Read testers’ feedback on Equazen supplements

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who have been testing Equazen - a naturally sourced fish oil supplement - with their children over the last couple of months.

Here’s what Equazen has to say: “Equazen is a high quality, clinically researched fish oil supplement. A unique and specific formulation of Omega-3 and Omega-6 to support normal brain function*. It’s no secret that living a healthy lifestyle helps us to perform at our best. Essential fatty acids are vital since our body is unable to produce them and so must be obtained through the diet. However, it can be difficult to eat the recommended amount of oily fish a week and so a quality supplement like Equazen can help bridge this nutritional gap.

*DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA.”

The supplements are available in three formats: chews, liquid or capsules. More information on each can be found below.

Equazen Chews
Strawberry-flavoured, child-friendly chews that are specially developed to be more appealing to young palates. Suitable for those aged 3 or over. Please note these are not gummy vitamins, they are chewable capsules.

Equazen Liquid
A child-friendly liquid that uses a blend of natural lemon flavours to deliver a scientifically formulated blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 without the fishy flavour. Suitable for those aged 3 or over.

Equazen Capsules
Tasteless, odourless capsules to help the whole family supplement the amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids they get from their diet. Suitable for those aged 5 or over.

Testers, please give your feedback on the supplements by answering the questions below, as well as completing the short survey we’ve emailed you.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

All testers who give both pieces of feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They make me more confident that the children are getting the vitamins they need. They liked the taste of them and I was pleased we had the trial of these. They are expensive so I can’t imagine being able to purchase these afterwards.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

No changes noticed.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

I didn’t notice any differences.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

No, but possibly due to lock down. Unfortunate timing.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We were sent the liquid which we struggled to get on with. I couldn't stomach the oily lemon taste and neither could be youngest. I took it for 2-3 weeks before giving up and my youngest probably tried it 4 times. My older child didn't mind it as much but couldn't always finish the full dose. I certainly wouldn't have chosen a liquid and wonder if we would have all been able to give it a fairer test if we had had chewable capsules.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

No discernible changes.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

None

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

None, I'm afraid but again compliance wasn't great in our household!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We tested capsules and liquid. The capsules are easy to swallow. The liquid tastes quite disgusting! I managed to sneak
Some into my sons drink but I’m not sure how much actually gets comsumed as the oils floats on the surface of water and sticks to the sides of the cup.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

I haven’t noticed any change in him but then he didn’t take them consistently. I have been more consistent and I think it has helped my memory and my focus. It’s also helped my pmt!

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

No, my energy has improved, I have more drive.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? Very pricey for a vitamin. They made both my DS and I feel quite sick.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus - none • memory - none

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? No, but lockdown has probably skewed my ability to judge this.

My children had no problem taking these capsules. They reminded me every day that they had to take them. I tried a few myself and found them pleasant to take.
As regards any change in behaviour etc unfortunately, because of lockdown I think it would be very difficult to attribute any change to these capsules. As it happens my 12 year old who has Aspergers syndrome was much more settled during the time he was taking the capsules but this was more likely to be because he didn't have the stress of going to school everyday.

What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
He wasn't hugely keen on the taste, we had strawberry chews. However I think it helped him, so if the price is right we will continue.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus - I think it did improve his attention and focus providing he had enough sleep. He has asd and we think it's improved his eye contact, play and also concentration. • memory - no chance as great memory already.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? - been at home since end feb as locked down early.
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? - he is more relaxed but I think that's prob due to being at home.

Thank you for letting us try these.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Very expensive

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus - slightly improved, but it fluctuates anyway • memory - no change

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? DD seems to be able to stay focused slightly more easily.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They taste disgusting. The lemon flavour liquid left a film of oil coating our mouth which lingered. Yuck! My 10 year old refused to take it after 3 days.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

No change. No improvement, but it didn't get worse.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

I think any changes are due to the global situation, my DC are experiencing a dramatic change to their childhood and a cessation of their usual daily activities.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I think it's a good idea to get the right nutritional balance.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory She does seem to have calmed down a bit and has started learning to read but as she's three it's hard to say whether those changes would have happened anyway.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

Not applicable.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

No I haven't noticed any particular change.

1. Fine to take with no odour from capsules. My daughter preferred to bite them and didn't complain about any bad taste. We have all used as a family.

1. My daughter is autistic and I do think they helped her focus more.

1. No comments from teachers but then the lockdown wasn't expected and who knows if that would have changed things.

1. Possibly mood as she has been alitte more tolerant than usual.

Not the most accurate test due to lockdown and I'm sure that has impacted on a lot of people's feedback.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I liked the adult capsules as they were easy to swallow and didn't leave an after taste. As a vegetarian I like to take omega supplements.

My DS thought the chewable capsules were ok. He prefers gummy vitamins but did take them which he wouldn't have done if they had tasted bad. He was quite glad when the trial ended though. He found them easy to chew and swallow.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory None.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

Yes. His reading improved but this was probably coincidental and down to normal development

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements

No

DS age 8 tried the strawberry capsules.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

DS really didn't like these. I think if they'd been gummies he would have been better, but he couldn't cope with them having the liquid inside. He quite often gagged whilst taking them.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

No noticeable difference

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

Unfortunately mood and energy have been zapped by the lockdown.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
Well packaged, easy to take and a pleasant flavour.

