Q: What does this product do?
A: Harp seal oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health. It is a source of EPA, DHA, and DPA for the maintenance of good health. These are the Health Canada approved uses (NPN 80012405). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What is the difference between harp seal oil and fish oil?
A: The main difference is DPA. Fish oil gives you two omega-3s: EPA and DHA. Harp seal oil gives you all three: EPA, DHA, and DPA. DPA is an omega-3 that is naturally found in your blood, heart muscle, brain, and in human breast milk, but fish oil contains almost none of it (usually less than 1%). Harp seal oil is one of the best natural sources of DPA. The omega-3s in harp seal oil are also in their natural form (triglyceride form), the same form found in whole fish and in your body, which is generally better absorbed than the ethyl ester form used in many concentrated fish oil supplements.
Q: What is DPA and why does it matter?
A: DPA (docosapentaenoic acid n-3) is the third marine omega-3 fatty acid. Most people have heard of EPA and DHA, but DPA is less well known because fish oil contains almost none of it. DPA is naturally present in your blood, your heart, your brain, and in human breast milk. Your body can convert DPA into EPA or DHA as needed, so it acts as a natural reserve for both. Harp seal oil is one of the richest natural sources of DPA. This formula provides 96mg of DPA per 2 softgels.
Q: How much EPA, DHA, and DPA does each serving provide?
A: Per 2 softgels (the minimum suggested daily dose): EPA 152mg, DHA 198mg, DPA 96mg, from 2,000mg of harp seal oil. Per 4 softgels (the maximum suggested daily dose): EPA 304mg, DHA 396mg, DPA 192mg, from 4,000mg of harp seal oil.
Q: How many softgels should I take and when?
A: Adults, adolescents, and children: 2 to 4 softgels, 1 time per day. Consult your healthcare provider to find the right dose for you.
Q: How long will one bottle last?
A: Each bottle contains 300 softgels. At 2 softgels per day: 150 day supply. At 4 softgels per day: 75 day supply.
Q: Is this product suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
A: No. The softgel shell is made from gelatin, which is animal-derived. This product is also sourced from wild Canadian harp seal. It is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Q: Why is Vitamin E listed as a non-medicinal ingredient?
A: Omega-3 oils can go rancid (spoil) when exposed to air, heat, or light. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is added as a natural antioxidant to protect the oil and keep it fresh. It does not affect the omega-3 content and is not a medicinal ingredient in this product.
Q: Is the Canadian harp seal harvest regulated?
A: Yes. The Canadian harp seal harvest is regulated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under the Marine Mammal Regulations, with annual catch limits set based on scientific population assessments. The harvest is conducted by Indigenous and coastal communities in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
Q: Are there any cautions or warnings I should know about?
A: Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are taking blood thinners or other medications, as omega-3 fatty acids have mild antiplatelet activity. Keep out of reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Verify the complete cautions against your Health Canada NPN 80012405 licence before publishing, as the cautions metafield for this product is not currently fully populated.
