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What is Physio Omega?
PhysioTru claims that Physio Omega will promote brain and heart health, as well as reduce inflammation.
Omega 3s are fatty acids that are commonly supplemented for their suspected ability to influence many health benefits. Alleged benefits include:
- Reducing the risk of heart disease
- Boosting mental function
- Fighting inflammation
- Improving joint health
- Promoting skin hydration
- Reducing anxiety and depression
According to PhysioTru, Physio Omega may offer these benefits as it contains an omega that is typically not included in dietary supplements.
While most products offer eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Physio Omega also provides docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). PhysioTru states that the benefits of DPA are research-backed.
In this article, we'll help you decide if the addition of a less well-known omega can add benefits above and beyond standard omega supplements by reviewing the available research for Physio Omega's key ingredients.
The Active Ingredients: Do They Work?
While Physio Omega offers both EPA and DHA, PhysioTru credits DPA for distinguishing their supplement from other products. Here, we'll highlight the available support, if any, for these claims.
According to the Supplement Facts Label, every 2 softgel serving contains 280mg of EPA, 240mg of DHA, and 60mg of DPA.
EPA and DHA
Omegas have been supplemented for quite some time. While there are more than 10 Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA are widely considered to be among the most important.
As cardiovascular health remains an issue worldwide, the ability of omega dietary supplements to help modify the risk has been well-studied.
In 2009, researchers reviewed the results of 11 studies that investigated the effects of EPA and DHA on heart health. They found that EPA/DHA dosing at 1.8 +/- 1.2 g/day reduced the risk for cardiovascular deaths, sudden death, and non-fatal events.
A 2012 study reviewed 21 clinical trials and found that omega 3s were effective in preventing cardiovascular events and death in those with higher cardiovascular risk.
A recent systematic review analyzed the results of nearly 80 randomized trials that investigated the effects of omega 3s on cardiovascular health. In their analysis, researchers found that boosting fatty acids through diet or supplementation had little to no effect on reducing the risk of heart disease, cardiac events, irregular heartbeats, stroke, or death from heart disease.
Thus they concluded that the best available evidence demonstrates that increasing EPA and DHA does not reduce the risk for heart disease or reduce the risk from dying of it. The individual trials that previously highlighted potential benefits for supplementation were more likely to include biases.
These systematic reviews demonstrate that the results from individual studies are variable. Benefits were demonstrated in the 2 smaller studies, though these included studies of shorter duration.
As heart disease is often progressive, including studies of up to 72-months may account for poor results found in the more recent and larger review.
DPA
Of the 3 omegas offered in Physio Omega, DPA is less well-studied.
In a randomized study examining patients with a recent heart attack, those treated with 1g of DPA daily experienced a reduced risk for death. Researchers concluded that DPA may have an antiarrhythmic effect that should be investigated further.
Researchers also found a blood pressure-lowering benefit in a review of 11 trials, though doses greater than 3g per day were needed for these effects.
Yet another study points towards a potential ability for DPA to protect against plaque build-up in arteries. Similar findings were demonstrated even in lifetime smokers.
While the individual studies highlight a great potential for DPA, more long-term randomized trials are needed to identify the true role in cardiovascular health.
Is Physio Omega Safe?
Omega 3 dietary supplements are generally safe when used as directed.
Reported side effects include bleeding, impaired immune function, and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism, though they are likely safe up to even 5,000mg per day.
Other side effects may include bleeding and reduced platelet function as well as impaired wound healing.
What is most likely to encounter, however, is stomach upset and belching a fishy flavor. Typically these side effects are relieved by reducing the dose or discontinuing use.
Nonetheless, be sure to include your doctor in the decision to use Physio Omega or any other supplement, especially if you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to heart disease.
What Is the Cost?
Physio Omega is available directly from the website and shipping is always free. By taking 2 softgels in the morning with water daily, a single bottle is priced at $67 and will last you 1-month.
You'll save by buying more. A single 3-bottle order is $47 per bottle, whereas 5 bottles cost $37 per bottle.
You also have the option to subscribe for auto-shipments. Membership will save you an extra 10% whether you opt for 1, 3, or 5 bottles.
PhysoTru gives you 60-days to try Physio Omega, though they'll provide a full refund only if don't consume more than 2 bottles during this period. Similarly, you'll receive a full refund if you return 1 opened bottle within 30-days.
If you're unsatisfied for any reason, email customercare@physiotru.com for a return authorization.
You can also find Physio Omega at Amazon. A 1-month supply is priced identical and backed with a 30-day return policy.
Alternatives
While it does seem as though DPA is less commonly included in Omega dietary supplements, Physio Omega is not the only product that offers it. In fact, with a little research, you can find more cost-effective options.
For example, a 3-month supply of EZ Omega-3 from WonderLabs is just $27.79 and offers roughly double the EPA, DHA, and DPA.
Another option is Wild Fish Oil from Wild Foods Co. Their 60-day supply offers 120-140mg of EPA and DHA each, as well as 10-20mg of DPA for just $14.95. Though this product offers fewer omegas than Physio Omega, you can double or triple your dose and still save money.
Thus, as you get more for much less, these options are likely to be a much better starting point given the price points and available research.
The Bottom Line
Physio Omega is an omega 3 dietary supplement that offers both EPA, DHA, as well as DPA. While EPA and DHA have classically demonstrated various cardiovascular benefits, more recent systematic reviews point out the shortcomings of earlier works.
DPA is not nearly as well-studied, though the available research shows promise. More long-term research is needed to identify the role for this omega 3.
When combining the mixed results and price point for Physio Omega, this supplement probably isn't worth the extra money you'd pay when compared to other similar products.
Nonetheless, at Amazon, 240 users rate Physio Omega 4.2-stars and more than 60% of these were 5-star ratings. Happy customers reported a gradual increase in energy, more hydrated skin, and improved lab test results.
While omega 3s may offer some benefit to you, you're still probably better off opting for one of the more cost-effective options described above.
Always speak to your doctor before use, especially if you feel you are at risk for heart disease.
