Per Benjaminsen, 49, lives on the island of Ballstad and is one of the key people behind Ballstad Omega-3. Born and raised on Andøya, an island north of the Lofoten archipelago, he comes from a family of fishermen who were part-owners of one of Norway’s major cod liver oil production facilities.
With a master’s degree in Fisheries and Biotechnology from the University of Tromsø, Mr. Benjaminsen founded one of the first omega-3 refining companies in Northern Norway. Today, after more than 25 years in the omega-3 industry, his mission remains the same: producing the world’s highest-quality omega-3 products.
Do you personally take omega-3, and if so, why?
Yes. I take at least 2 grams of Ballstad Omega-3 daily, which is double the general recommendation of 1 gram per day. The reason is that I have been diabetic for almost 30 years. For diabetics, maintaining good blood sugar control and healthy circulation is crucial. In fact, Norwegian doctors recommend a minimum of 2 grams of omega-3 daily for diabetics to support proper blood circulation.
What role does omega-3 play in your lifestyle?
I am a devoted surfer, spending over 100 days each year in the water. In Norway, winter sea temperatures are close to freezing, so good blood circulation is essential. Omega-3 supports that, and it also helps prevent joint stiffness — another benefit that allows me to keep surfing actively throughout the year.
When did you first learn about omega-3?
Like most Norwegian children, I started with cod liver oil in childhood. It was a tradition and a daily source of vitamins A and D, along with omega-3. Later, during my university studies and when I founded my first omega-3 company, I gained deeper knowledge about the science and health benefits.
Over the past 25 years, more than 20,000 studies have been published on omega-3, making it one of the world’s best-documented supplements.
Why is omega-3 so important for modern health?
Our bodies are designed for a high intake of omega-3. Just a few generations ago, before hydrogenated fats became common in the late 1800s, people consumed 5–20 times more omega-3 than today. The shift to processed fats coincided with a rise in coronary heart disease. Our bodies haven’t had time to adapt, which is why omega-3 remains essential for heart, brain, and overall health.
Who should be taking omega-3, and how often?
Omega-3 is important for everyone, at all ages — especially if you don’t eat seafood at least three times a week. Only seafood provides the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.
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Minimum intake: 1 gram per day
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Optimal intake: 2 grams per day
Omega-3 accumulates in your cells, meaning you can make up for missed doses. For example, if you forget one day, you can safely take a double dose the next. Some people even prefer taking their entire weekly intake in one go.
How would you explain omega-3 to a parent of young children?
Omega-3, especially DHA, is vital for brain development. About 25% of the fat in the “thinking part” of the brain is DHA. Numerous studies show DHA is essential for children’s cognitive growth. That’s why in Norway, doctors recommend omega-3 during pregnancy and for children from an early age.
What makes Ballstad Omega-3 different from other products?
Ballstad Omega-3 stands out because of its purity, concentration, and protection against oxidation. Oxidation can make omega-3 rancid, reducing both its taste and health benefits. Our production methods ensure maximum freshness and quality, delivering omega-3 directly from the pure Arctic waters of Norway.
With Ballstad Omega-3, you get one of the highest-quality omega-3 supplements in the world — made with passion, science, and tradition.
✅ Key Takeaway: Whether for diabetics, athletes, children, or anyone seeking better health, omega-3 plays a central role in supporting circulation, brain development, and joint health. Ballstad Omega-3 ensures you get the purest, most effective form of EPA and DHA, rooted in Norway’s long-standing traditions and scientific expertise.