Complete,
comprehensive, and convenient, Animal Omega is an essential fatty acid
(EFA) product targeted for the serious lifter. If you're a weekend
warrior, go with any EFA product. If you're an Animal, there's only one
choice. Animal Omega, the last word on EFA supplementation.
“The
first thing I noticed was that Animal Omega is a very comprehensive,
all-in-one product. If I were to supplement with Animal Omega I would
be getting all of the fatty acids that I got with my regimine plus
more.”
- Evan “Ox” Centopani, IFBB Pro
Essential.
What is essential is core or critical. What is essential is needed day
in and day out, it is useful at regular intervals, and it is integral
to optimal performance. What is essential is foundational. The weights
are essential, your desire is essential, the right food is essential.
Beyond that, Animal has brought you the foundational products, the year
round supplements deemed necessary to your consistent growth and
progress… Those that don't need to be cycled. Products like Pak, Flex,
Nitro and Pump. To this essential category we now welcome Animal Omega,
"The Essential EFA Stack". Animal Omega is the ultimate in essential
fatty acid supplementation.
If you're looking to pack
on lean muscle mass, add on quality size, or even cut down, ya gotta
first take a look at your diet. No matter what your goals are, your
quest for the ultimate physique begins and ends with the diet. In other
words, the foods you eat. Tailoring the right meals will yield the
right results in the gym. Food... Yeah, when you get down to the
basics, it's quite simple-- to pack on mass, ya gotta take in more
quality calories throughout the day. And vice versa, to cut down, ya
gotta consume fewer calories, but also from quality sources. And of
course keep up the lifting and cardio. Building a solid physique
doesn't just stop once you leave the gym, it essentially begins and
ends with your diet and nutrition which is a 24/7 job.
When it comes to diets, for the most part, most opt for a low fat,
moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate approach. "Trimming the fat"
was seen as an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle and shedding
the pounds. This is the old school approach, and one put forth by many
champions. This was seen in the throughout the 80s and 90s with the
rise of low-fat foods coming onto the market and getting heavily
promoted in the news. But as years went on, obesity became more of an
epidemic and caused the folks in the nutrition industry to look into
it. People weren't eating fat much anymore, so what the fuck? They
shouldn't be getting fat. Right? Wrong.
Recently it was found that low fat diets weren't all they were cracked
up to be. Low-fat diets appear to not protect against heart attacks,
strokes, or cancer, a major study found, contradicting what had once
been promoted as one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. Plus
low fat diets so often translated to lowered levels of the hormones
most critical to strength and muscle growth-obviously a huge
disadvantage to serious iron athletes.
Long story short, this science just further solidified what a number of
nutritionists and doctors have been promoting for years-that there is
an important role for fats in the diet and they shouldn't be shoved to
the background, but instead brought into the limelight. In other words,
"fats" in general aren't the problem. It's certain fats which create
the issues. Other fats are, on the contrary, important. Over the years,
researchers have found that there are numerous health benefits of
certain fats, the essential fatty acids. In other words, it shouldn't
be about trimming all the fats from the diet. Cutting back on saturated
and trans fats, yeah. But you should actually start using or upping the
intake of EFAs, on the other hand.
EFAs are those necessary fats that we as humans are unable to
synthesize in our bodies and must be obtained from either diet or
supplementation. Just like essential amino acids (EAAs as found in
Animal Nitro), and other essential micronutrients such as vitamins and
minerals, we need optimum amounts in order for the body to function
properly, let alone to make gains in lean mass. Getting the proper EFAs
isn't always easy, especially when they are hard to obtain with a
typical diet. A typical diet consists of an overabundance of fats from
plant sources (think of common cooking oils) usually overloaded with
omega 6 compounds, as they are the easiest and most economical to get
your hands on. Now don't get me wrong. Omega 6s are important, as they
are EFAs too. But it's not just the types of fats. It's also the
ratios. More on that later.
