role in fertility and overall health for both men and women and serve a critical function during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Read on to find out:

• How omega-3s are composed, how they function, and why they are so important
• Why you and your partner need them if you’re trying to conceive 
• What they do to support a healthy pregnancy
• Ways they can continue to boost your body postpartum and in everyday life
• Where to get omega-3s if you don’t eat fish or have a fish allergy 
• Why FullWell’s new fish oil holds the ideal ratio of sustainably sourced omega-3s

What are omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential fat, meaning our bodies need them, yet we cannot create them efficiently (or, in many cases, at all) on our own. That leaves us with the task of consuming them through diet and supplements.  

The “three” part of the name refers to how many carbons rest between the methyl end of the fatty acid chain and the first carbon-carbon double bond. (If you prefer to leave your AP chem days in the past, don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s why we lay the information out the way we do! Accessibility matters when it comes to our health). Coincidentally though, three acids make up this group: 

ALA is found relatively easily in plants and the oils they produce. Western diets are usually packed with ALA-rich foods, like walnuts, chia, hemp, flax, soybeans, canola oils, and leafy vegetables (1, 2). This means that ALA deficiencies are very uncommon, for the most part. Harder to secure, however, are those coveted DHAs and EPAs, which are most commonly found in fish and other seafood. 

While your body can technically convert tiny amounts of ALA into EPA (and then, in turn, into DHA), the process is far from efficient since ALA is mainly utilized in creating energy (2). Medical professionals widely recognize getting EPA and DHA from foods and dietary supplements as the most practical way to increase levels of these omega-3 fatty acids in your body (1).*  

This is especially true if fertility is on your mind!

EPA and DHA: a perfect match (in the correct ratio, of course)

Omega-3s are essential reinforcing components of the structural membranes surrounding every cell in your body. As with many of the greatest teams, EPA and DHA each have their specialty and are found naturally, coexisting and working together in real-time. This dynamic duo does plenty of fantastic complimentary work on their own. Still, they are also essential to have around if you want to utilize any of the fat-soluble vitamins you need, like vitamins A, D, E, and K (3). Additionally, research supports the importance of combining these fatty acids for optimal everyday health and function, optimizing male and female fertility, healthy pregnancy and healthy pregnancy outcomes, and even postpartum.*

However, it’s important to note that the ratio of these omega-3s is essential. In my extensive experience in my private practice and exhaustive research, I chose to formulate FullWell Fish Oil with a roughly 2:1 DHA to EPA ratio in a natural triglyceride form for superior absorption and tolerance. This is because research has shown that this ratio supports  

1. A healthy liver (which, if you remember, is your body’s natural detoxifier and therefore extremely important for fertility) (4)
2. Higher levels of superoxide dismutase, ​​an antioxidant enzyme that scavenges for free radicals in your body and converts them to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, preventing them from causing any excessive damage (4)

FullWell Fish Oil contains this optimal ratio of roughly 2:1 DHA (400mg+) to EPA (100-200mg), the ideal essential fatty acid profile for daily consumption specific to preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (note that ideal amounts for other stages of life may vary).* What’s more, we achieved that outstanding balance with two just two gel caps daily! 

(We worked hard to keep the capsule number as low as possible because your fish oil is an essential partner to your FullWell Prenatal.)

How does Fish Oil support health & fertility?

Preconception

At face value, omega-3s from food provide calories to give your body energy and serve many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system (your network of hormone-producing glands) (1).* These fats help your heart pump blood at a steady rate and support your circulatory system by lowering blood pressure, improving vessel function, and even lowering triglycerides to ease chronic inflammation, which we know affects fertility negatively in both men and women (2).*

When it comes to preconception timing, ideally, you begin building your omega-3 stores before trying to conceive. That’s pre-preconception! Research shows that 80% of U.S. women of childbearing age have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids for a variety of reasons. Diet, genetics, and chronic illnesses can all factor in (5). Because women will eventually be the primary source of EPA and DHA for baby, getting enough before, during, and after pregnancy is essential. EPA and DHA promote a happy and healthy pregnancy.*

The best part (read: life simplifying!) about FullWell’s Fish Oil supplement, in particular, is that we have formulated it so that you can easily take it right along with your prenatal without any negative impacts on nutrient absorption. If you prefer to take it separately, that is also an option. Because our fish oil is flavorless, odorless, and easy to tolerate on even an empty stomach, you have the option of taking it with or without food. Discuss timing and personal protocol with your healthcare provider for an individualized recommendation for your needs and lifestyle.

