Why are these four products Hammer's daily foundation supplements?
In our view, Premium Insurance Caps, Race Caps Supreme, Mito Caps and EndurOmega together provide the most comprehensive foundation for both athletic performance and overall health. They are the cornerstones of the Hammer Nutrition range – worth taking every day, on training days and rest days alike.
- Premium Insurance Caps: vitamins, minerals and complementary nutrients in comprehensive, well-absorbed forms.
- Race Caps Supreme: coenzyme Q10 and idebenone with vitamin E.
- Mito Caps: a formula based on research into mitochondrial function.
- EndurOmega: omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) – which your body can barely make on its own.
Better value as a kit: Daily Essential Kit, Daily Essential Kit Plus (with EndurOmega).
How much should I take?
We recommend 2–10 softgels a day with meals, split into several doses. 2 softgels a day provide 500 mg of EPA and DHA; if you also want to cover your DHA intake, we recommend at least 4 softgels a day. During hard training blocks, or if you rarely eat fish, many people go for the upper end of the range.
Is the omega-3 in ethyl ester or triglyceride form?
EndurOmega contains the triglyceride form, the form also found in fish. In one study, absorption of omega-3 in triglyceride form was 71% higher than that of the ethyl ester form.
Source: Dyerberg J, Madsen P, Møller JM, Aardestrup I, Schmidt EB. Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2010;83(3):137–141.
Is it tested for mercury, lead and other contaminants?
Yes. The fish oil in EndurOmega is produced by Marine Ingredients AS in a GMP-registered (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility, and every production batch is tested for purity and potency by the independent Eurofins laboratory. The fish oil meets national and international purity standards and recommendations – including the requirements of CRN, GOED, IFOS, WHO, California’s Prop 65 and the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
What do you make of the news about fish oil and the prostate?
In 2013, following a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (an analysis of the SELECT trial), many headlines claimed that higher blood omega-3 levels may be linked to the risk of prostate cancer [1]. In our view, no such conclusion can be drawn from it:
- The SELECT trial looked at the effects of vitamin E and selenium, not fish oil.
- It did not record whether participants ate fish or took fish oil.
- The results were based on a single blood sample, which only reflects the food eaten just before it, not long-term diet.
- The difference in blood omega-3 levels between the groups was negligible (4.48% vs 4.66%).
- Other risk factors were not taken into account: half of the participants smoked, almost two-thirds drank alcohol regularly, and 80% were overweight.
According to Dr. Peter Bongiorno, the authors drew far-reaching conclusions from a negligible difference [2]. Most large, long-term observational studies on the topic have not confirmed this link [3–6]. In our view, fish and fish oil are a valuable part of a balanced diet – and this study has not changed that view.
REFERENCES:
[1] Brasky TM, Darke AK, Song X, et al. Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Risk in the SELECT Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013.
[2] Bongiorno P. Do Fish and Fish Oils Cause Prostate Cancer? Psychology Today, 2013.
[3] Leitzmann MF, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80(1):204–216.
[4] Bosire C, et al. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(6):504–513.
[5] Szymanski KM, Wheeler DC, Mucci LA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(5):1223–1233.
[6] Terry P, et al. Lancet. 2001;357:1764–1766.
What should I take alongside it if I also pay attention to my blood sugar?
When it comes to diet, we think a Mediterranean-style way of eating is the best starting point: plenty of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil and fish. Among our supplements, we consider these a good choice:
- Chromemate – chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels and to normal macronutrient metabolism.
- Essential Mg – magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Endurance C – vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress; it also contains citrus bioflavonoids, including hesperidin.
- EndurOmega – EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart; the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA (2 softgels already provide this).
If you have a diagnosed medical condition or take medication, check with your doctor before using food supplements.
The softgels stuck together in the heat. What should I do?
We ship our products in heat-resistant packaging, but in prolonged heat soft gelatin capsules can stick together. Put the bottle in the fridge or freezer for a few hours, then shake or tap it and the softgels will separate. This does not affect their quality.
What is the softgel made of? Is it vegetarian?
The softgel shell is made of gelatin from bovine collagen, glycerol and purified water, so the product is not vegetarian. The fish oil comes from anchovies, sardines and mackerel – do not take it if you have a fish allergy.
Are Hammer Nutrition supplements tested by an independent laboratory?
Yes. Our supplements are made in accordance with US dietary supplement manufacturing regulations (21 CFR 111): every raw material used is tested for purity, potency, identity and integrity, and checked at every stage of production – blending, encapsulation, packaging materials and finished product – before it is released for sale.
