Fish oil confusion
May 6, 2010
PHARMACISTS and pharmacy
assistants can play an important
role in educating patients about the
correct dosages of Omega-3 fatty
acids, according to Blackmores.
The statement comes on the
back of a recent Omega-3 study,
which found that most Australians
are not consuming enough Omega-3
to reap its health rewards.
“While consumers are
recognising that Omega-3s are the
key active ingredients in fish oil they
may not be aware that 1000 mg of
fish oil does not contain 1000 mg
of Omega-3s,” said Blackmores’
director of education, Pam Stone.
According to the study’s findings
around 40% of all patients taking
fish oil supplements are only taking
between 50-70% of the National
Health and Medical Research Council’s
recommend daily dosages (610 mg
for men and 430 mg for women).
“One of the positives that came
out of this research is that 50 per
cent of customers are making a
conscious decision themselves to
take a fish oil supplement rather than
having it recommended,” said Stone.
“It is reassuring to see that
Australians are taking responsibility
for their health.
“Now they need to take that next
step in getting the right amount,”
she added.
In light of the findings Blackmores is
reminding pharmacists and
pharmacy assistants of its range of
omega-3 training options which
include an online Nutritional Oils
module as well as evening seminars
and in-store training.
The training sessions cover the
benefits of omega-3 and fish oil,
matching consumer needs to product
and assessing the right dosages to
meet customers’ health concerns.
For more information on
Blackmores training options contact
your local consumer business
manager, and to register for the
online module go to
www.education.blackmores.com.au
and follow the prompts.
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