EFAs are those necessary fats that we as humans are unable to synthesize in our bodies and must be obtained from either diet or supplementation. Just like essential amino acids (EAAs as found in Animal Nitro), and other essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, we need optimum amounts in order for the body to function properly, let alone to make gains in lean mass. Getting the proper EFAs isn't always easy, especially when they are hard to obtain with a typical diet. A typical diet consists of an overabundance of saturated fats, trans fats, and those fats from plant sources (think of common cooking oils) usually overloaded with omega 6 compounds, as they are the easiest and most economical to get your hands on. Now don't get me wrong. Omega 6s are important, as they are EFAs too. But it's not just the types of fats. It's also the ratios. More on that later.
EFAs have been clinically proven to exert positive effects in many areas, including-balancing insulin levels, thermogenesis, anabolism, hormone synthesis, fertility, prostaglandin function, immune function, repair of cellular membranes, enabling cells to obtain optimum nutrition, and more. For the bodybuilder, EFAs are vital for optimal metabolism, hormone production, cardiovascular health, peak performance, reducing exercise soreness, and maximizing fat burning. It's a wonder why they are so overlooked and underutilized by the population.
For supplementation purposes there are only 2 types of fats that are needed; Omega 3's (n-3) and Omega 6's (n-6). Omega 9 is necessary, yet not essential because it can be made by the body in modest amounts. The reason why the body can't make an n-3 or n-6 fatty acid is that human metabolism can't add a double bond to a fatty acid that is more than 9 carbons away from the delta end (acid end). This is also the reason why the body can't convert an n-3 fatty acid to an n-6 fatty acid. Yeah, it sounds like science mumbo jumbo, but it is important to see from a chemistry perspective why it's so hard to obtain the right EFAs from the diet.
This is where a supplement like Animal Omega comes into play. Sure, it ain't fancy. No cool bells and whistles here, just the basics. It's not going to "pack on 10 lb in a week" but long-term, it'll get ya to where ya want to be. EFAs are needed, not just any old EFAs, but the right kinds and the right amounts. That's what Animal Omega is all about. Omega is the most complete EFA product on the market. It contains the right fats that bodybuilders require. It's a full spectrum, molecularly distilled EFA supplement, each pack containing a precise and pre-dosed ratio of n-3 to n-6. It is packed with sources of Omega 3 oils extracted from various fish sources such as salmon, cod liver, herring, and plant-sourced omega 3s from flaxseed oil. Such a well-rounded mixture ensures that you obtain all of the various n-3 extracts that are so important for general health. You get the balance of alpha-linoleic acid from flax and the key fish oil extracts, EPA and DHA.
Animal Omega is then rounded out with key Omega 6 oils, including; borage, evening primrose, sesamin, and CLA. Linoleic acid is the other essential fatty acid found in nature. As said before, the lack of n-6 in one's diet is hard to come by. However, there is a specific form of n-6, gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which is crucial for health. This is contained in ample doses in Omega. The body uses n-6 essential fatty acids to make various prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These substances influence inflammation and pain; some of them increase symptoms, while others decrease them.
Another n-6 found in Animal Omega is CLA. CLA is touted for its ability to reduce body fat, being anti-catabolic, acting as an antioxidant, and enhancing the immune system. Although exactly how CLA works is completely understood, it's been shown by the research community that CLA positively influences the metabolism and assists with fat regulation and protein metabolism. CLA, though is not specifically an EFA, (it's a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy) is an important addition to the Animal Omega formula as its health-promoting properties were too good to pass up.
Sesamin is another hot ingredient added to the Omega formula. It's a naturally occurring lignan found in sesame oil. Research has shown sesamin can help maximize fat loss, support liver and kidney health and maintain healthy lipid profiles when combined along with other EFAs as found in Animal Omega. Sesamin is touted as a promising ingredient in the process of lean mass recomposition.
All of these potent fatty nutrients are supported by a comprehensive nutrient transport complex which allows for maximum absorption and utilization and transport of Omega's essential fatty acids. L-carnitine, lipase, and lecithin make up the complex so you rest assured that the components that make up the n-3 and n-6 complexes are actually getting into your system efficiently and effectively. Another important aspect of this complex is the addition of important antioxidants, Vitamins A, D, and E, which ensure EFA stability and prevents 'em from breaking down in the can. A must-have for any type of EFA supplement. This translates to ultra potent softgels right from the get-go.
All in all, Animal Omega provides essential nutrition for the bodybuilder. It's loaded with all of the right fats, in a proper ratio of n-3 to n-6 to help support high-quality metabolic functioning and body recomposition. It also supports cardio-vascular protection, a healthy immune system, and overall health and well being. It won't change your physique overnight, but it will be an important addition to your long term physique goals.
Animal Omega FAQs
Q: When using Animal Omega, do I need to supplement with any other EFAs?
A: No. Animal Omega is complete and comprehensive. It makes EFA supplementation easy-just pop a pack and you're all covered. Keep in mind Animal Omega was not designed for the weekend warrior, but the serious lifter. If anything, you could double on the "packs", but for the majority, a single pack will be plenty.
Q: Can Animal Omega be stacked with other Animal supplements?
A: Absolutely. Animal Omega is a "foundational" supplement pack and can be stacked along with any of the other Animal supplements, with the possible exception for Animal Test. For best absorption, leave an hour in between the time you take the Omega and any other Animal supplement.
An ideal "foundational stack", a year-round stack, would include Animal Omega (EFAs), Animal Pak (vits), and Animal Flex (joint).
Q: When should I take the Animal Omega?
A: For best absorption, Animal Omega should be taken with a meal (like Animal Pak), never on an empty stomach. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any whole food meal will do the trick.
Q: Does Animal Omega have to be cycled?
A: Nope. Animal Omega, as it's a foundational supplement just like Animal Pak, can be taken year-round, 365. The key fats found in Omega are absolutely "essential", so you want these all the time.
Q: How many pills are there in Animal Omega?
A: 7 softgels and 1 capsule. All moderately sized and specially coated.
Q: How long will Animal Omega last?
A: 30 packs total. At one pack per day, you're looking at about one month's worth of EFA supplementation.
Q: Why does Animal Omega contain flaxseed oil? If ALA has to convert (not efficiently) to DHA/EPA, why include flax at all, as shouldn't fish oil suffice?
A: In short, yes, the body converts ALA over to DHA and EPA, however, there are many other essential processes in the body that require straight ALA in order to properly function. Fish oil, though it is very beneficial in other areas, cannot provide straight ALA, as EPA and DHA cannot be converted reversibly back into ALA, and therefore a straight fish oil supplement deprives the consumer of critical ALA. Omega provides a balance of the two -- fish and flax -- to ensure that overall EFA intake is being covered and benefits will be obtained from all angles. We leave no stone unturned.
