|
Overview
of the Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are often referred to
as “essential” fatty
acids (EFAs) because they are needed for human
health but are not sufficiently produced by the
body alone. The two major health promoting Omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA
and DHA are naturally found in certain cold-water
fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
They can also be derived in the body from alpha-linolenic
acid (ALA), which is an Omega-3 found in certain
seeds and plant-based oils. However, the body
is very inefficient at converting ALA into EPA
and DHA, which is why these Omega-3s must be
obtained in the diet.
Over the last century, the modern diet has become largely depleted of these
Omega-3 essential fatty acids and has become overloaded with pro-inflammatory
Omega-6 fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid. This heavy imbalance of Omega-6
to Omega-3 fatty acids in the modern diet is thought to lead to an overall inflammatory
state that contributes to certain diseases. The increased consumption of vegetable
oils and shortenings, beef, and dairy is one of the major reasons for the high
amount of Omega-6s in the diet and the imbalance between Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty
acids. The North American population, in particular, has among the lowest dietary
intake of Omega-3s found in the world and the highest amount of the pro-inflammatory
Omega-6s.
Recent scientific developments have shown that
the Omega-3s, in particular EPA and DHA, play
a vital role in central nervous system, cognitive,
cardiovascular, joint, immune and metabolic
function. EPA and DHA not only protect good
overall physical and emotional health, but
also can reduce the risk of cardiac disease
and exert powerful anti-inflammatory effects
that can help treat certain diseases. The benefits
of EPA and DHA have been studied across a wide
range of illnesses, including heart disease,
high cholesterol, hypertension, arthritis,
back pain, osteoporosis, psoriasis, lupus,
Crohn’s Disease, back pain, dry eyes,
depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and stress-related
disorders. The importance of Omega-3s have
also been shown to be important in pregnant
women and infants, where their depletion may
lead to visual or central nervous system problems.
Since some larger fish species may contain high levels of mercury, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins or other contaminants, achieving an optimal amount
of Omega-3s through the intake of fish alone raises a number of safety concerns.
Omega-3 supplements (such as Omax®) that are certified
free of environmental contaminants offer a safe, alternative way to obtain the
health-promoting benefits of EFAs. In fact, highly purified Omega-3 supplements
now provide an extremely safe and efficient delivery system for EPA and DHA into
the diet.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
-
References for Overview
of the Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
 |
Covington MB. Omega-3
Fatty Acids. Am Fam Physician 2004; 70:133-140. |
|
Simopoulos AP. Omega-3
fatty acids in health and disease and
in growth and development. Am J Clin
Nutr 1991; 54:438-463. |
|
Simopoulos AP. Essential
fatty acids in health and chronic disease.
Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 70 Suppl. 3 560S-9S. |
|
