Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help to support overall health across every system in the body – from brain and eye development in infants, to the maintenance of cardiovascular health in adults and seniors. These two healthy fats have complementary roles in human health with DHA playing a structural role in cell membranes, and aiding in normal growth and development, while EPA plays a physiological role, helping to regulate inflammatory and immune pathways in the body MEG-3® supports the whole body by providing EPA and DHA, in a variety of concentrations, that your body can absorb and readily use to help optimize health.
The body needs Omega-3s.
From infancy to adulthood, you have the opportunity to make choices every day that support your health. The Omega-3s DHA and EPA support normal growth and development during infancy and childhood and promotes good health and wellbeing at all life stages.
| Life Stage |
Key Benefits |
| Pregnant and Nursing Moms |
Promotes maternal health; healthy pregnancy, supports fetal/infant brain, eye and nerve development |
| Infants |
Brain, eye and nervous system development |
| Children |
Part of a well-balanced diet, continued brain and nervous system development |
| Teens |
Part of a well-balanced diet, continued brain and nervous system development |
| Adults |
Cardiovascular health, continued brain and nervous system support |
| Seniors |
Cardiovascular health, cognition, continued brain and nervous system support |
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Omega-3 DHA is essential for the development of infant brains, nervous systems and vision, while a balance of Omega-3 EPA and DHA helps keep the mother healthy.
Worldwide heath and regulatory organizations recommend eating at least 8-12 ounces of oily fish per week, or taking purified fish oil capsules, containing a minimum of 250mg of DHA during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Research indicates that Omega-3 EPA and DHA play an important role before, during, and after pregnancy. As the sole source of nutrients for her developing baby, a mother needs to consume plenty of Omega-3 DHA.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA support a healthy pregnancy, but even after childbirth, a mother still needs to have adequate Omega-3 EPA and DHA intake, as her child will continue to absorb these nutrients from her breast milk.
MEG-3® fish oil capsules and food ingredients are refined to reduce heavy metals such as mercury and other contaminants to insignificant levels, providing an alternative to eating fish while pregnant and nursing.
All children need Omega-3 EPA and DHA for healthy, growing bodies.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA supports normal infant growth and development. Infants and toddlers need Omega-3 DHA for proper brain and vision (retinal) development.
An easy way to get toddlers and school-aged children to consume their daily Omega-3s is through foods enriched with Omega-3 EPA and DHA like breads, yogurt and milk.
Do you have a finicky eater at home? Omega-3 EPA and DHA fortified foods or supplements offer a convenient and tasty way to ensure young children receive enough Omega-3 EPA and DHA without the dinner table turmoil!
As health-conscious adults, you must ensure your diets are well balanced to support optimal health and longevity. Foods rich in Omega-3 EPA and DHA are part of that healthy diet.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA supports cardiovascular system health, by helping to maintain healthy triglyceride levels and normal blood pressure. Health organizations and regulatory bodies around the world support fish and fish oil supplements as part of a heart-healthy diet. Studies have suggested Omega-3 EPA and DHA may also support joint health, eye health and maintenance of brain function throughout our lives.
Adults in most regions of the world have a low to very low levels of Omega-3s EPA and DHA, according published research (1). This may be a result of many diets lacking oily fish, or fish in general, that contain Omega-3 EPA and DHA and containing far too many plant-based oil products that contain Omega-6 fatty acids – especially snack and other processed foods, vegetable oils like soy, corn and canola and grain-fed animal products.
Omega-6 fats compete with Omega-3 fats in the body for the same enzymes and pathways in the body. The fat consumed in abundance will dominate the reactive state in the body. Vegetarians and children, who avoid fish for different reasons, are particularly at risk of having low Omega-3 levels, and overabundance of Omega-6 intake.
The solution to Omega-3 deficiency is to eat oily marine fish (such as salmon, sardines and anchovy) twice a week. If you cannot or do not want to eat fish, healthy alternatives include purified fish oil supplements and foods enriched with Omega-3 EPA and DHA.
The Omega-3 Index is a measurement of the Omega-3 EPA and DHA levels in the body’s red blood cells.
When it comes to cardiovascular health, your Omega-3 levels is important information to know, along with blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
So what’s your number? The Omega-3 Index reflects your Omega-3 EPA and DHA intake – the higher the number the better. Your levels will get higher when you eat fatty fish, take fish oil supplements or eat Omega-3 EPA and DHA-enriched foods.
High (≥850 mg EPA and DHA; 4oz. or 113g serving)
Medium (300 – 849 mg EPA and DHA; 4 oz. or 113g serving)
Low (>300 mg EPA and DHA; 4 oz. or 113g serving)
References
It’s common to hear about parenthood from the mother’s perspective. Father’s Day gives us the unique opportunity to hear from dads who have their own experiences, health concerns and things that keep them up at night (i.e. the kids!). Read More
The arrival of a newborn brings sweet snuggles, sleepy smiles, and – of course – extra responsibility of feeding the new infant. Sometimes though, amongst all the attention given to the baby (rightfully, so!), mom’s nutrition might not take center stage. Learn 4 tips to support your nutrition during the postpartum life stage. Read More
Selecting the right omega-3 supplement shouldn’t give you heartburn. There are four easy steps to select a high-quality omega-3 supplement. Read More
What you eat not only impacts your overall health, but truly affects the health of your eyes. Join registered dietitian and chef, Abbie Gellman, as she shares which foods and nutrients help to support eye health. Read More
Omega-3s EPA and DHA support heart health throughout all stages of life. Read More