2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:
attention and focus Nothing very obvious but he has been reasonable focused on his home learning but nothing to compare that with
memory No, I don’t think that’s improved at all!

3. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?
I don’t think he was taking them for long enough for them to have made much difference although he did seem a bit happier and calmer in himself.

4. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?
I would say he was less anxious generally and has been having less meltdowns.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Great taste, my child seems happy to take them.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory His memory seemed very good. Remembered things incredibly quickly. Also quick to pick things up. Attention was varied but likely influenced by other factors.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No, nothing out of ordinary.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

Sleeps really well at night. Extremely full of energy.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Nice idea but the reality was they were tricky to get into the children as they didn't like the taste or texture.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory None.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

None.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

None.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They look good, very expensive though! I couldn't get my child to take the chews and both of us thought the liquid tasted awful! The capsules were ok and easy to swallow.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

No difference in either of us

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

No

Thank you for choosing us as testers.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We had the chewable capsules, the first night both DC (12 and 13) took them and I tried - we all chewed and said they were disgusting. The liquid in the middle tastes of fish and the capsule leaves a horrid taste in your mouth. The second day we swallowed them whole, fortunately my DC are at an age where they can do this, and both have continued taking them whole since.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory It is tricky to measure this due to lockdown. Certainly since lockdown both DC have been reasonably focused on their school work and I have noticed DDs memory has improved. The chews have certainly not had an adverse effect.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

As my DC are at high school, we don't really hear from school teachers. We had an academic performance results report early March and would have been able to measure this properly in the Summer term had their not been a lockdown.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

Moods are both good, which in the current circumstances I have found surprising - I thought they would be bored and wingey. Sleeping patterns are not good but I think this is due to the change/lack of school day structure and not a detrimental effect of the tablets. Energy I think is the same.

Thanks for letting me test this product. We enjoyed it and will buy again.

•1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They tasted nice and kids were happy to take part in this.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus
• memory

Both of my children said that they felt they were able to concentrate better. I don't know if it's because I suggested it could help. One of my kids has been focussing really well. I would say he's improved.
Memory wise I'm unsure - but one of my children was telling me that he can remember some of his French vocab better. So perhaps!

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

Not really.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?•

One has been sleeping much better and his mood is better - this may be due to not being in school and not having to get up so early.

Lockdown has made it difficult to assess.

What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
i thought the capsules were great,and my child took the liquid with no problem,its great knowing we are getting our daily intake of omega vitamins as we dont eat fish,only problem is the price,they are very expensive.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory unfortunately i havent noticed any big difference in either of these things.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

no i didnt notice any significant improvement,nor did teachers.

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

All of these things seem to be worse but this is due to lockdown so this is hard to assess because of it.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Very fishy! Dd had fish flavour repeating on her hours later which she found really unpleasant. I didn’t notice any difference in attention/brain power sadly.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

I didn’t notice any changes on either front.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

Nope

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

I haven’t noticed anything on any of those points.

Thank you for letting us try them, although we found the taste a bit strong for us it was good to try to see if we noticed any tangible difference.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We tested the capsules. My daughter loved taking something that she thought was grown up and was always reminding me that we needed to take them. The price is quite high but you do get a fair few in a tub. Good product.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

I didn’t notice a massive change but as previously said, lockdown happened during the trial period and so it was harder to perhaps judge as we would normal have done.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? Not particularly, but as mentioned above, I think lockdown had a negative impact on the testing of this product.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I had no problems taking them the kids didn't like them and ended up just popping the oil in their mouth and spitting the case out

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory My son had began to say a couple of words and mine and my daughter's focus were better

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

My son was getting star of the week more for trying and taking part in things and he is generally non verbal

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

my children have more energy and my son has been sleeping more.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

It’s a great idea in theory but both of my children thought the chewable capsules were awful so I couldn’t get them to take them regularly enough.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory

None

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

No

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Relief at lack of fishy taste! It felt like a bit of a drag having to take 6 but worth it to get the initial dose I guess.

1. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory I’ve not noticed so much in DD but she’s had a rough time with hormones, school changes, melatonin breaks etc. I think it’s made a difference to me though. I’m medicated for ADHD since but I feel like I’ve had another “lift” as I’m finding it even easier to get stuff done and to focus. I’m reading again and noticed that I’m finding all the puzzles I do easier, like I can see solutions quicker because my brain is less foggy.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?

No as she’s quite new to the school anyway. If I’d known lockdown was coming I probably would’ve selected DS to try them instead as he’s home educated anyway so I may have had a clearer view of any improvement (I’ve already decided to try him on them if I can afford it though).

1. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

Not especially, as others have said it’s hard to tell with the lockdown etc

1 DD enjoyed having her ' brain tablets' she liked the taste. DH had the others, I couldn't due to being a vegetarian. It would be nice if these were gelatine free.

2 Unsure, her focus and ability to retain information has been getting better. Unsure if this is normal development or helped by the supplement. She doesn't semi to have had many ' sniffles' since taking them.

3 N/a

4 She wakes full of energy and does have a very good bedtime routine. Its very difficult to say if the tablets have affected this.