Find answers to your questions on:

Supplementation  Ingredients Product related Allergens and Side Effects:

Supplementation: 
What is the correct amount of NourishLife’s speak™ supplement for my child?
If your child is already taking individual omega-3 and vitamin E supplements every day, you may begin with 2 capsules daily. After two weeks, you may increase intake again to 3 capsules daily. And after another 2 weeks, you may increase intake to 4 capsules daily. If your child has never taken omega-3 or vitamin E in supplement form, start with 1 capsule of speak™ daily. After 2 weeks, you may increase the serving to 2 capsules daily until reaching a serving of 4 capsules over 8 weeks. If you believe that your child will benefit from additional supplementation above 4 capsules, regardless of previous omega-3 supplementation, check with your healthcare practitioner (eg: Registered Dietitian, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Naturopathic Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Medical Doctor).

How often does my child need NourishLife’s speak™ supplement?
It is preferrable to give NourishLife’s speak™ supplement throughout the day during a child’s most active time – in the morning and afternoon, not at night. Start with the morning meal and whether you give 2 or 4 capsules daily (or more under a clinician’s care), divide the serving over the day. For example, 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 with an afternoon snack. If your child is in school, you can ask your school nurse to administer the supplements. Depending on your state, you may need a note for your child’s doctor. If you are not able to provide supplements throughout the day, administer the entire serving in the morning.

My child cannot swallow capsules. How can I provide NourishLife’s speak™ supplement?
Because the taste is mild and pleasant, your child may chew on the capsule(s) of NourishLife’s speak™ supplement to extract the nutrients and either swallow the empty capsule or spit it out. Alternately, you may pierce the contents of the capsule with a clean pin and squirt the oil onto a non-plastic spoon. Some children enjoy the experience of having the capsule contents squirted directly into their mouths. Or you may blend the contents of the capsule in a small amount of a non-heated food such as nut butters, smoothies, applesauce, mashed banana or avocado, and yogurt. Be certain that your child consumes the entire amount of the blended food to get the full benefit of the capsule contents. Blending with food and serving on a spoon or in a small cup is easiest. And please only use non-plastic dishware. (Go here for more serving suggestions)

Why do you need to take NourishLife’s speak™ supplement with foods containing fat?
The fat-soluble contents – omega-3 and vitamins E and K – of NourshLife’s speak™ supplement are better absorbed with foods containing fat. Suggestions include coconut milk, avocado, nut butters (almond, cashew), peanut butter, nuts, seeds, egg yolks, fish, poultry, beef, pork, and lamb. For those not on a casein restricted diet (a protein in dairy products that many children with neurodevelopmental issues cannot tolerate), yogurt, whole milk, cheese, and pudding are also good fat-containing choices.

Why isn’t this product in a liquid?
For convenience and quality.  People tell us they prefer capsules because they provide an exact serving in every serving, they can be swallowed, chewed or opened and the contents are protected from oxidation.  Liquids must be refrigerated at all times, they are messy and once the bottle is open, the oils don’t have the protection that a capsule provides. 

Back to top

Ingredients:

What are the nutritional ingredients in NourishLife’s speak™ supplement and why are they included in NourishLife’s speak™ supplement?

Omega-3 fatty acids -- EPA and DHA: All fats are made of fatty acids, which are classified as either saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. Omega-3 fatty acids are in the polyunsaturated family. Within the category of omega-3 fatty acids, two called EPA (eicosapentanoic) and DHA (docosahexanoic) are considered the most functional, working both individually and together. Omega-3 fatty acids is to promote a healthy inflamation response.

Vitamin E -- d-alpha and gamma tocopherols: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in nature in eight different forms, classified as tocopherols or tocotrienols. The primary function of vitamin E is to prevent oxidation of the fat-containing outer layer of cells. This is particularly important in cells with a high polyunsaturated content such as neurons, or nerve cells. Vitamin E as d-alpha tocopherol increases the need for vitamin E as gamma-tocopherol and both work synergistically. These forms of vitamin E appear to enhance the health impact of omega-3 fats. For these reasons, NourishLife’s speak™ supplement contains vitamin E.

Vitamin K -- forms 1 and 2:  Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in nature as vitamin K1 in plant foods and vitamin K2 in animal foods. The main role of vitamin K is to assist in blood clotting and bone mineralization. Because it is important to support a proper balance between vitamins E and K, NourishLife’s speak™ supplement contains this nutrient.

