Drink your Omega-3s... and we don't mean cod liver oil

There’s a new bubbly on the market.

Nordic Naturals has recently launched a new effervescent omega-3 product that comes in little packets you can pour into water and drink. Despite what you may be thinking, it’s tasty, too. If you can’t tolerate or are simply tired of taking gelatin capsules, this may be your solution to get those omega-3s.

What’s more, these little powder packets when dissolved into water are even more rapidly absorbed than soft gels. A recent study out of New Jersey tested absorption time in the blood of 30 individuals comparing two Nordic Naturals products: the effervescent powder (dissolved into water) with the soft gels, which have already been shown to have high absorption and effectiveness in increasing blood levels of the essential fats (EFAs) EPA and DHA.

They found that absorption time was 23% faster overall with the powder dissolved into a drink. Overall, the total omega-3s absorbed were similar over time, suggesting that both are an option in increasing EFAs in the body.

What does this mean? You have a choice, at least when it comes to these omega-3s. While there has been a good amount of speculation on whether liquid, effervescent or capsule varieties in other vitamins and minerals may lead to faster absorption, there’s not a lot of research to offer answers. But for the omega-3s, this evidence is positive news.

If you often run out the door to work, on an errand or on a trip and forget your supplements, these little packets are a convenient option to have stashed in your purse, desk drawer or luggage.

And it’s a flavorful way to get more water in your day, too! As for the flavor, it tastes a bit like the creamy orangesicles many of us used to love from the ice cream truck as kids.

The stats: 39 calories, gelatin-free, with no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

Wendy Bazilian (www.wendybazilian.com) is a doctor of public health, registered dietitian and freelance writer in San Diego. She is also the Nutrition Advisor at the renowned Golden Door and Co-owner of Bazilian’s Health Clinic with her husband and business partner, Dr. Jason Bazilian. Dr. Wendy serves as a scientific advisor to Nordic Naturals and is author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet (Rodale) where she writes about omega-3s in a healthy, weight-friendly diet.

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