Brain Support

Backed by 17+ years of research and 20 published clinical studies including six clinical trials among kids and teens with ADHD, Equazen® Pro is well-established in Europe since 1999. With its entry into the US as a medical food, SFI Health is offering not only easy-to-swallow softgels, but also jelly chews which are appropriate for children aged three and up.

Dietary supplements are products that may enhance wellness by adding or supplementing nutrients or certain ingredients in your diet. Supplements can include anything from vitamins and minerals to herbs, botanicals, probiotics, amino acids, enzymes, or targeted combinations of a number of these. Unlike medical foods, supplement formulas are designed to provide nutritional support for individuals in overall good health. And, although it’s best practice to consult with your healthcare practitioner for recommendations, dietary supplements may be taken without professional medical guidance.

Medical foods, however, are specially formulated and intended for the dietary management of a disease or condition that has distinctive nutritional needs which cannot be met by changing your normal diet alone. All ingredients or substances that are added to medical foods are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)—that is, they have been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of their intended use. Because patients who use these solutions have health conditions that require medical management, medical foods are to be used under the ongoing supervision of a healthcare practitioner to ensure that you take the correct amount and it is adjusted as needed

Reimbursement is determined by the details of your medical insurance plan. Plans, benefits, and reimbursements vary among different insurance companies, so be sure to contact your provider to learn more about their policies concerning medical foods. Furthermore, while a prescription is not required for you to purchase a medical food, your insurance provider may expect your physician to supply specific information for reimbursement qualifications to be met.

For children 5 years of age and above: Take 3 softgels daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. This serving size is based on the positive outcomes of multiple clinical studies, all of which were conducted specifically with Equazen® Pro and in children and adolescents with ADHD.^†

Equazen® Pro provides a balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, because these nutrients are used up quickly by the body, they must be constantly replenished in order to experience optimal benefits. Research studies show twelve weeks is the average amount of time needed for the body to build up stores of omega fatty acids and, thus, for positive results to become recognizable. But, this duration may vary due to individual differences, such as diet, lifestyle, & overall health.

The fish oil in both Equazen® Pro jelly chews and Equazen® Pro softgels is derived from wild anchovies located in the South Pacific Ocean. The fish oil used in Equazen® Pro is also manufactured under the stringent quality system of a state-of-the-art production plant, operating in Northern Chile, close to the raw material source. This guarantees an assured supply of high-quality fish oil. This facility operates with the latest available European technology for the processing of Omega-3 oils, is built up under pharmaceutical standards and has attained NSF® International’s dietary supplements Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) registration.

Yes! But, that’s not all we test for. From the initial fish oil concentrate to the packaged product, Equazen® Pro undergoes several rounds of rigorous testing to identify any potential environmental contaminants. These tests help to detect the presence of heavy metals—lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic—dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and an extensive list of over 65 herbicides and pesticides. In addition to in-house testing, we also send samples of the finished product to an independent, third-party testing facility to confirm our results. We are in full compliance with stringent legislative regulations—those dictated by the U.S., the E.U., and WHO—related to quality assurance, food safety, and contamination, which together determine the production and use of fish oils for human consumption.

Unless otherwise directed by a healthcare practitioner, we recommend taking Equazen® Pro continually for the best results. results. The reasoning behind this recommendation is directly tied to the ways in which the body uses and stores fatty acids. Different fatty acids remain in the body for different lengths of time; for example, EPA can decrease to half of its maximum level within 24 hours. The beneficial omega fatty acids found in Equazen® Pro, including EPA, are not stored for long periods of time, and their levels of concentration fall rapidly if they are not continuously supplemented.

The gelatin used in our softgels is made from animal tissue not considered to be “specified risk materials” regarding BSE. Additionally, several independent studies have found that the heat and pressure used to process the gelatin result in a product with no detectable potential for infection. We take TSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) compliance extremely seriously; in fact, we meet stringent TSE compliance standards via certification. A TSE compliance certificate is a type of Certificate of Suitability (CEP) that confirms a material’s adherence to the standard measures used to minimize the risk of TSE contamination. These CEPs are recognized by members of the European Pharmacopoeia as well as institutions in other countries, such as the FDA in the United States. To complement these strict manufacturing regulations, the ingredients gelatin and glycerol used in Equazen® Pro softgels are also halal and kosher certified. The gelatin in the Equazen® Pro Jelly Chews is derived from fish gelatin.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil provide EPA and DHA, two key types of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The body can’t make these fats, so you must get them through diet. As a result, the safety profile for omega-3 fatty acids is high. Most of their undesirable effects are limited to bruising, and for some, a slight increase in nosebleeds. The FDA has ruled that the consumption of up to 3 grams of marine omega-3 fatty acids per day is considered “GRAS” (Generally Recognized As Safe). Rest assured that the amount of omega fatty acids found in Equazen® Pro is well within this safe range. In fact, clinical studies with Equazen® Pro have demonstrated the occurrence of very few undesirable effects. Mild upset stomach is the most commonly reported side effect.

Equazen® Pro has been clinically studied in human trials to provide safe and effective nutritional support in combination with traditional ADHD therapy.¹

Fish oils and other products containing omega-3 fatty acids may, albeit rarely, increase the risk of bleeding when combined with other medications that also increase the risk of bleeding, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Always consult with a physician before taking fish oil products if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet (blood thinner) medications.

SFI® Health is dedicated to supplying the highest quality—premium, scientifically tested formulations that represent our passion for proven healthcare solutions.