Why not just take cod liver oil? 
Because cod liver oil does not contain enough omega-3, or the correct ratio of omega-3, or the other nutrients that are important for optimal benefit in children who are challenged with speech and coordination. Cod liver oil also contains varying amounts of vitamins A and D and increasing servings of cod liver oil can provide excessive amounts of vitamin A. In fact, parents who have used cod liver oil in their children with these challenges have reported seeing no benefit.

What if I take cod liver oil with speak™?
Cod liver oil has more DHA than EPA and is not very concentrated with omega-3. It has a great history of traditional use in the US and Europe. There isn’t any vitamin A or D in NourishLife  speak™, so you are not increasing those nutrients. NourishLife speak™ has more EPA than DHA, as this is what seems to be best for speech development. The antioxidants in NourishLife speak™ support the omega-3s, and add additional benefit. So, by using them together you are not duplicating any vitamins, just adding omega-3.

Why is the product orange flavored?
Because that’s what small children told us they like the best!  We did a survey and found orange to be the most acceptable flavor by most of the children.

Back to top

Product related:

Are the ingredients in NourishLife safe? 
Yes.  Each of the nutrients are common vitamins that have been studied for years, some more than others.  All of the nutrients have excellent safety profiles.  Fish oil, as long as it is properly manufactured and handled, is very safe. Vitamin E has been on the market and consumed by millions of people for many years.  Vitamin K is in nearly every multiple vitamin available. 

How long will it take to notice benefits with NourishLife’s speak™ supplement? 
Some children observed positive effects of NourishLife’s speak™ supplement as soon as the first week. Families have reported results within days, weeks, and months of supplementation. Factors that can influence response to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation include previous fish oil use, other nutrient supplementation, medication, gastrointestinal health, dietary intake, and more. Every child is different, however, and no one can predict how each child will respond.

What does NourishLife’s speak™ supplement taste and smell like?
The taste and smell of NourishLife’s speak™ supplement is a result of using natural, not artificial ingredients such as flavors, colors, and sweeteners. All fish oil supplements tend to have a slight, well, fish smell and taste. The perception of both the taste and smell is different among individuals. To some, the flavor and scent are imperceptible; while others are sensitive. For a more sensitive child, use the masking techniques described in “My child cannot swallow capsules. How can I provide NourishLife’s speak™ supplement?” Or immediately following the capsule, provide a bitter or sour food such as a dark chocolate chip.

Can NourishLife’s speak™ supplement trigger seizures?
Children with developmental disabilities, most notably those with cerebral palsy and autism, have a higher incidence of seizures. If your child has these diagnoses or has a history of neurological disorders, developmental regression, febrile seizures, or sleep apnea, check with your healthcare clinician before using any dietary supplement or nutraceutical. Also, consult with your practitioner before using more than 4 NourishLife’s speak™ supplements daily. Of course, individuals respond differently. For instance, the response to the top 8 food allergens -- milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat varies widely among children, ranging from totally benign to delayed sensitivities to anaphylaxis.

Are there any contraindications for NourishLife’s speak™ supplement?
All fish oil including NourishLife’s speak™ supplement can improve circulation by acting as a natural blood thinner, reducing the risk of heart disease. This may be a consideration when combining with supplements (eg: ginger, garlic, curcumin) or medications (eg: aspirin, ibuprofen) that have similar effects on what researchers refer to as platelet aggregation. Surgeons generally recommend discontinuing use of any product that thins blood several days prior to surgery. Check with your healthcare professional.

Back to top

Allergens and Side Effects:

I avoid gluten and casein in my diet, do I need to worry about NourishLife speak™? 
No. All of the ingredients used in NourishLife speak™ are free of gluten and casein.

What is gluten and casein?  I’ve never heard these words before.
You are not alone.  Gluten is a type of protein that exists in wheat, oats, rye and barley. Casein is a protein that exists in dairy foods, such as cow’s milk and cheese.  Some people are allergic or sensitive to these foods. It is becoming easier to find foods that are free of gluten and casein.  Read labels and consult with a dietitian.

What are the possible side effects of NourshLife speak™ supplement?
For healthy children, the primary possible side effect of NourishLife speak™ supplement is diarrhea. Be certain to follow recommendations and increase serving gradually. Loose stools are typically not permanent, dissipating over time.

