Aloe Santé
Essential Nutrition · Ref. 376
Forever Arctic Sea
An omega-3-rich food supplement from fish and squid oils, in softgels.
€45.63
Guide
Omega-3: how to read a supplement label
On a box of omega-3, the figures do not all mean the same thing: amount of oil, of omega-3, of EPA, of DHA, per capsule or per day. Here is how to make sense of them, using the Forever Arctic Sea label as an example.
Omega-3, EPA, DHA: what are they?
Omega-3s are a family of unsaturated fatty acids. Two of them appear on labels: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are found mainly in oily fish and marine oils.
In the diet, the French national nutrition and health programme recommends eating fish twice a week, including one oily fish (sardine, mackerel, salmon…).
What the label is allowed to say
In Europe, a food supplement may only use authorised health claims, with a dose condition. The Forever Arctic Sea label reads:
Omega-3s are unsaturated fatty acids, of which EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
DHA also contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision.
(The beneficial effects are obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA and EPA).
The sentence in brackets matters: the claim only applies from 250 mg of EPA and DHA a day. That is the first figure to check on any box.
Reading the table in 3 steps
- Find the daily dose. Values are often given for the day's dose, not for one capsule. For Arctic Sea, the daily dose is 6 capsules.
- Tell oil and omega-3 apart. "2,455 mg of oil" does not mean 2,455 mg of omega-3: only part of the oil is made of omega-3.
- Add EPA and DHA together. That total is what you compare with the 250 mg a day threshold.
| Forever Arctic Sea, per 6 capsules | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fish and squid oil | 2,455 mg |
| of which omega-3 | 1,305 mg |
| EPA | 600 mg |
| DHA | 600 mg |
| Olive fruit oil | 443 mg |
| of which oleic acid | 300 mg |
Average nutritional values from the official Forever France label.
With 600 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA, i.e. 1,200 mg per daily dose, Arctic Sea is above the claim's 250 mg threshold.
Also check the source and ingredients
Forever Arctic Sea™ is a unique blend of fish oils and squid oil, rich in Omega-3, and olive oil. The capsules are made of fish gelatin. Two practical consequences:
- Allergens: fish and mollusc (squid), shown in bold on the label.
- Diet: this product is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Keep the box tightly closed in a cool, dry place, and do not use the product if the seal under the cap is broken or missing.
How to take Forever Arctic Sea
Forever's directions are 2 capsules with a meal, 3 times a day, with a glass of water. A box of 120 capsules therefore lasts 20 days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
The label states that the product is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children under 6, and recommends consulting a health professional before use.
Food supplements should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle and are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. For your health, be physically active on a regular basis. www.mangerbouger.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many Arctic Sea capsules a day?
Six: 2 capsules with a meal, 3 times a day, with a glass of water. That is the daily dose stated by Forever, not to be exceeded.
How long does a box last?
A box of 120 capsules lasts 20 days at 6 capsules a day.
What is the difference between omega-3 and EPA + DHA on the label?
"Omega-3" is the total for the family; EPA and DHA are part of it. For the European claim, what counts is EPA + DHA combined: at least 250 mg a day.
Is Arctic Sea suitable for vegetarians?
No: it contains fish and squid oils, and the capsules are made of fish gelatin.