While there is reputable research demonstrating the many benefits of omega-3s, omega-6s, and fish oils generally, Equazen®Pro’s unique formula is supported by over 17 years of ongoing research. To date, we have performed 20 human clinical studies, 6 of which were clinical trials conducted solely in individuals with ADHD, with which on average showed significant improvements in focus, attention, academic performance, and balanced mood.^†

Together with this strong history of clinical efficacy, Equazen® Pro also contains premium ingredients. The fish oil used in this product is ethically sourced and produced with meticulous care under stringent quality standards; it is provided in its highly bioavailable form, making it readily usable by the body. The GLA is derived from organic evening primrose oil that is sustainably sourced. To ensure safety, the evening primrose seeds are expeller pressed without the use of solvents, which provides an exceptional GLA-rich oil.

More often than not, traditional fish oil products contain only omega-3 fatty acids. A 2022 review, published in Nutrients concluded that taking omega-3 fatty acids alone might not be sufficient to effectively support patients with ADHD and neurodiverse conditions. Overall, studies show a combination of EPA and DHA with GLA in a 9:3:1 ratio is associated with ADHD symptom improvement. This suggests a combination of PUFAs may lead to better outcomes.²

Equazen® Pro is the only medical food with the clinically proven ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which includes GLA. This carefully balanced formula is backed by 17 years of strong scientific research. It offers peace of mind to healthcare providers and parents that it is an effective medical food to support focus, attention, academic performance, and balanced mood in kids and teens with ADHD.^†

Sustainability is a top priority in the production process of Equazen® Pro. The fisheries that serve in our supply chain are certified by Friend of the Sea®, an organization committed to responsible sourcing and traceability. This network provides every assurance that the fisheries we source are operating ethically and conscientiously; an independent third-party monitoring on behalf of the Friend of the Sea® governing body closely supervises quota catches, fish size, product testing, and loading for export.

Omega-6 is far from a “bad fat.” In fact, it is an essential fatty acid that must be included in the diet. The ideal dietary ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is around 1:1 to 4:1, but most Western diets result in ratios of 16:1 to 30:1. Humans are not genetically adapted to metabolize omega fatty acids in this ratio. Scientists suspect that this unbalanced ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be one of the most damaging aspects of the Western diet. This imbalance may also promote inflammation, which can be harmful to the health of your body and especially your brain. With higher concentrations of omega-3 versus omega-6, Equazen® Pro is specially designed to help correct and balance the fatty acid ratio.

Additionally, the organic evening primrose oil in Equazen® Pro contains omega-6 Y-linolenic acid (GLA). This plays a crucial in regulating inflammation and balancing omega-3 to omega-6 ratios. When GLA is supplemented in the diet, it can enhance the beneficial actions of omega-3 fatty acids and boost levels of EPA and DHA in the brain.

Due to a potential choking hazard, Equazen® Pro Sofgels are not recommended for children under 5 years old. Equazen® Pro Jelly Chews are suitable for children 3 years of age and older and Equazen® Pro Softgels are suitable for children 5 years of age and older.

Equazen® Pro is not intended to be consumed by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Equazen® Pro contains refined fish oil that undergoes several processing steps—including water washing, freezing, filtration, and steaming—in order to remove any protein traces. It is very unlikely that any fish proteins remain in the oil. However, because trace levels of fish protein may still be present, and because we cannot completely exclude the risk, we do not recommend this product if you have a fish allergy.

Some children may find it difficult to take softgels, especially when fish-derived products are involved. If your child is struggling to take Equazen® Pro, because:

They are new to taking softgels: Engage your child in a conversation about the reasons for taking the softgels. Children should understand the purpose of the product and how it can benefit them.
They find it difficult to swallow:
+ Demonstrate the process! Have them watch you swallow a softgel product yourself. First, visually display the softgel on your tongue, then drink liquid, and, finally, show them that the softgel is all gone.
+ Have them put water in their mouth first and then the softgel. This prevents the softgel from sticking to the tongue, which can cause a sensory aversion, and it makes the act of swallowing the softgel seem less threatening because it feels similar to swallowing water.
+ Encourage them to try to swallow the softgel with a spoonful of apple sauce or other fruit puree. The thicker texture of purees can help to engage their swallowing reflex.
+ If swallowing the product still proves difficult, you can place the softgel in a cup of water for 15 minutes to soften it. Then carefully cut open the end and pour out the oil. This oil can be taken orally or added to foods like soup, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and yogurt. Keep in mind that while adding Equazen® Pro into food does not result in diminished effects, you should avoid cooking with or heating the oil, as it damages the delicate structure of the fatty acids and hinders their efficacy.
They experience indigestion or “fishy burps”: Although the fish oil in Equazen® Pro is produced with state-of-the-art distillation technology for exceptional taste and smell, many parents report that they prefer their child to take the softgel along with with the evening meal so that the oil can be absorbed within the body as the child sleeps.

Yes! Equazen® Pro is supported by over 17 years of clinical research and has been extensively studied in 6 randomized, placebo-controlled human trials in children with ADHD^†.
To date, more than 20 clinical studies have been conducted with the product. Further SFI® Health-sponsored trials are ongoing.

It is impossible to say which of these two omega-3 fatty acids— eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—is more important than the other. Both are conditionally essential nutrients that enhance quality of life, and a combination of the two contributes to a wide variety of important functions throughout the body. At sufficient levels, EPA and DHA support the structure of cell membranes and influence many aspects of tissue physiology, including cell signaling, gene expression, and inflammation modulation. DHA is also a proven essential nutrient in fetal and infant brain development. EPA plays a central role in the communication between cells in the brain, which is why it seems to be more influential on behavior and mood. Additionally, both DHA and EPA possess neuroprotective properties and support brain repair mechanisms.

1 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 Mar;21(5):433-441.
2 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