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

I took the capsules, as they were quite large, and my daughter took the fish oil from a spoon.

I enjoyed taking the capsules and definitely noticed my hair started to look glossier, but I can' really say I noticed any other improvements in myself. My 9 year old took the spoonful of fish oil every day but absolutely hated it, she had to immediately drink squash afterwards to help remove the taste. The only benefit she seemed to gain from it was her constipation issues eased rapidly. It was as if the oil was lining her intestines and making things pass through easier!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?They tasted vile and left all water bottles that my son drank from with a rancid smell that wouldn’t wash off.
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory None my son refused to take them after a few days and I cNt say I blame him.

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?
I don't want to come across as rude, especially about a product that we were allowed to try for free - but we tried the chews and we all felt that they had a really rather unpleasant flavour which didn't taste like strawberry. DS2 was our official tester, but was initially so vocal about the taste (he's a charismatic fellow!) that DH and I both tried them too and we agreed with him. He persevered though - of his own free will! - and got used to them.

2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:
• attention and focus
• memory
He is always pretty well focused and has managed well with his learning during lockdown, which could potentially be attributed to this product.

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

4. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?
His mood has been up and down, which I suspect is due to having been stuck at home for 3 months and the death of a grandparent during this period.

Thank you for letting us do this test.

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

• attention and focus • memory

My daughters concentration seemed to improve. I'm not sure that's because she's getting more attention at home as opposed to school.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? No, but I think it was too soon to tell and then there was lockdown.
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? No, not really. Still up early!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? Liked the concept but didn’t like the product. DC struggle to take them due to the flavour and texture. I tried them and they weren’t nice at all. A jelly sweet would be better. Getting dc to have the recommended 6 per day for the first weeks was a battle. We really struggle to get dc to take these daily. Also thought they were expensive compared to other products that do the same and dc prefers.
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory Notice no changes at all, disappointingly.

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

No comment from his teacher re the above.

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

Dc has always slept 11hrs solid and constantly full of energy-this didn’t change. Dc actually became moodier whilst taking these but more coincidence.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They were fine but didn’t seem to make much of a difference

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

• attention and focus • memory None- which was a shame

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?

The liquid had a horrible taste, so after the first 2 days I could’ve persuade my 5yr old to take it.

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

• attention and focus • memory No change as I couldn’t get him to carry on taking it.

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

N/A

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

N/A

I took the capsules but haven’t noticed any change in my health.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Impressed. DS had the liquid and DH took the capsules. DS wasn't too keen on the taste but got used to it quickly. DH was pleased with the capsules, he's had cheapo omega fish oil caps before but since taking these his aches and pains have improved.

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

• attention and focus • memory

Our son has ASD and ADHD, along with dyspraxia and coordination problems. His concentration has improved a fair bit which we are delighted with - however- unsure whether it's due to lots of one to one time at home, or the Equazen, or a bit of both.

His memory and recall - always been excellent so no change there.

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

His main teacher said his behaviour had improved slightly, as he has had problems with his attention and behaviour prior to this.

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

Ds's mood seems a little bit calmer and more level - unsure if it's because he's at home with us all the time? His sleep is still poor, but it always has been. Energy levels seem a tiny bit more stable.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I do believe that omega oils are important and this brand does a good job bringing them to market.

DS refused to eat them after trying both flavours. And DD would only eat it strawberry ones, so I have ended up taking the 'plain' ones.

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

• attention and focus • memory

None at all! This is so difficult to monitor, especially during such unsettling times.

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

No, but DD is very academic and self motivated so it's hard to attribute.

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

No. I think lockdown has interfrered. It's a shame. I think I would buy the strawberry ones again as DD likes them and I get piece of mind.

1. I thought they were ok, husband not keen and kids tried the chewable ones once spat them out and refused anymore. I tried the kids ones and yes they have a strawberry flavouring but its v synthetic and you get a nasty after taste and I will eat most things.

1. We didnt continue with children and as adults no change

1. N/a

1. N/a as they refused them

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? Had tasked previously so high expectations

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

• attention and focus • memory

In addition to glowing skin (added bonus) my two were definitely more settled to work. Notwithstanding lockdown and stresses.

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

Both were doing well anyway so not possible to link.

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

In my youngest age 5 yes. Much better sleeping.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Overall good but my child did for the first few days did say he did not like the taste at all although he seemed to get better with time taking them.

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

• attention and focus • memory He seems to have more focus not sure if this is because of the product or not.

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?

Seems to be sleeping more. Again can't be sure if the product is helping with that or not.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

My daughter really likes the chewable vitamins- me not so much! The oil was unpleasant, but I don’t mind the tasteless capsules that I trialled.

