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Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and certain plants that provide important health benefits. In fact, Omega-3 fatty acids are just as important to your health as vitamins, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular health and brain function, as well as normal growth and development. For infants, seniors, and everyone in between, the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids abound.
Important Omega-3s
Among the Omega-3, three have been scientifically proven to be important to general wellness at all stages of life. They are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), and ALA (Alpha-Linolenic acid). EPA and DHA play critical roles in sustaining the health of your heart, your brain, and your whole body, and may reduce the risk of a variety of diseases. Because they are already in a body-ready form, EPA and DHA (found in fish oil) are considered more important to your health than ALA (found in flax oil).
It is theoretically possible for your body to make EPA and DHA from the ALA that you consume; however, the conversion process is inefficient, which means that even if you ingest large amounts of ALA, you will only produce small quantities of EPA and DHA. With a conversion rate of less than 1%, it’s highly unlikely that you would be able to consume enough ALA to get the EPA and DHA that your body needs for optimal health and wellness. Therefore, EPA and DHA are considered functionally essential, meaning they are important for your health, yet you cannot effectively make them on your own.
Benefits of Omega-3s
More than 8,000 studies published over the past 35 years have consistently shown that Omega-3 EPA and DHA are important to your health throughout every stage of your life. EPA and DHA have complementary roles in human health: DHA plays a structural role as a component of cell membranes, while EPA plays a physiological role by helping reduce inflammation.
DHA plays a critical role in maintaining healthy functioning of:
- The nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves
- The eyes, particularly the retina
EPA may be associated with reduced risk of:
- Coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease
- Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other conditions of mental deterioration
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other behavioral problems
- Mental health conditions, including aggression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, & schizophrenia
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
Support for Omega-3sOmega-3s, and their benefits, have been identified as being an important part of general well-being by many national and international health organizations including:
- The American Heart Association (AHA) – a national, voluntary health agency in the USA whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke
- The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) – an independent British nutrition organization promoting the nutritional well-being of society
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – an American government health organization responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, America’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation
- Health Canada - the federal department responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health
- The Institute of Medicine (IOM) – an independent, private, scientific advisor serving Canada and the USA, providing unbiased, evidence-based, and authoritative information and advice concerning health and science policy
- The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids & Lipids (ISSFAL) - an international society of scientists, health professionals, administrators, educators, and communicators from more than 40 countries, all with an interest in the health effects of dietary fats
- The National Heart Foundation of Australia – an independent, Australia-wide, non-profit health organization aiming to improve the heart health of Australians
- The World Health Organization (WHO) – the United Nations specialized agency for health
Natural Sources of Omega-3sBecause your body cannot effectively produce Omega-3 EPA and DHA on its own, you need to consume them through either food or supplements. Omega-3 are naturally occurring as ALA in certain plant foods — such as flaxseed and chia — and as EPA and DHA in certain cold-water fatty fish — including mackerel, sardines, and salmon. Because your body has difficulty converting ALA to the usable forms of EPA and DHA, you need to consume at least two servings of fatty fish per week, or take an Omega-3 fish oil supplement or consume food fortified with Omega-3, to ensure that you get enough of these essential nutrients in your diet. If you’re not eating fatty fish at least twice a week, then your body is likely not getting an adequate amount of Omega-3.
MEG-3® as Your Source of EPA and DHAMEG-3®If you’re not sure if you’re consuming enough Omega-3 EPA and DHA, MEG-3® can help balance your diet in a convenient and worry-free way. Available as a dietary supplement, and as a healthy food ingredient, MEG-3® provides you with Omega-3 EPA/DHA that conform to worldwide quality and purity standards. Along with a well-balanced diet, supplements or foods that contain MEG-3® ensure that you and your family are getting adequate amounts of these two essential fats.
References
1. Oh, R. “Practical applications of fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) in primary care.” The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 18, no., 1 (January-February 2005): 28-36.
2. Harris WS. “Fish oil supplementation: evidence for health benefits.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 71, no., 3 (March 2004): 208-10, 212, 215-8 passim
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What Is Omega-3
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Daily Requirements
More than 8,000 studies published over the past 35 years have consistently shown that Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are important to your health throughout every stage of your life. However, most people don’t consume enough Omega-3 EPA/DHA in their daily diet to satisfy their bodies’ needs ...
Omega-3 Myths
Omega-3 Myths Omega-3 fatty acids have been receiving a great deal of coverage in all forms of media in recent years…so much so that it’s sometimes difficult to tell fact from fiction. You don’t need to become an Omega-3 expert, but it is a good idea to be informed. Information is power and you owe it to yourself to learn the truth about Omega-3 so ...
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