EFAs have been clinically proven to exert positive effects in many
areas, including-balancing insulin levels, thermogenesis, anabolism,
hormone synthesis, fertility, prostaglandin function, immune function,
repair of cellular membranes, enabling cells to obtain optimum
nutrition and more. For the bodybuilder, EFAs are vital for optimal
metabolism, hormone production, cardiovascular health, peak
performance, reducing exercise soreness and maximizing fat burning.
It's a wonder why they are so overlooked and underutilized by the
population.
For supplementation purposes there are only 2 types of fats that are
needed; Omega 3's (n-3) and Omega 6's (n-6). Omega 9 is necessary, yet
not essential because it can be made by the body in modest amounts. The
reason why the body can't make an n-3 or n-6 fatty acid is that human
metabolism can't add a double bond to a fatty acid that is more than 9
carbons away from the delta end (water soluble end). This is also the
reason why the body can't convert an n-3 fatty acid to an n-6 fatty
acid. Yeah, it sounds like science mumbo jumbo, but is important to see
from a chemistry perspective why it's so hard to obtain the right EFAs
from the diet.
This is where a supplement like Animal Omega comes into play. Sure, it
ain't fancy. No cool bells and whistles here, just the basics. It's not
going to "pack on 10 lb in a week" but long-term, it'll get ya to where
ya want to be. EFAs are needed, not just any old EFAs, but the right
kinds and the right amounts. That's what Animal Omega is all about.
Omega is the most complete EFA product on the market. It contains the
right fats that bodybuilders require. It's a full spectrum, molecularly
distilled EFA supplement, each pack containing a precise and pre-dosed
ratio of n-3 to n-6. It is packed with sources of Omega 3 oils
extracted from various fish sources such as salmon, cod liver, herring,
and plant-sourced omega 3s from flaxseed oil. Such a well-rounded
mixture, ensures that you obtain all of the various n-3 extracts that
are so important for general health. You get the balance of alpha
linoleic acid from flax and the key fish oil extracts, EPA and DHA.
Animal Omega is then rounded out with key Omega 6 oils, including;
borage, evening primrose, sesamin, and CLA. Linoleic acid is the other
essential fatty acid found in nature. As said before, lack of n-6 in
ones diet is hard to come by. However, there is a specific form of n-6,
gamma linoneic acid or GLA, that is crucial for health. This is
contained in ample doses in Omega. The body uses n-6 essential fatty
acids to make various prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These substances
influence inflammation and pain; some of them increase symptoms, while
others decrease them.
Another n-6 found in Animal Omega is CLA. CLA, is touted for its
ability to reduce body fat, being anti-catabolic, acting as an
antioxidant and enhancing the immune system. Although exactly how CLA
works is completely understood, it's been show by the research
community that CLA positively influences the metabolism and assists
with fat regulation and protein metabolism. CLA, though is not
specifically an EFA, (it's a naturally occurring fatty acid found in
meal and dairy) is an important addition to the Animal Omega formula as
its health promoting properties were too good to pass up.
Sesamin is another hot ingredient added to the Omega formula. It's a
naturally occurring lignan found in sesame oil. Research has shown
sesamin can help maximize fat loss, support liver and kidney health and
maintain healthy lipid profiles when combined along with other EFAs as
found in Animal Omega. Sesamin is touted as a promising ingredient in
the process of lean mass recomposition.
All of these potent fatty nutrients are supported by a comprehensive
nutrient transport complex which allows for maximum absorption and
utilization and transport of Omega's essential fatty acids.
L-carnitine, lipase and lecithin make up the complex so you rest
assured that the components that make up the n-3 and n-6 complexes are
actually getting into your system efficiently and effectively. Another
important aspect of this complex is the addition of important
antioxidants, Vitamins A, D and E, which ensure EFA stability and
prevents 'em from breaking down in the can. A must have for any type of
EFA supplement. This translates to ultra potent softgels right from the
get-go.
All in all, Animal Omega provides essential nutrition for the
bodybuilder. It's loaded with all of the right fats, in a proper ratio
of n-3 to n-6 to help support high quality metabolic functioning and
body recomposition. It also supports cardio-vascular protection, a
healthy immune system and overall health and well being. It won't
change your physique overnight, but it will be an important addition to
your long term physique goals.
