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?

We actually thought they were really tasty! I found them quite more-ish. Our 4yo found the texture of the outside of the capsule a bit strange, but did take it. Our 8yo (extremely self restricted diet) like them, which was amazing. No fishy taste either.

2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:
• attention and focus
• memory

No specific changes to attention & focus, or memory - though lockdown was an unfortunately unsettling time to be testing them. Both of my older children who were taking them did notice positive changes in their sensory processing issues however; our 4yo (sensory seeking, normally unaware of most of his bodily sensations) became more sensitive and aware of his senses, which meant he was able to meet his own needs (hunger, toileting) more independently. Our 8yo actually tried new foods for the first time in years and cautiously enjoyed them too.

3. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?
No - nothing specifically.

4. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?
One child was generally happier & more content, as they became more aware of what their body needed & was therefore more comfortable overall - which helped their mood. Other child who was taking them didn't notice any particular changes.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

I liked the adult capsules and found them easy to take. My child loved the chewable capsules at first but then about two weeks into the trial he spat one out in disgust and declared it “fishy” and “Disgusting” and since then has refused them. Disappointed re gelatine content.

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

No changes to my child that I could discern but he didn’t take them long enough to be able to tell.
I did feel like my hair was glossier and my PMT less severe.

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?

DD and I tried the liquid and chews.

She's usually really happy to take sweet type vitimins so had high hopes.

We tried the liquid first and unfortunately found it rather unpleasant. The initial taste was fine, more bland than lemon, but it left an unpleasant fishy aftertaste for several hours that we couldn't get rid of.

Next we tried the strawberry chews. I disliked the fishy taste. DD initially liked them and asked for another, but then had the same problem with the lingering fishy aftertaste and did not want to take any more.

I managed to continue with the liquid taking it quickly in a pill like way, avoiding the taste buds, but DD disliked the long lasting aftertaste which made her feel sick and so was unwilling to continue.

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?

The strawberry chews were rejected because of the liquid inside them. I'd like to know at what age it's safe for children to swallow this size of capsules rather than chew them, as that could be an option.

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

• attention and focus • memory Initially everything seemed to be improved - mood and general demeanour.

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?

Initially mood was improved but unfortunately the strawberry chews were refused after a month or so. We hope to reinstate them after a break.

We will definitely purchase more of these,our autistic son has concentrated more since using these and they have definitely helped his digestive problems. Our daughter also enjoys them and I'm happy she's getting more vitamins due to the fact she doesn't like much veg.
Overall I think they are a very good product and highly recommend.

What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
I was surprised how much we were sent to trail so good to see a decent amount. I also thought the actual size of both the adults and children’s tablets were a good size. Usually cod liver for adults is much bigger and I was also surprised that they really had no odour which was nice

2. 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 chances in myself or my child.

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

Not applicable

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

No change for us

. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

My son had the strawberry flavoured ones and he was happy to take them, and we referred to them as 'brain tablets' to help him concentrate at school.

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

• attention and focus • memory We were a few weeks in when lockdown started so then his school closed and remains closed to him. So it's been tricky to see a difference but we will continue and hopefully see some difference in the autumn term. There was no noticeable difference at home.

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

There wasnt enough time really but he had done some good pieces of work.

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

No difference

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
Unfortunately my son refused to take this after trying them on the first day! His autism means he has sensory issues and he struggled with the texture. I tried them myself and, while I can see why he wasn't keen on the coating, I think NT children would probably be more accepting of the texture
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements: • attention and focus • memory
Not able to answer
3. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?
Not able to answer
4. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?
Not able to answer.

We tried the strawberry chews and the tasteless ones. 4 year old liked the strawberry, 6 year old didn't really like either but could be persuaded to eat the strawberry.

Thought the price point was horrendous for what you get and I was incredibly surprised to see you're supposed to do a 'loading dose' of SIX capsules per day for 12 weeks. With two children that would have become very very expensive very quickly!

I'm afraid to say I didn't notice any difference either before or after lockdown. 4 year old is still going at 90 miles an hour with brief pauses if it interests him and 6 year old (who is autistic) still floats about and needs a lot of 1:1 support to keep on track.