Because omega-3 fatty acids reduce platelet aggregation, acting as a blood thinner, fish oils may increase bleeding time. Erring on the side of caution, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is often contraindicated for individuals who are taking blood thinners such as warafin and Coumadin™. Doctors recommend that patients discontinue use of fish oil supplements two weeks prior to surgery. NourishLife speak™ omega-3/vitamin E speech supplement has been formulated to protect against theoretical risks with the inclusion of vitamin K. Oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids, which can result in potential toxicity, typically occurs in liquid forms that are not refrigerated after opening or with capsules that are exposed to high heat. NourishLife speak™ supplement has been formulated to protect against oxidation with the inclusion of vitamin E. Exposure to environmental toxins in fish, such as mercury, are a concern only in omega-3 fatty acids that are not purified. NourishLife speak™ supplement is manufactured under stringent regulations.

Nutrition researchers and clinicians consider the natural forms of vitamin E, which are contained in NourishLife speak™ supplement to be one of the safest vitamins. Like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E acts as a blood thinner; so exercise caution as indicated above.

Some developmental pediatricians and neurologists suggest that children who have a history of neurological disorders, developmental regression, and febrile or non-febrile seizures should use omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E with caution, consulting with qualified healthcare clinicians before use.

The form of vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, in NourishLife speak™ supplement does not result in toxicity. The synthetic form, called menadione, however, can potentially increase oxidative stress. High amounts of vitamins A and E antagonize vitamin K. For this reason NourishLife speak™ supplement has been formulated with balanced amounts of vitamins E and K.

References:

Amminger GP, Berger GE, et al. Biol Psychiatry, 2007;61(4):551-553

Agin M, (FAND-2001); 2001; Oxford, United Kingdom.

Booth SL, Golly I, et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 2004;80(1):143-148

Chauhan A, Chauhan V. Pathophysiology, 2006 Aug;13(3):171-81

Cyhlarova E, Bell JG, et al. Eur Neuropsychopharml, 2007; 17: 116-121

Garber AK, Binkley NC, et al.  J. Nutr, 1999; 129: 1201–1203

Gil A, Ramirez M, Gil M. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2003;57 Suppl 1:S31-34

Handelman GJ, Machlin LJ, et al.  J Nutrition, 1985; 115(6): 807-813

Hadjivassiliou M, Grunewald RA, Davies-Jones GA. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002; 72: 560-563

Hathcock JN, Azzi A, et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 2005 Apr;81(4):736-745

Hallert C, Grant C, et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2002; 16:1333-1339

Jiang Q, Christen S, et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 2001;74(6):714-722

Kleopa KA, Kyriacou K, et al. Muscle Nerve, 2005;31(2):260-265

Nakamura MT, Cho HP, et al. Lipids, 2001 Sep;36(9):961-964

Morris CR, Geng L, Agin MC. Pediatric Academy Societies, 2008.

Morris CR, Agin MC.  Pediatric Academy Societies, 2007. Late Breaker Abstract Presentation # 5570.8.

Roth LL.  (FAND-2001) Oxford, United Kingdom, 2001

Richardson AJ. Int Rev Psychiatry, 2006;18(2):155-172

Richardson AJ, Montgomery P. Pediatrics, 2005;115 (5):1360-1366

Richardson AJ, Puri BK. Prog Neuropsychopharm Biol Psychiatry, 2002; 26(2):233-239

Richardson AJ. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004;70(4):383-390

Richardson AJ. Lipids. 2004;39(12):1215-1222

Richardson AJ, Ross MA. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2000; 63: 1-9

Roberts LJ, 2nd, Oates JA, et al. Free Radic Biol Med, 2007;43(10):1388-1393

Sokol RJ. Adv Pediatr, 1990;37:119-148

Sokol RJ. Free Radic Biol Med. 1989;6(2):189-207

Sinn N, Bryan J. J Dev Behav Pediatr, 2007; 28(2): 82-91

Stevens L, Zhang W, et al. Lipids, 2003; 38(10): 1007-1021

Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, et al. Physiol Behav, 1996; 59(4-5): 915-920

Taylor KE, Higgins CJ, et al. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2000;63:75-78

Traber MG, Packer L. Am J Clin Nutr, 1995; 62:1501S-1509S

Traber MG. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2005; 21: 223-227

Traber MG. Br J Nutr. 2006;96 Suppl 1:S34-37

Uauy R, Hoffman DR, et al. J Pediatr, 1994; 124: 612-620

Valk EE, Hornstra G. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2000;70(2):31-42

Vancassel S, Durand G, et al. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2001;65(1):1-7

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI. J Neurosci Res, 1999; 56(6): 565-570

Young G, Conquer J. Reprod Nutr Dev, 2005; 45: 1-28

Back to top