FAQ

What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they beneficial?

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.

Which foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids?

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.

What are EPA and DHA? Emotional balance with MorEPA.

MorEPA consists of two very important omega-3 fatty acids; it contains low levels of DHA and high levels of EPA. EPA and DHA are vital for the creation and renewal of cells and for the health of our cells in general. Because our whole body consists of cells, a deficiency of EPA and DHA has a negative effect on all our body parts: our bones, our blood, our organs, skin, hair and our brain. Proverbially, a healthy mind thrives in a healthy body. It seems that EPA and DHA not only keep the body in optimal condition, they also give us a mental boost for they are the foundation of a healthy emotional balance.

What is EPA and why is it beneficial?

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.

What is DHA and why is it beneficial?

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.

What is more important: EPA or DHA?

We need EPA as well as DHA! Research has taught us that a lack of EPA weakens the body's immune system (to fight diseases). A lack of both omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) endangers one's mental health. This manifests itself in difficulty concentrating, learning problems, poor memory... and it leads directly to an increased risk of developing depression, suicide attempts and ADHD. You should keep in mind however that low levels of EPA and DHA are not the only determining factors responsible for the creation of these disorders typical of our civilization, but they are definitely a very important factor. EPA and DHA are essential for optimal brain functioning DHA is an important building block of the brain DHA is crucial for the healthy development and growth of the brain. The brain of an unborn child goes through a growth spurt during the third trimester of pregnancy, and the first three months after birth, are crucial for the subsequent brain development of the baby. Having sufficient levels of DHA is important in the structure of brain cell membranes. Later on in life, sufficient levels of DHA are necessary to keep cell membranes flexible. EPA controls the way the brain operates EPA is a basic material the body uses to manufacture a whole range of essential substances that regulate hormonal balance, immune system functioning, brain functioning, and blood supply to tissues. EPA is essential for the moment-by-moment regulation of brain functioning. 

EPA is sometimes more effective than DHA:

Several studies have indicated that EPA, not DHA, accelerates the healing process of certain conditions such as ADHA, dyslexia, depression, and memory disorders.

Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, depression, are accompanied by inflammatory reactions. EPA, more so than DHA, helps alleviate these inflammations.

What is Minami Nutrition?

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.

When and where did Minami Nutrition originate?

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.

How are Minami oils different from typical fish oils?

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.

What is the Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 Technology?

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.

What are the benefits of Supercritical Dual-Process CO2 Technology?

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.

Are Minami Nutrition products Pharmaceutical Grade?

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.

How are heavy metals, pesticides and other impurities removed from Minami’s products?

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.

Why do the majority of Minami’s products contain such high amounts of EPA and smaller amounts of DHA?

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.

What species of fish are used in Minami’s products?

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.

How do I decide which Minami Product to use?

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 our hotline at +36 30 323 3395. If you have a medical condition, please consult your health care practitioner.

What is MorEPA PLATINUM? Who would benefit from using this product?

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.

Why is DHA recommended for Pregnancy and breastfeeding?

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 highly recommended as a result. This can NOT hurt your baby, but seriously help your child in those early stages of growing in your womb. Important for YOU and your baby!

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