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VegEPA�is a patented formulation of completely natural long-chain omega fatty acids.�It�contains a unique�ratio of ultra-pure EPA (the omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid) and cold-pressed, non-raffinated, virgin evening primrose oil (containing the�omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid). As such, VegEPA� combines the benefits that both these natural substances bring to the body.

Fatty acids play an important part in the functioning of every living�cell in the body. Specifically�they may�help the body in several ways including: improving the circulatory system, aiding concentration, maintaining a well-balanced state of mind and keeping joints in good condition.

The EPA in VegEPA�is derived from fish oil - the only source of long-chain omega-3 fats. This fatty acid forms a vital part of the diet as it enables the body to produce many substances that are necessary for health and well-being.

EPA also plays a vital role in the structure, development and functioning of the brain. It can benefit sufferers of an array of mental and physical illnesses as well as preventing many potential health problems.

The EPO in VegEPA is derived from the cold-pressing of evening primrose seeds. When EPO is unprocessed and unrefined�it is a rich source of botanical triterpenes - hormone-like substances which play an important role in immune function. EPO is renowned for�oiling the joints, and nourishing the skin, hair and nails. A rich source of the omega-6 GLA, EPO�s importance in the structure of cell membrances and hence effective cell signalling cannot be over-emphasised.

VegEPA�s manufacturing process is of the highest standard. Using a molecular distillation process the EPA is extracted�from� fish oil�- and hence ultra-purified - removing all unwanted substances and impurities including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Whilst this omega-3�fatty acid is vital for health, EPA is converted naturally by the body into DHA so it is unnecessary to take DHA in supplement form. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated that DHA in supplement form inhibits the beneficial effects of EPA.�

It is recommended that VegEPA should be taken on a daily basis.

Each VegEPA capsule contains:
280 mg ultra-pure EPA (omega-3) from marine fish oil
100 mg organic virgin evening primrose oil (containing omega-6)
1 mg vitamin E (anti-oxidant)
The outer capsule shell contains fish gelatine.
�11.95 for 60 x 500 mg capsules.

Manufacturing Process: VegEPA
Igennus Ltd, the producers of VegEPA, have taken every care to ensure the ingredients used in VegEPA are of premium quality.

The omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic Acid) derives from fish. As a general rule it is always best to obtain essential nutrients from food but in the case of EPA this is not always advisable.

Although EPA can be obtained by eating oily fish like mackerel, one would have to consume huge quantities to acquire the amounts of EPA needed for a sustained health benefit. Unfortunately this could also mean exposure to pollutants, dioxins and PCBs. In a study published in Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the author writes: "Fish oils provide the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without the risk of toxicity." (2005;129:74-77) �
Taking fish oil preparations may be safer than consuming vast amounts of fish but it is important to remember that much fish oil is extracted from the liver.

This, however, is not the case with the EPA in VegEPA, which is taken from the flesh of the fish. As in humans, the fish liver is an excretory organ and therefore contains concentrated amounts of unwanted pollutants and waste. Therefore, we at Igennus believe this is the last place from which you want to source the EPA.

For reasons of cost-effectiveness, fish oil is often derived from larger species that are higher in the food chain and therefore contain a greater concentration of pollutants. This is because long-lived, larger fish feed on smaller species and therefore accumulate the highest levels of pollutants.

VegEPA is taken from the flesh of the Anchovy, a small, short-lived fish containing lower levels of impurities.
Igennus sources its EPA from anchovies that inhabit the clean waters of the South Pacific, off the coast of South America; the level of pollutants such as dioxins and heavy metals found here is already much lower than elsewhere.
Therefore even before the EPA in VegEPA undergoes the rigorous distillation process to remove all impurities, every care has been taken to ensure that it is as pure as possible.

The purification process, known as molecular distillation, is not only in place to remove PCBs and pollutants but also to get rid of other unwanted materials. Fish oil is naturally rich in vitamin A. There is a chance of becoming vitamin A toxic if one consumes too much and this can lead to liver damage.

Igennus� purification process removes the vitamin A so VegEPA therefore carries no risk at all. Most fish oil supplements contain DHA and EPA (both omega-3 fatty acids) - clinical research shows that as the ratio of EPA to DHA increases in a supplement so does its efficacy.

VegEPA has the highest ratio possible as it contains EPA and no DHA. The DHA is also removed during the molecular distillation process.

The omega-6 fatty acid GLA is�found in oil obtained from the seeds of Oenothera biennis L., more commonly known as the evening primrose (EPO).

Igennus makes every effort to ensure that the EPO in VegEPA is in as natural a state as possible. This is very important because in its natural condition, EPO is rich in GLA and also a group of compounds called "triterpenes" - these are extremely important for health. So, unlike many formulations on the market, the EPO in VegEPA is organic, virgin evening primrose oil. The oil is extracted by a cold-pressing process involving no heat or chemicals, both of which can degrade the oil. Quoting Professor B.K. Puri, "Given the potential benefits of the triterpene esters, it is suggested that such a cold-pressed, non-raffinated commercially available evening primrose oil product is likely to have greater health benefits than conventional evening primrose oil preparations." (Puri, B.K. The clinical advantages of cold-pressed non-raffinated evening primrose oil over refined preparations, Med. Hypotheses, 2004;62(1):116-8.)