I wouldn't buy them again, there are far cheaper alternatives available and as they didn't make any difference to concentration or attention I'd rather focus on getting the vitamins and fish oil into them and work on their attention in other ways without breaking the bank

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? I always wanted to try them but felt they were expensive and worried my children wouldn’t eat them!
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus -I definitely noticed less brain fog! • memory - both my son and I have noticed better memory skills.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? No but my child’s school closed early due to Covid outbreak 😷
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements? Yes my son is less of a moody teen than before (could be lockdown!)

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

The capsules were good, dc really disliked the chews, so I‘ve been taking them.

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

• attention and focus • memory

I can’t tell because of the lockdown situation.

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?

I can’t tell.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

The strawberry ones tasted nice and my dc were happy to take them. I noticed improvements in their concentration after a few weeks.

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

• attention and focus • memory They got better at paying attention and focusing. They both have good memories anyway so difficult to see any effects there.

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

My dd's teacher mentioned she was doing much better at not fidgeting in class.

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

They are both more settled when asked to concentrate. Not noticed any differences in sleeping patterns.

Will continue to buy for the children.

I tried Equazen on my daughter (12 for most of the test period).

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements ?

A. Easy to swallow, we had the capsules and they are reasonably small. My daughter was happy to take them and large bottle lasted ages. I felt that they helped my child’s mood. Very hard to judge concentration as the situation is so extreme and she has found online learning very stressful. 2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while taking Equazen -attention and focus, memory. Hmm. It has been such an abnormal time that it is hard to say how it would have been normally. She is an anxious child and she is recovering from a head injury. I think her mood has been better, and her attention span has improved, and that when she has missed a few days due to general chaos at the moment she has been grumpier.

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about improvement with the above, or with performance.

No comments from teachers, but it isn’t the sort of thing they would comment on really, and everyone was so preoccupied with Corona.

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

Yes I do think her mood has improved. I think she had some improvement in energy and sleep patterns, but her sleep habits really went to pot when lockdown started just because all our sleep patterns changed. Overall I think the supplements have helped my child, even though it has been subtle and under shifting and unprecedented circumstances. I am going to carry on using them after finishing the ones we were sent. Thank you to Equazen and Mumsnet for the chance to try this supplement.

So sorry to be screeching in late. My child has gone back to school today and I finally had the chance to come back here, after filling in the questionnaire as soon as I received it and promptly losing the email.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

They appear to be well made, and I think I used to take their supplements in pregnancy with my older child, as well as giving him the orange flavour chewables (which we didn't get for this trial) as a toddler. My daughter (10, ASD) did NOT like the lemon syrup at all and could detect it in anything. Maybe the chewables would hav

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

Not really sure - she seemed to cope well with her home learning. She refused to take the liquid so tried to hide it in her smoothie, which dod not go well. She had to learn to swallow capsules which had been intended for me (swapped). I couldn't give it to my oldest child as he is a vegetarian.

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

Not really mentioned anything.

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

If anything she was more emotional than usual, and more volatile. Might just have been the start of puberty though.

*Maybe the chewables would have been better (sorry, it deleted off that bit!)

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
They seem like a really good idea. I've thought about getting something similar for our DC before so this trial was well timed. We were sent a good amount to try which was great.
We tried the lemon liquid, it didn't exactly taste lovely but I wouldn't expect a supplement to really, and the DC tolerated it

2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:
• attention and focus
• memory
As pp posters have said it's been a really strange time for DC during lockdown. I can't say for sure what impact the liquid had, but DC have certainly been focused and hard working during lockdown. They have had good attention spans, more so than I would have expected so I'd like to think the supplements helped. I've not noticed a massive change in memory though.

3. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?
I'm no sure there was long enough to tell, but the had great school reports at the start of lockdown so that's always a positive.

4. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?
They're of pretty sunny dispositions anyway, so no change there really, but friends DC do seem to have struggled a bit at times with lockdown whereas ours have been happy throughout. Again, no way of knowing if the liquid helped but it may well have done.

