Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is EQUAZEN®?

The EQUAZEN® dietary supplements are natural formulations of polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with a specific composition high in omega-3 EPA, together with omega-3 DHA and omega-6 GLA. 

EQUAZEN® is recommended for children and adults to supplement dietary fatty acid deficiencies. 

The EPA/DHA/GLA ratio of 9:3:1 has been extensively researched in clinical trials and is often described in scientific reviews.1,2

  1. D'Helft J, Caccialanza R, Derbyshire E, Maes M. Relevance of ω-6 GLA Added to ω-3 PUFAs Supplements for ADHD: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3273. Published 2022 Aug 10. doi:10.3390/nu14163273
  2. Barragán E, Breuer D, Döpfner M. Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids, Methylphenidate, and a Combined Treatment in Children With ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2017;21(5):433-441. doi:10.1177/1087054713518239  
What makes EQUAZEN® stand out from other products with a similar composition?

EQUAZEN® is a unique omega-3 and omega-6 formula whose properties have been confirmed in clinical trials conducted in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Mexico, and Australia, among others, with over 1500 participants. In these studies, Equazen® was administered to children and adolescents with:

  • low attention span
  • delayed speech development
  • delayed reading and writing development
  • behavioural abnormalities (including hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression).
How much EQUAZEN® should be administered when starting treatment? 

When using EQUAZEN® for the first time, in order to ensure saturation of the body, it is recommended to take 6 capsules (2 x 3 capsules) or 3 teaspoons of Liquid (3 x 5 ml) or 2 Jellies or 2 Forte’s daily with meals for the first 3 months.  

After 3 months of use, the daily dose can be reduced to 2 capsules or 1 teaspoon of liquid (5 ml) or 1 Jelly or 1 Forte per day. 

However, it should be noted that in some cases (if the symptoms of the disorder recur), it may be advisable to increase the basic daily dose again until the desired effect is achieved. 
Does EQUAZEN® contain artificial ingredients?

Equazen® does not contain any microelements, vitamins, preservatives, artificial colourings, or flavours. Therefore, this preparation is very safe to use, even over long periods of time. The product is gluten-free.
Where does the fish oil used in EQUAZEN® come from?

EQUAZEN® is made exclusively from oils derived from mackerel, sardines, and anchovies sourced from renewable stocks in the clean southern oceans.
Can children with fish allergies consume EQUAZEN®? 

EQUAZEN® contains natural oils from small fish and evening primrose, but it does not contain protein. Although there do not appear to be any obstacles to administering EQUAZEN® to children with allergies, we recommend caution when starting use in such situations.
Does EQUAZEN® liquid has the same taste as the chewable contents? 

EQUAZEN® liquid has a lemon flavour, while EQUAZEN® chewable capsules have a strawberry flavour, and jellies a mixed fruit flavour. Regular capsules are unflavoured.
Are the capsules small and soft? Would a 4-year-old be able to swallow them? 

EQUAZEN® capsules are quite small, and most children over the age of 3 can swallow them without any problems. Alternatively, jellies or chewable capsules can be used, which the child can chew and swallow the contents. (The outer shell of the chews can also be discarded after swallowing the contents.)
Can EQUAZEN® cause diarrhoea in children?

Some people may experience flatulence or looser stools during the initial period of taking larger amounts of fatty acids, but these symptoms are usually mild and temporary. This is because EQUAZEN® contains a relatively high amount of fat. Therefore, we recommend taking EQUAZEN® with meals or starting with smaller amounts during the first few days.
How long should EQUAZEN® be administered to a child?

There is no maximum duration for administering EQUAZEN®. In general, it can be used for as long as its positive effects remain visible. Supplementation should last at least several months to ensure proper enrichment of a diet that may be low in omega-3 fatty acids.

EQUAZEN® can then be continued to maintain adequate levels of fatty acids, which are often reduced in an unbalanced diet. If the child’s functioning improves and this improvement is maintained over a longer period, it may be appropriate to consider discontinuing the preparation. However, it is important to monitor whether the symptoms that led to the use of EQUAZEN® return.
Should saturation supplementation be resumed after discontinuing EQUAZEN®?

If EQUAZEN® is discontinued for more than 4 weeks, it is advisable to resume supplementation with the initial loading dose (6 capsules or 3 teaspoons of liquid). This is because a decrease in fatty acid concentrations, particularly EPA in blood serum, has been observed after such a period without supplementation and without significant dietary changes.
Can EQUAZEN® be taken together with medication?

The EPA:DHA:GLA (9:3:1) formula has been studied both in comparison with and in combination with methylphenidate. It can be taken together, but it is recommended to leave at least 3 hours between taking the medication and Equazen®.
Can adose of 3 teaspoons of EQUAZEN® liquid per day be administered at once?

If there are no problems with fluid tolerance, single administration is possible.
What is the TOTOX index for the EQUAZEN® dietary supplements?

In every dietary supplement containing oils, the TOTOX (oxidation) number is calculated for specific ingredients, i.e. the oils used in the production of a givendietary supplement. In each batch, the TOTOX number will be slightly different, as no two batches of oils are identical. This is the case for every dietary supplement on the market. Therefore, it is difficult to talk about a specific TOTOX number for a supplement.

However, in general, all oils offered on the
market should fall within the recommended standards, i.e. below 26. In the case of Equazen, each batch is tested, including for TOTOX. The TOTOX values in the oils used in Equazen are usually between 5 and 15, with an average of around 10.
What about sustainability?

At Equazen® we don’t just talk about quality and sustainability, we build it into every step of the process. From ethically sourced fish oil that meets the highest environmental standards, to rigorous clinical validation and
GMP-certified manufacturing, Equazen® is designed to do more than meet expectations. It’s made to set them.

For over 25 years, Equazen® has supported cognitive health through a unique balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, backed by more than 15 clinical and pre-clinical studies.

But what truly sets it apart is the integrity behind the science:

• Fish oil sourced as a by-product of the fishmeal industry, no additional fish
caught
• Full traceability from sea to shelf
• Certified by Friend of the Sea® and aligned with GOED and IFFO standards
• Manufactured under strict GMP and HACCP protocols
• Informed by real-world feedback from healthcare professionals and families

Sustainability isn’t a side note - it’s a core value. And as demand for natural, effective cognitive support grows, Equazen® continues to lead with transparency, innovation and care.