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 About Omega-3 Essential
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential” fatty
acids (EFAs). They are necessary to human health
but cannot be produced by the body. The two major
health promoting omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are found in certain cold-water
fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. They
can also be derived from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
an omega-3 found in certain seeds and plant-based
oils. Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA
and DHA.
Omega-3s and the Modern
Diet
A healthy diet should consist of a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio
of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. The western
diet has observed a shocking 1:30 ratio. The
North American population has among the lowest
dietary intake of omega-3s – and the highest
amount of the pro-inflammatory omega-6s. Since
an appropriate ratio of EFAs is important to
human health, many researchers believe that the
current imbalance has contributed to the rise
of many inflammatory disorders, heart disease,
and even certain cancers. Increased consumption
of vegetable oils and shortenings, beef, dairy,
and processed foods has compounded the problem.
Omega-3
Supplements
Obtaining optimal nutrition through a natural diet
is almost always ideal. Unfortunately, some larger
fish species, such
as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, contain high levels
of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins,
or other contaminants, achieving an optimal amount
of omega-3s through fish alone raises serious safety
concerns. Omega-3 supplements that are free of
environmental contaminants offer a safe, alternative
way to obtain the health-promoting benefits of
EFAs. In fact, experts agree that a highly purified
omega-3 supplement is the safest and most efficient
way to get your omega-3s.
Clinical Benefits
Hundreds of clinical trials conducted by many of
the world’s most prestigious research institutions
show that omega-3s play a important role in central
nervous system, cognitive, cardiovascular, joint,
immune, and metabolic function. EPA and DHA
have been shown to promote good physical and
emotional health, reduce the risk of cardiac
disease, and exert powerful anti-inflammatory
effects.
The benefits have been
studied and observed across a wide range of illnesses,
including heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension,
arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, psoriasis,
lupus, Crohn’s
Disease, dry eyes, depression, bipolar disorder,
ADHD, and stress-related disorders. Omega-3s have
also proven essential to pregnant women and infants,
since an omega-3 deficiency can lead to visual
or nervous system complications.
Safety and Side Effects
The FDA recognizes omega-3 as safe up to 3 grams
daily, and clinical trials consistently report
no or mild side effects from omega-3 supplementation.
In fact, omega-3s may provide a safe alternative
to commonly used anti-inflammatory medications,
such as aspirin and ibuprofen. According to a recent
clinical study, “The positive human clinical
effects of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)
are now the subject of more than 900 scientific
articles, with many showing that omega-3 EFA fish
oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and, thus,
a possible alternative choice to non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”
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