Omega-3 EPA/DHA & ALA
L'il Critters
Omega-3 EPA/DHA & ALA
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(950 ratings)
Omega-3 100 mg
Score 25.0
A multivitamin gummy for children with a very low and inefficient blend of omega-3s (likely mostly ALA), offering minimal therapeutic benefits despite its palatable form.
Quantity: 120 Gummy(ies)Servings size: 1 Gummy(ies) (120 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Brain Health
Heart Health
Mood Support
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 25.0
A multivitamin gummy for children with a very low and inefficient blend of omega-3s (likely mostly ALA), offering minimal therapeutic benefits despite its palatable form.
insights Analysis
The L'il Critters Omega-3 EPA/DHA & ALA gummy is primarily marketed as a child-friendly way to supplement with omega-3s, along with a blend of essential vitamins (A, C, D, E). The product states 100mg of 'Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids' per serving. Crucially, the inclusion of 'ALA' in the title implies that a substantial portion of this 100mg comes from alpha-linolenic acid, typically from plant sources. ALA has a very poor conversion rate in the human body to the more biologically active EPA and DHA, which are primarily responsible for the significant health benefits related to brain, heart, and anti-inflammatory support. This means the effective EPA/DHA content is likely far less than 100mg, severely limiting its therapeutic utility for adults. Additionally, each serving contains 4g of carbohydrates, adding to sugar intake. Online reviews generally praise its taste and appeal for children, but nutritionists would highlight its low effective omega-3 potency for broader health goals.
- Gummy format enhances compliance, especially for children.
- Includes a range of essential vitamins (A, C, D, E) for broader nutritional support.
- From L'il Critters, a well-known brand for kids' supplements.
- Very low total omega-3 content (100mg) per serving.
- Significant portion of omega-3s likely ALA, leading to much lower effective EPA/DHA for health benefits.
- High sugar content (4g carbohydrates) for a daily supplement.
- Inadequate as a primary source of therapeutic EPA/DHA omega-3s for adults.
- Effective EPA/DHA dosage is likely much lower than stated total omega-3s due to ALA inclusion.
- Monitor sugar intake, especially for children.
$10.99($0.09 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 10.99 | |
 Walmart | $ 12.48 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Yes, Omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA, are widely recognized for their cardiovascular benefits. They may help maintain healthy triglyceride levels, support blood vessel function, and contribute to overall heart health. Regular intake is associated with a reduced risk of certain heart conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are well-studied for their role in cardiovascular health. They are recognized for helping to maintain healthy triglyceride levels and supporting overall heart function. Some research also indicates benefits for blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular event risk.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are recognized for supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and joint mobility. They also play a role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. These benefits are attributed to their structural components in cell membranes and their involvement in signaling pathways.
Yes, Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. EPA and DHA can be metabolized into compounds called resolvins and protectins, which help to resolve inflammation in the body. This systemic anti-inflammatory action may benefit various health conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential nutrients associated with various health benefits. Research suggests they play roles in supporting cardiovascular function, brain health, and managing inflammatory responses. The extent of effectiveness can vary depending on individual needs and dosage.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Taking Omega-3 supplements with a meal, particularly one containing some fat, can enhance their absorption. Dietary fats stimulate the release of enzymes that help break down and absorb the omega-3 fatty acids. This can also help reduce the likelihood of digestive discomfort or 'fishy burps.'
The typical daily dosage for Omega-3s varies depending on the health goal. For general wellness, dosages often range from 250-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. Higher doses may be recommended by a healthcare professional for specific conditions like high triglycerides.
Yes, it is generally recommended to take Omega-3 supplements with food. This can improve the absorption of the fat-soluble Omega-3 fatty acids and may help minimize gastrointestinal side effects, such as indigestion or burping. A meal containing some fat is ideal for optimal absorption.
For generally healthy adults, common recommendations for EPA and DHA combined range from 250-500 mg per day. These amounts can often be achieved through diet or standard supplement dosages. Specific needs may vary, and higher doses are sometimes used under professional guidance.
While generally safe, extremely high doses of Omega-3 (e.g., above 3 grams of EPA+DHA per day) might increase the risk of bleeding in some individuals or cause gastrointestinal upset. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking doses significantly higher than general recommendations. The FDA has set a safe upper limit for EPA and DHA from supplements at 5 grams per day.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Omega-3 supplements, especially at higher doses, can have a mild blood-thinning effect. Combining them with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications might increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining them.
Due to their potential to slightly reduce blood clotting, many healthcare providers recommend discontinuing Omega-3 supplements one to two weeks before scheduled surgery. This precaution helps minimize the risk of increased bleeding during and after the procedure. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions.
The most common side effects include a fishy aftertaste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, and loose stools. These effects are usually mild and can often be mitigated by taking the supplement with food or choosing an enteric-coated option. Rarely, high doses might cause more significant digestive upset.
Omega-3s, particularly DHA, are important for fetal brain and eye development, and often recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it's crucial to choose reputable supplements that are purified to remove mercury and other contaminants. Always discuss appropriate dosages and safety with your healthcare provider.
Taking extremely high doses of Omega-3 supplements (e.g., above 3 grams per day) can increase the risk of bleeding, lower blood pressure too much, or cause significant gastrointestinal issues. It may also elevate levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in some individuals. Always adhere to recommended dosages unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 25 Calorie(s) |
Total Fat | 0.5 Gram(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 4 Gram(s) |
Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
Vitamin C | 6 mg |
Vitamin D | 5 mcg |
Vitamin E | 2 mg |
Sodium | 5 mg |
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 100 mg |
Categories
Omega-3 25.0
As an omega-3 product, its overall efficacy is severely hampered by the low total dosage and the significant inclusion of ALA, which provides fewer direct benefits for common omega-3 goals than EPA and DHA.
Goals
General Health 28.0
While offering some vitamins and a minimal amount of omega-3s, the low and inefficient omega-3 content means it's a basic supplement, not a potent contributor to overall health.
Skin Health 25.0
The combination of some omega-3s and vitamins A, C, E can offer some baseline support for skin health, though higher omega-3s would be significantly more impactful.
Brain Health 20.0
Given the low total omega-3s and likely high ALA proportion, the effective DHA available for brain health is very limited, offering minimal specific support for cognitive function.