Pregnancy

Like many nutrients, moms’ needs for omega-3 fatty acids become higher in pregnancy than in other periods of life because they need more to reroute toward their developing baby. Studies show that consuming omega-3s during pregnancy can increase the length of pregnancy (i.e., help avoid preterm birth) and encourage a healthy birth weight (5). 

Many studies supporting DHA in pregnancy and lactation are related to baby’s brain and early visual development.* And to reinforce the need for this dream team, newer research shows that EPA is needed to help DHA pass through the placenta to baby to support their development and promote growth by improving placental blood flow.* Cool, right?

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

For breastfeeding moms, your nutrient needs for omega-3 fatty acids are still high for you and your baby.* Studies show that higher levels of DHA in breast milk are easily absorbed by babies and raise their DHA levels.* Optimal amounts of DHA and EPA mean that you have what you need for your health and recovery during the postpartum period and that baby is getting everything they need to grow!* 

Additionally, whether or not you are breastfeeding, studies support that omega-3s benefit heart health, immune and inflammatory responses, metabolism, skin, hair, nervous system, joints, eyes, and brain health.* Perhaps most importantly, they offer much-needed mood support for moms in the postpartum period, significantly lowering chances of developing postpartum blues (5), which, as we know, can affect the entire family.* FullWell Fish Oil is a definite value add to your postpartum recovery kit!

I’m [vegan, vegetarian, allergic to fish and seafood, etc.]. What do I do?!

Don’t worry! We’ve got you. When it comes to dietary preferences, restrictions, and allergies, there are always ways to work with them. 

Let’s talk about how.

Re: Sourcing & Ethics

While our fish oil is not vegan or vegetarian, it is ethically and sustainably sourced from anchovies and sardines. It is Friend of the Sea Certified in conjunction with Project World Sustainability Organization. This is an attribute of which I am incredibly proud. Our sleek, compact gel capsules are made from bovine-derived gelatin to create an effective and easy-to-swallow supplement.

While vegan essential fatty acid products are available on the market, I am not confident in their sourcing or integrity or the ability to sustainably source and create a quality vegan product that fits the bill. I formulated our supplement with natural, bioavailable fish oil from a trusted and highly vetted source. 

I always recommend working on getting your nutrients through food, so for our FullWell customers who choose not to consume animal products, consult with your healthcare practitioner about what options you have, and be proactive about getting omega-3s from plant-based foods.

Re: Allergens

FullWell Fish Oil is free of soy, corn, nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, rice, sweeteners, artificial colors or flavors, but um, obviously, it’s not free of fish 😛 If you have a fish or seafood allergy, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before taking FullWell Fish Oil. Overall, it should not be taken by those with a seafood allergy. Similarly, you’ll need to consult your physician if you are allergic to iodine or take blood thinner medications before use. Together, you’ll be able to explore alternative solutions that work for you!

Re: Safety 

As you’re likely aware, our products surpass the strictest international standards for purity and freshness. Made in Canada, FullWell third-party tests each batch of natural fish oil through a reputable, certified lab to ensure that mercury and other heavy metals, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are below detectable levels. We also run a full panel of oxidation markers to ensure the fish oil is fresh and far exceeds industry standards. We apply this absolute non-negotiable standard to every batch to ensure quality and safety. We’ve thrown entire runs out before, and we’ll do it again if things aren't right. Your and your family's health is our number one priority, period.

FullWell is determined to educate and optimize the fertility of every human, regardless of gender, sex, age, diagnosis, or even desire to procreate. We believe that healthy fertility paints broad and significant strokes into the landscape of whole health. 

*The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. FullWell makes no guarantees regarding the information provided or how products may work for any individual. If you suffer from a health condition, you should consult your health care practitioner for medical advice before introducing any new products into your health care regimen. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.

REFERENCES

1. “Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids .” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/#. 
2. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution.” The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 22 May 2019, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/. 
3. Fat-Soluble Vitamins - Diet and Health - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218749/. 
4. Shang, Tingting, et al. “Protective Effects of Various Ratios of DHA/EPA Supplementation on High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Damage in Mice.” Lipids in Health and Disease, BioMed Central, 29 Mar. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372293/. 
5. von Schacky, Clemens. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy-the Case for a Target Omega-3 Index.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 26 Mar. 2020, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/898/htm.