Our challenge in making mumomega ™ was to create a supplement that delivered the optimum formulation of fatty acids for pregnant and lactating mothers, and youngsters. The criteria was to deliver the key omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are required to create the structure of the eye and brain during early life. The fatty acids we needed to include, listed in order of importance for the formulation, are:
DHA, or Docosahexaenoic Acid. This is an omega-3 fatty acid that is an element in the structure of cell membranes of the eye and brain. In fact, about 10% of the dry weight of the brain is made up of DHA, which as a dietary source, typically comes from oily fish.
AA, or Arachidonic Acid. This is an omega-6 fatty acid that can play both structural and functional roles in the brain. It is a crucial part of cell membranes and is believed to play a role in the laying down of memory. In the diet, AA is usually derived from meat and dairy products.
EPA, or Eicosapentaenoic Acid. Another omega-3 fatty acid, but unlike structural DHA, 'functional' EPA has various anti-inflammatory actions, and in many trials, has been shown to have positive influences on mood. EPA is derived from oily fish.
GLA, or Gamma Linolenic Acid. This omega-6 fatty acid is known to also have anti-inflammatory actions, and to play a role in regulating hormonal balance.
DPA, or Docosapentaenoic Acid. This is a link omega-3 fatty acid, which sits on the metabolic pathway between EPA and DHA.
Our challenge was to get all these fatty acids into one formulation. We opted for an oil specification that used a pharmaceutical-grade marine fish oil to deliver the key omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 source has been tweaked at an FDA-approved facility to concentrate the DHA in particular to a very high level, while providing elevated amounts of AA and DPA. The omega-6 source is virgin organic evening primrose oil.
In terms of our dosage, we followed the suggested intake levels set out by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, or ISSFAL. This is the most prestigious body involved in fatty acid research, and their advice is that pregnant and lactating women take at least 300 mg of DHA a day, and infants at least 100 mg of DHA a day. To ensure that mother and child can include this in their diets easily, we developed two variants of mumomega.
This formulation is unique to Equazen and we believe will deliver the optimum fatty acids for pregnancy and early childhood. Visit EQUAZEN for more info:- http://www.equazen.com/default.aspx?pid=64