This is a common thread amongst the foundational Animal products. They
aren't flashy or sexy. They are complete, comprehensive, and just get
the job done. You might not “feel” them immediately, but you sure as
shit will know it when you're not using them. They are not about style
but substance. They place function before form. They are about results,
period. Bottom line is, in the changing landscape of bodybuilding
supplementation, quality EFA use is a must if your diet is to be
optimized and your goals are to be met. That is why we bring you Animal
Omega. For the Animal, the quest to be the best is not a casual choice,
not a passing fancy. Like his choice of supplements, it is essential.
Animal Omega. It's the last world on EFA supplementation.
required for
• Bodybuilders and strength athletes, both offseason and precontest.
• Those looking to shed bodyfat.
• Those looking to optimize hormone levels.
• Those seeking to improve cardiovascular health
• Bodybuilders looking to optimize overall health
Use
Animal Omega as you would your regular essential fatty acid (EFA)
supplement. If this is your first time, take Animal Omega with a meal
and you're good to go. Use a pack or two daily, as you need it.
Generally, a single pack will do fine for most. Elite athletes can
consider doubling up the serving, or those with particular
“therapeutic” goals.
Animal
Omega can be taken year round, without cycling off. Like Animal Pak,
Animal Flex and Animal Nitro, Omega is designed as a core or
“foundational supplement”. As such, Omega stacks well with the rest of
the foundational Animal supplements as well as with cycled products
Stak and Animal M-Stak. A great cutting stack would be Animal Pak,
Animal Cuts and Animal Omega.
Akimoto
K., et al. “Protective effects of sesamin against liver damage caused
by alcohol or carbon tetrachloride in rodents,” Ann Nutr Metab.
1993;37(4):218-24. Ashakumary L., et al. “Sesamin, a sesame lignan,
is a potent inducer of hepatic fatty acid oxidation in the rat,”
Metabolism. 1999;48(10):1303-13.
Burns CP, Halabi S, Clamon GH, et al. “Phase I clinical study of fish
oil fatty acid capsules for patients with cancer cachexia: cancer and
leukemia group B study 9473,” Clin Cancer Res 1999;5:3942-7.
D. Prosco et al., “Effect of medium-term supplementation with a
moderate dose of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood pressure in
hypertensive patients,” Thrmob Res 91, no.3 (1998): 105-112.
Dunstan DW, Burke V, Mori TA, et al. “The independent and combined
effects of aerobic exercise and dietary fish intake on serum lipids and
glycemic control in NIDDM.,” Diabetes Care 1997; 20:913-21.
Edwards R, Peet M, Shay J, Horrobin D. “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acid levels in the diet and in red blood cell membranes of depressed
patients.,” J Affect Disord 1998;48:149-55.
Eyjolfson V, Spriet LL, Dyck DJ. Conjugated linoleic acid improves
insulin sensitivity in young, sedentary humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc
2004;36:814-20.
Gaullier JM, Halse J, Hoye K, et al. “Conjugated linoleic acid
supplementation for 1 y reduces body fat mass in healthy overweight
humans,” Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:1118-25.
Harris, W.S. “N-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies,” Am J Clin Nutr, suppl. 5 (May 1997): 1645S-1654S.
Harris WS, Zucker ML, Dujovne CA. “Omega-3 fatty acids in type IV
hyperlipidemia: fish oils vs methyl esters.,” Am J Clin Nutr
1987;45:858.
Horrobin DF. “Essential fatty acids in clinical dermatology,” J Am Acad Dermatol 1989;20:1045-53.
Horrobin DF et al., “The effects of evening primrose oil, safflower oil
and paraffin on plasma fatty acid levels in humans: choice of an
appropriate placebo for clinical studies on primrose oil,”
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids,” Reproductive
Nutrition Development 34 (1994): 539-568.
Horrobin DF. “Essential fatty acid metabolism in diseases of connective
tissue with special reference to scleroderma and to Sjogren's
syndrome,” Med Hypotheses 1984;14:233-47.
Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. “Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid,” Diabetes Care 1993;16:8-15.
Landi G. “Oral administration of borage oil in atopic dermatitis,” J Appl Cosmetology 1993;11:115-20.
Leaf A, Weber PC. “Cardiovascular effects of n-3 fatty acids,” N Engl J Med 1988;318:549-57.
Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB. “Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
with gammalinolenic acid,” Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73.
Luostarinen R, Wallin R, Wibell L, et al. “Vitamin E supplementation
counteracts the fish oil-induced increase of blood glucose in humans.,”
Nutr Res 1995; 15:953-68.
Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, et al. “Lowered omega 3
polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl
esters of depressed patients,”Psychiatry Res 1999;85:275-91.
Mantazioris E. et al., “Dietary substitution with an alpha-linolenic
acid-rich vegetable oil increases eicosapentanoic acid concentrations
in tissues,” Am J Clin Nutr 59 (1994): 1304-1309.
Mantazioris E. et al., “Differences exist in the relationship between
dietary linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids and their respective long
chain metabolites,” Am J Clin Nutr 61 (1995): 320-324.
Navarro E, Esteve M, Olivé A, et al. “Abnormal fatty acid pattern in
rheumatoid arthritis. A rationale for treatment with marine and
botanical lipids,” J Rheumatol 2000;27:298-303.
Pandalai PK, Pilat MJ, Yamazaki K, et al. “The effects of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids on in vitro prostate cancer growth,” Anticancer Res
1996;16:815-20.
Sanders TAB, Roshanai F. “The influence of different types of omega 3
polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood lipids and platelet function in
healthy volunteers,” Clin Sci 1983;64:91.
Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, et al. “Evening primrose oil
in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma
phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandin,” Br J
Dermatol 1987;117:11-9.
Schectman G, Kaul S, Kassebah AH. “Effect of fish oil concentrate on
lipoprotein composition in NIDDM,” Diabetes 1988; 37:1567-73.
Simopoulos A.P. “Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in
growth and development,” : Am J Clin Nutr 54, no. 3 (1991): 438-463.
Soderberg M, Edlund C, Kristensson K, et al. “Fatty acid composition of
brain phospholipids in aging and in Alzheimer's disease” Lipids
1991;26:421-5.
Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, et al. “Essential fatty acid
metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,” Am J
Clin Nutr 1995;62:761-8.
Stillwell et al., "Docosahexaenoic acid affects cell signaling by
altering lipid rafts," Reproductive Nutrition Development 45 (5):
559-579.
Takashi IDE, et al. “Sesamin, a Sesame Lignan, as a Potent Serum
Lipid-Lowering Food Component,” JARQ 37 (3), 151-158 (2003).
Toft I, Bonaa KH, Ingebretsen OC, et al. “Effects of n-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids on glucose homeostasis and blood pressure
in essential hypertension,” Ann Intern Med 1995;123:911-8.
Tohru Utsunomiya, et al. “Effects of sesamin-supplemented dietary fat
emulsions on the ex vivo production of lipopolysaccharide-induced
prostanoids and tumor necrosis factor alpha in rats,” Am J Clin Nutr,
Vol. 72, No. 3, 804-808, September 2000.
Utsunomiya T., et al. 2000. Effects of sesamin-supplemented dietary fat
emulsions on the ex vivo production of lipopolysaccharide-induced
prostanoids and tumor necrosis factor in rats. Am J Clin Nutr.
Sep;72(3):804-8.
Vaddadi KS, Gilleard CJ. “Essential fatty acids, tardive dyskinesia,
and schizophrenia. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids: Pathophysiology
and Roles in Clinical Medicine,” ed. DF Horrobin. New York: Alan R
Liss, 1990, 333-43.
Whigham LD, O'Shea M, Mohede IC, et al. “Safety profile of conjugated
linoleic acid in a 12-month trial in obese humans,” Food Chem Toxicol
2004 Oct;42(10):1701-9.
