The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials. That isn’t the case for omega-3 fatty acids (also called omega-3 fats & n-3 fats) as they are essential fats (ie: body can’t make them from scratch but must get them from food). [2]
The three main omega-3 fatty acids:
- alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood, sometimes called marine omega-3s. Whereas, ALA is found in plant oils (such as flaxseed, soybean) vegetable oils and nuts (especially walnuts), leafy vegetables, and some animal fat, especially in grass-fed animals. ALA is the most common omega-3 fatty acid in most Western diets. [1] The human body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA is very limited-can only make very small amounts. Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from foods (and dietary supplements if you take them) is the only practical way to increase levels of these omega-3 fatty acids in your body. [2]
OMEGA 3 fatty acids have many necessary roles in our body (including but not limited to) [1,2, 3] † :
- They are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes.
- They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.
- They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function.
- DHA is particularly important for the structure and function of cell membranes of nervous system.†
- DHA levels are especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells.
- DHA is critical for normal, healthy brain structure and function.†
- EPA is found in small amounts in the brain, but is required for numerous regulatory functions throughout the body.
- Omega-3s also provide calories to give your body energy and have many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system (the network of hormone-producing glands). [1] †
- EPA helps support a healthy inflammatory response and optimal cardiovascular function.†
- Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3’s include the ability to support a normal, healthy heartbeat, normal blood clotting, and healthy blood triglyceride levels.† (ie: They may lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve blood vessel function, and, at higher doses, lower triglycerides and may ease inflammation, which plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis).
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil supplements (EPA+DHA) may curb stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Some researchers have found that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. However more research is needed.
- DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants (ie: baby development).
- A diet high in omega-3s lowers inflammation, a key component in asthma. But more studies are needed to show if fish oil supplements improve lung function or cut the amount of medication a person needs to control the condition.
- Some studies show that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their mental skills, like thinking, remembering, and learning. But more research is needed in this area, and omega-3 supplements should not be used as a primary treatment.
- Some research suggests that omega-3s may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and have a positive effect on gradual memory loss linked to aging. But that's not certain yet.
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Table 1: Adequate Intakes (AIs) for Omega-3s |
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|
Age |
Male |
Female |
Pregnancy |
Lactation |
|
Birth to 6 months* |
0.5 g |
0.5 g |
||
|
7–12 months* |
0.5 g |
0.5 g |
||
|
1–3 years** |
0.7 g |
0.7 g |
||
|
4–8 years** |
0.9 g |
0.9 g |
||
|
9–13 years** |
1.2 g |
1.0 g |
||
|
14–18 years** |
1.6 g |
1.1 g |
1.4 g |
1.3 g |
|
19-50 years** |
1.6 g |
1.1 g |
1.4 g |
1.3 g |
|
51+ years** |
1.6 g |
1.1 g |
||
|
*as total omega-3s |
||||
|
**as ALA |
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There is no established upper limit of omega-3 intake. According to the NIH, the FDA has suggested that people should take no more than 3 g per day of DHA and EPA combined.
Dr. Kenawy’s formula contains EPA and DHA and uses enteric-coating to climate odor and any fishy aftertaste typically associated with taking a fish oil capsule. Enteric-coating protects the softgel capsule from being digested in the stomach and allows the fish oil to reach the lower gastrointestinal tract. Our fish oil is molecularly distilled to remove PCBs, dioxins and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. The process also reduces oxidation of the oil and helps keep it fresh and stable. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.[1] The health benefits of omega-3 fats are well documented in scientific literature. Numerous studies demonstrate the benefits of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. †
Features:
- High potency omega-3 fish oil.
- Contains 300mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 200mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- Fish oil is molecularly distilled to remove potential toxins.
- Sourced from deep-sea sardines and anchovies.
- Guaranteed to comply with strict European standards for heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides and other unwanted compounds
†Benefits:
- Enteric coating protects the softgel from the harsh environment of the stomach, and then travels to the small intestine where it is digested and its fatty acids released and absorbed into the body. This prevents a fishy aftertaste and odor, which is helpful to sensitive individuals.
- Convenient and easy way to get important omega-3 fatty acids.
- Numerous studies demonstrate the powerful cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fats, particularly EPA.†
- EPA has the potential to regulate the production of prostaglandins that have a beneficial effect on inflammatory processes in the body.†
- EPA helps support normal, healthy blood circulation by helping to regulate blood clotting processes.†
- EPA helps support normal, healthy cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism.†
- DHA is essential for normal fetal and infant brain development and supports normal, healthy brain function, and vision, throughout life.†
- DHA supports the structure of cell membranes, particularly those of nerve cells. The structure of the nerve cell membrane is critical to healthy nervous system function, particularly that of the brain.†
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution. (2019, May 22). The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/
[2] Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet for Consumers. (2019, July 11). National Institute of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
[3] Griffin, M. R. (2008, November 25). The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet#1