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

• attention and focus • memory

I wouldn’t say I noticed any improvements in these areas, but my daughter suffered from alopecia last year, and we’ve really noticed her hair has started to grow back much thicker.

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

No, she is in secondary school so we don’t have regular feedback like this.

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

She’s been sleeping better, but that could also be to do with lockdown and having a less stressful routine.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

One child liked them, one didn’t, I had no problems taking the adult ones, I’d buy again if the price was ok

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

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

Nothing noted

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

No unfortunately

1. overall thoughts were that I liked the packaging, they seemed very professional looking. Opened the children's chews first. Lovely smell. Thankfully appealed to DD when I showed her / explained why we would be taking them.

1. Changes wise, I would definitely say a lot more attention and focus. It's been a funny old time home schooling in lockdown, but we have been pragmatic and just got on with it. Thinking about it, I feel we have done a lot more thinking outside the box in order to get things done rather than give up. I've taken it as a particular success as it would have been so easy as a single parent of an 8 year old to just say "Sod this, it's too bloody difficult!"

1. Noticed before lockdown that my daughter was starting to get chosen and singled out for things like Maths Club and comments on her positivity and energy.

1. Think it's quite hard to say as we have struggled in lockdown with other things. (My Mum was diagnosed with cancer a month before lockdown) but... I felt we would take all the help we could get so as well as taking equazen, we have also been taking immune support vitamins. We are happy, healthy, enjoying home school. Learning loads of new things so I'd say on balance we must be getting good sleep and rest as its kept us going. My DD wakes up every day and asks for her 'brain tablet' so I'm guessing she feels positively about it too!!

Thanks for the chance to try this.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I think they were great, my child loved the strawberry chews and got them for himself every morning. The citrus liquid was also fine and he also was willing to have a teaspoon of that. I know the benefits of fish oil so I would recommend

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

• attention and focus • 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?

No

Despite not noticing any obvious change I would still continue to use these supplements as I believe they are healthy and good for children and my child loved them!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We loved them. They had no taste and were easy to take. DS took them in the morning with breakfast and a glass of orange. I was a bit miffed with having to load dose them initially. Having to take several was a bit off-putting. We got on with it though and then it became a habit.

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

• attention and focus
• memory

It is hard to be objective with this. DS is amazingly smart (smug I know). I am not sure they changed any of that but the feeling that I was contributing to his wellbeing was all that mattered to me. Placebo or not I liked taking them.

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

We did not notice anything before lockdown but certainly afterwards he is now working on Year 8 Maths and English in preparation for his 11+. As stated he is very bright and capable but he has surprised even me with this.

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

He is generally a calm child. It is difficult to say that he is sleeping better because with lockdown our behaviours at home have changed.

His mood is also pretty stable but I can say that his concentration is better.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? Good. DC liked them & I feel they made a difference.
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus He was able to focus better. • 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? Only started taking them after lockdown.
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? Can regulate emotions more easily.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Easy to swallow, no aftertaste.

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

• attention and focus

As i have ADHD I found I could concentrate for longer but that was after after a month of taking the supplement and at a higher dose.

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?

My energy is equally spread throughout the day and not dipping half way through.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They have improved in taste since we last tried them.

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

• attention and focus A slight improvement • memory A definite improvement

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

Yes, much more thoughtful

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

Definitely seems happier than usual this could be the lack of time at school!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I was surprised at the amount received and felt positive about the detailed information provided by Equazen.

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

• attention and focus • memory

Sadly the aftertaste was too much for my child and they wouldn’t engage so unable to see any differences.
I didn’t particularly like the taste either and haven’t noticed enough change to myself to warrant continuing after trail despite this.

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

As above

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

As above

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Easy to take, no real taste and liked the small size of them when compared to many other capsules.

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

• attention and focus : no but he does already take medication for this. • memory : no

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 really but given the current situation these have been all over the place anyway.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?we tested the capsules. They were easily swallowed and didn't have any taste.
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus- maybe a bit more attentive. • memory- nothing noticed.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?yes- noticed better attention.
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? Sleep has been good recently. May be relayed?

*related

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

Both me and DH liked the capsules that you swallow, they were easy to swallow and had a nice taste. The children sound the chewable soft capsules were ok but the filling inside wasn't a pleasant texture and was too oily.

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

We've all found ourselves getting less colds/coughs and viruses.

• attention and focus / no chance to attention or memory on either product.

• memory

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

No comments from teachers.

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

No changes, they might have had more energy but that might be due to moving less due to lockdown.

Thanks for the opportunity to test these.