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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fats that come in 3 different forms and collectively support heart health and other processes for normal function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Supports major organs in the body like the heart, brain and eyes

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. Found in foods, and in dietary supplements. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 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.

Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in your body. DHA levels are especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells. 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).

Health Benefits

Improve Eye Health. DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the retina of your eye.

Promote Brain Health During Pregnancy and Early Life. Supplementing with omega 3s is linked to higher intelligence and a lower risk of several diseases.

Omega-3s improve numerous heart disease risk factors.

Omega-3 supplements can reduce the symptoms of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children. They improve attention and reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and aggression.

Omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation and help fight several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower risk of asthma in both children and young adults.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce liver fat in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Improve bone strength and joint health, potentially reducing your risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids — especially DHA — may improve the length and quality of your sleep.

Omega-3 supplements may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. EPA seems to be the most effective at fighting depression.

Why are Omega-3 Fatty Acids important?

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. There are three main omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Not all omega-3 fatty acids act the same way in the body. ALA is necessary for normal growth and development, a healthy nervous system, and enhanced skin health. But both EPA and DHA play an important role in heart health.

The body is capable of making EPA and DHA from ALA, but the conversion rate is relatively low, so it’s usually consumed from fish or seafood. DHA is especially important for brain development during gestation and early childhood. It’s found in high levels in the brain and in the cells of the retina, the part of the eye that registers images and transmits them to the brain for processing.