Thanks for the trial

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We liked the children's liquid. It did taste a bit fishy and certainly smelt fishy but no more so than other DHA/omega 3 supplements we've tried, and my DD didn't mind this anyway.
My 3 year old wasn't keen on the full 5ml dose because it was quite thick. I had to give it to her in 2 x 2.5ml doses five minutes apart but that worked out okay for us. It's expensive stuff and that's why I haven't tried it before at our own expense. It would've been nice to put a 5ml spoon or syringe in the box - I just used an inaccurate teaspoon.

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

• attention and focus • memory

I can't say I noticed any real difference tbh.

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?

This is really hard to tell because I think lockdown itself has probably negatively affected my DDs mood. The trial was bad timing really.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? i thought they were ok but my son said they tasted fishy and did not like to take them
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory none as he didnt like them

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance?no
2. Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements?

unfortunately he was not keen on them so it was not a success. i found them ok but im not sure if i would buy them as they are quite expensive. thanks for letting us do the trial

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

The strawberry ones tasted great my son was happy to take them. He would remind me if I forgot to give them to him! I noticed improvements in his focus and behaviour after about 4 weeks.

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

• attention and focus • memory He got better at paying attention and focusing. Memory no noticeable.

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

My son's teacher mentioned he had been more attentive and motivated.

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

He has been sleeping very well and says he feels full of energy

I would definitely buy these again.

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

That they were worth trying as my son finds school work difficult but they are veru expensive. At first he didn't like the taste and it took some time to persuade him 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 Since the lockdown has changed everything it's really difficult to tell.

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?

He is much happier but that is because he isn't in school. I'm afraid it's very difficult to say if the supplements have had any effect.

What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?

We tried both the liquid and the chews and the both my daughters 4 and 8 did not take to the liquid at all but were ok with the chews but the taste was always an issue and needed something to change the taster after.

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

• attention and focus • memory

Did not notice a huge difference

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

No changed noticed

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

I find the kids are more hungry which is good as they did not eat much but the taste needs to be improved definitely.

What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements?
Me and my daughter loved both types. The family capsules were easy to swallow and no strange after taste and the chewable capsules were actually quite tasty when they popped in your mouth and many times my daughter asked for more. They had a nice sweet strawberry taste and I didn’t get any fishy taste at all.

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

• attention and focus • memory

The main difference that I noticed with myself and my daughter was our skin. Our eczema reduced a lot, we had less itchiness, scales and soreness where we both normally suffer abs all in all our skin seemed more plump, healthier, more moisture to the skin and I also had less spots on my face.
I didn’t notice any difference in memory with both of us but my daughter did concentrate more on her reading of a night and was less distracted than usual. My memory was terrible but in lockdown, home schooling and working as a key worker in a school I’m not sure if this was the best time to test.

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

Unfortunately communication with the teachers before lockdown was pretty non existent so didn’t get the chance to get any feedback about my daughter from her teacher. . Have you noticed any changes in your or your child’s mood, energy or sleeping patterns since beginning testing Equazen supplements Her moods have been a lot better but I’m Not sure if it’s because of the stresses of school, after school club, swimming etc has been taken away so she’s getting more sleep at the moment, more food, more free time so it’s really hard to tell if the capsules or change in life has affected her moods. She has had an increase in energy and I have noticed her appetite increase but again not sure if there’s a link. Also sleeping pattern has been the same. The main big positive has been the major improvement in our skin, a lot more supple, healthier, plump and glowing!!!!

Thanks for the opportunity!!!

1. What were your overall thoughts about Equazen supplements? They were not nice at all. The taste and smell was horrible, and the texture was strange. My daughter (autistic) wouldn't take them as they triggered her sensory aversions. Which is a shame as I really wanted to like them.
2. What changes (if any) did you or your child notice to the following while testing Equazen supplements:

• attention and focus • memory None, as due to sensory issues we didnt manage to take many doses at all

1. Before lockdown, did you notice any comments from teachers about any improvements with any of the above, or with academic performance? Again, none,, due to the sensory stuff
2. 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?

Unfortunately both my children hated them. I tried over a few days and different times but they just spat them out so unfortunately I am unable to give any further feedback.

Thanks all for giving your feedback! The winner of the prize draw is @AlphaDalpha