Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Benefits:
Omega 3 fatty acids form part of the polyunsaturated fatty acid group and are not produced by the body in sufficient quantities, therefore needs to be supplied by the diet or through supplementation. Omega 3 fatty acids that are important for health and well-being include Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ALA is found in flaxseed oil, while DHA and EPA are found in marine oils from fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. ALA can be converted in the human body to the other important Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

Nervous system:
Omega 3 fatty acids provide essential building blocks for the nerve and brain cells.  Therefore, Omega 3 fatty acids are important nutrients for children, for the optimal development of their brain and nerve cells. Pregnant women are encouraged to take Omega 3 fatty acid supplements to provide building blocks for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.

Omega 3 fatty acids are often used in the nutritional management of the following conditions:

  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Mild depression
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease

Skin health:
  • Omega 3 fatty acids may help to improve overall condition of the skin and is also used in cases of eczema.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are used to assist in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Eye health:
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for the maintenance of healthy eyes and good vision.

Omega 3 fatty acids may assist in the nutritional management of certain ailments or diseases.

Cardiovascular Health:
  • Omega 3 fatty acids may help to reduce high blood pressure.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids may help to reduce high levels of triglycerides and maintains or increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol, thereby indirectly helping to lower high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
  • May have mild anti-thrombotic effect, which means it may reduce the risk of unwanted blood clotting.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids support healthy blood circulation.

Inflammatory Disorders:
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have mild anti-inflammatory properties, hence their application to assist in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis (inflammatory skin disorder, characterised by red, itching, flaking patches on the skin).

Deficiency signs:   
  • Omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies have been linked to changes in vascular membrane lipid composition and increased incidence of atherosclerosis and inflammatory disorders.
  • A deficiency of DHA may be associated with learning difficulties.
  • DHA deficiencies are associated with attention deficit disorder, unipolar depression, cystic fibrosis and aggressive hostility.
  • Low levels of DHA later in life may result in onset of Alzheimer’s disease
Increased Requirements:    
Low dietary intake of fatty fish, nuts and seeds, as sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Precautions:   
  • Avoid fish oil supplements in cases of fish allergies.
  • Avoid flaxseed oil supplements in cases of flaxseed allergies.
 

Salmon Oil
Benefits :  
Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, salmon oil is an important supplement to balance the saturated fats in our diets.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids support the cardiovascular system and healthy blood circulation.
  • Salmon oil supports the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in Salmon Oil helps to reduce high levels of triglycerides and maintains or increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol, thereby indirectly helping to lower high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids have mild anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore used to help reduce joint pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
  • Salmon oil is also used to assist in the treatment of psoriasis, which is an inflammatory skin disease.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids help to form protective membranes around body cells.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids may help to alleviate migraine headaches.
  • Salmon Oil contains the Omega 3 fatty acids Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), that are important building blocks for the nerve and brain cells and therefore important for optimal memory and concentration.
  • Fish Oil supplementation is recommended during pregnancy as it supplies healthy nutrients for the optimal development of the baby’s nervous system and brain cells.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are important components for maintenance of good vision.
Deficiency signs:   
Deficiencies in Omega 3 fatty acids may indirectly result in:
  • Learning problems, associated with poor concentration
  • Impaired vision
  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
Increased Requirements:   
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Following a low fat diet
Precautions:   
Avoid salmon oil in cases of fish allergies.

Signs of excess:   
None known
 

Cod Liver Oil
Benefits:   
  • Cod liver oil is a rich source of Vitamins A and D as well as Omega 3 unsaturated fatty acids.
  • Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of good vision.
  • Vitamin A plays an integral role in growth and development of body tissues and is also required for the maintenance of healthy skin, nails and hair.
  • Vitamin D helps the body to utilise calcium which is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, and is used in the prevention and treatment of rickets.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids balance the saturated fatty acids in the diet.
Deficiency Signs:   
  • Deficiency signs for vitamin A include skin problems, an increased risk for respiratory infections and visual impairment.
  • Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of eyesight problems and blindness of children living in developing countries.
  • Vitamin D deficiency manifest as rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults.
Increased Requirements:    
Vitamin A requirements are increased during breastfeeding.

Precautions:   
During pregnancy, avoid Vitamin A intake of more than 3000 μg/day.
 

Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Benefits:
Omega 6 fatty acids are often used by women to assist in the nutritional management of PMS and Menopausal symptoms such as breast tenderness, water retention, mood swings, irritability and acne breakouts of the skin.
  • GLA, from starflower oil or evening primrose oil, has mild anti-inflammatory properties and may help with the nutritional management of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • May help to lower high blood pressure.
  • Assists in lowering high cholesterol levels.
  • Helps to support the immune system.
  • May help with skin disorders such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis.
  • May help with allergies and asthma.
Deficiency in Omega 6 fatty acids may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Increased Requirements:    
Low fat diets.

Precautions:   
People suffering from epilepsy should avoid high doses of Omega 6 fatty acids.

Signs of excess:   
None known
 

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is an important source of the Omega 6 essential fatty acids, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA cannot be produced by the body, therefore supplementation is required.

Benefits:
  • Omega 6 fatty acids are often used by women to assist in the nutritional management of PMS and Menopausal symptoms such as breast tenderness, water retention, mood swings, irritability and acne breakouts of the skin.
  • GLA has mild anti-inflammatory properties and may help with the nutritional management of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • May help to lower high blood pressure.
  • Assists in lowering high cholesterol levels.
  • Supports the healthy functioning of the immune system.
  • Assists with the nutritional management of skin disorders such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis.
  • May assist with the management of allergies and asthma.
Deficiency in Omega 6 fatty acids may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Increased Requirements:    
Low fat diets.

Precautions:   
People suffering from epilepsy should avoid high doses of Omega 6 fatty acids.

Signs of excess:   
None known.
 

Starflower Oil
Starflower oil is an important source of the Omega 6 essential fatty acids, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA cannot be produced by the body therefore, supplementation is required.

Benefits:
  • Omega 6 fatty acids are often used by women to assist in the nutritional management of PMS and Menopausal symptoms such as breast tenderness, water retention, mood swings, irritability and acne breakouts of the skin.
  • GLA has mild anti-inflammatory properties and may help with the nutritional management of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • May help to lower high blood pressure.
  • Assists in lowering high cholesterol levels.
  • Helps to support the immune system.
  • May help with skin disorders such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis.
  • May help with allergies and asthma.
Deficiency in Omega 6 fatty acids may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Increased Requirements:    
Low fat diets.

Precautions:   
People suffering from epilepsy should avoid high doses of Omega 6 fatty acids.

Signs of excess:   
None known.
 

Oleic Acid (Omega 9 Fatty Acids)
Benefits:   
  • Help to reduce general risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • May help to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
  • Omega 9 fatty acids are recommended to replace the saturated fats in the diet.
  • Supports healthy blood circulation.
 

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