The document summarizes a study comparing the effectiveness of over-the-counter omega-3 supplements to personalized omega-3 supplements from Hemavault. 20 participants were split into two groups, one taking OTC supplements and one taking Hemavault supplements, and had their omega-3 levels tested monthly over 12 weeks. Initial results found the Hemavault supplements led to higher omega-3 level increases for more participants, with one participant seeing a 36% increase. The document calls for more participants to help determine the relative effectiveness of different omega-3 supplement options and individuals' responses.

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How Effective Are The Supplements
I’m Taking?
Request for Participants
David Greenwood, Hemavault
Quantified Self Meetup (March 2015)

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“Americans are ignoring the
science and spending billions on
dietary supplements”
Washington Post

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“Don’t take your vitamins”
FiveThirtyEight

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<insert clickbait headline here…
(but don’t include any concrete
information in the article)>

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???

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Millions of people can’t be wrong!

7. RESEARCH DEPT.

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+$15,000,000,000 (by 2019)

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Should we be so skeptical?

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Research: Miriam Quick
Sources: PubMed, Cochrane.org, Examine.com
RCTs and population studies. Metastudies & large
trials used where possible.

11. RESEARCH DEPT.
Maybe not…

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…lets find out.

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Hemavault
• Home blood test kits for range of markers
• Online results tracking
• Science-based nutritional recommendations
• Personalised supplements tailored to biology
• Measure, track, improve

14. RESEARCH DEPT.
Omega-3

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What is Omega-3?
• Long-chain (eg. fish oils)
– EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
– DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
• Short-chain (eg. plant based)
– ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)

16. RESEARCH DEPT.
Why Take Omega-3?
• Research has shown:
– good for your joints, skin, vision, brain, & heart
– lowers bad cholesterol levels
– anti-ageing
– anti-inflammatory

17. RESEARCH DEPT.
Omega-3 Supplement Study
• Over the counter supplements vs. Hemavault
• Sample 20 people (10 per group)
– not already taking supplements
– 50% male / 50% female
– aged 24 - 66
• Followed manufacturers dosage guidelines
• Over 12 weeks, tested every month
• Not controlled, needs much improvement

18. RESEARCH DEPT.
Holland & Barrett: Group Average
0
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2
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9
10
12/1/14 1/1/15 2/1/15
date
avg. O3
(%FAME) low ref high ref %inc
01/12/14 4.2 3.1 9.2
01/01/15 4.6 3.1 9.2 9.5
01/02/15 4.8 3.1 9.2 4.3
+~14%
%FAME

19. RESEARCH DEPT.
Holland & Barrett: Initial Results
• 7/10 participants saw notable increase >+5%
• 3/10 participants saw no notable
improvement -5% / +5%

20. RESEARCH DEPT.
0
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12/1/14 1/1/15 2/1/15
Hemavault: Group Average
date
avg. O3
(%FAME) low ref high ref %inc
01/12/14 4 3.1 9.2
01/01/15 4.1 3.1 9.2 2.5
01/02/15 4.7 3.1 9.2 14.6
+~17%
%FAME

21. RESEARCH DEPT.
Hemavault: Top Performer
0
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2
3
4
5
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7
8
9
10
12/1/14 1/1/15 2/1/15
date
avg. O3
(%FAME) low ref high ref %inc
01/12/14 2.5 3.1 9.2
01/01/15 3.4 3.1 9.2 36
01/02/15 4.2 3.1 9.2 23.53
+~36%
%FAME
Female, 52 years

22. RESEARCH DEPT.
Hemavault: Initial Results
• 8/10 participants saw notable increase >+5%
• 2/10 participants saw no notable
improvement -5% / +5%

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Experiment: Expectations
• Food = best source
– other good nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and
minerals.
• Some supplements more effective than others
– bio-individuality
– quality
• More effective for those with existing deficiency
• More effective for people > 45 years

24. RESEARCH DEPT.
We need your help to find out!

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hema.vu/qsmeetup
www.hemavault.com / @hemavault