Description
Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential as they are not synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 is stored in our bodies cell membranes, it allows cells to remain stable, ensures fluidity, acts as gate-keepers and precursors to a group of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes) that are anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, and vasodilatory1.
Health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids:
Heart:
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and is shown to support Cardiovascular health. It’s thought that Omega-3 fatty acids help blood vessels dilate, so the heart doesn’t need to push blood around the body so forcefully. This may be one of the reasons they’re linked with a lower risk of stroke. They reduce overall mortality, mortality caused by myocardial infarction, and sudden death2,3.
Eyes:
DHA is found in heavy concentration in the retina, and therefore, Omega-3 fatty acids are important in supporting eye health. It could help slow down the degeneration of the retina, including macular degeneration – this is the most prevalent form of blindness in senior people. Research suggests that Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs in patients with dry eye disease4.
Brain:
Omega-3 fatty acids provide improved cognitive function5.
Developing infants and children- Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy growth of a baby’s brains and eyes during the third trimester and up until they reach 18 months of age. Especially DHA, which makes up approximately 97% of Omega-3 fatty acids in brain.
Joint and Bones:
Bones and joints need adequate calcium levels to stay healthy. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids could help bones retain more calcium, which should lead to a reduced risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
Higher levels of Omega-3 in synovial fluid (the colourless, thick liquid that lubricated our joints) are associated with better joint heath.
Omega 3 with Vitamin D: Allows to promote and support joint health.
Skin:
DHA, a major structural component of skin, helps it to stay healthy. It supports the membranes of cells, which make up a large part of skin. When skin membranes are healthy, they appear softer, more supple and more hydrated.
EPA in the Omega-3 help manage oil production in the skin. The Omega-3 EPA can help to reduce premature ageing of the skin, as well as help protect skin from sun damage. This is because EPA helps to stop substances that eat away at skin collagen after sun exposure by blocking their release.
- Maggie BC, Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Am Fam Physician 2004;70(1):133-140.
- Burr ML, Fehily AM, Gilbert JF, Rogers S, Holliday RM, Sweetnam PM, et al. Effects of changes in fat, fish, and fibre intakes on death and myocardial reinfarction: diet and reinfarction trial (DART). Lancet 1989;2:757-761.
- Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’Infarto miocardico. Lancet 1999;354:447–455.
- Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Sebastiani S, et al.Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Cornea 2019; 38(5):565-573.
- Witte AV, Kerti L, Hermannstädter HM, et.al. Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Brain Function and Structure in Older Adults. Cerebral Cortex 2014;24(11):3059–3068.
