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		Capture the Many Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish oil, are used by every cell in the human body. This has led countless experts to believe that many health issues, mental and physical, can be related back to the body’s omega-3 fatty acid status. Seemingly every day additional scientific research emerges to support the therapeutic benefits of omega-3s, and further solidify their position as essential nutrients for optimal health.

To illustrate their broad influence on numerous body systems, the list below provides just a small sample of the many clinical applications of omega-3s (and their recommended doses).

Infant Neurodevelopment

Research indicates that infants whose diets include plenty of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, seem to have an advantage in terms of early growth and brain development. A recent study also found that infants born to mothers with higher blood levels of DHA during pregnancy had advanced levels of attention spans well into their second year of life. Conversely, omega-3 deficiencies or imbalances have been associated with childhood developmental and psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and autistic spectrum disorders.

Prenatal Health Recommended Dose: 1 gram EPA-DHA (600/400)
Child Health Recommended Dose: 100 mg DHA

Cardiovascular Health

Even though the ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are still being studied, previous clinical and epidemiological research has shown that they may:

• Decrease the risk of fatal arrhythmias
• Decrease triglyceride levels
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• Lower blood pressure (slightly)
• Decrease the chance of stroke

Recommended Dose: 1-2 grams EPA-DHA

Joint Health

Several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce joint pain and morning stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, and perhaps lessen their need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other RA medications. In addition, there is mounting evidence that suggests that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis.

Recommended Dose: 2-7 grams EPA-DHA

Silent Inflammation

Silent inflammation is considered by one leading expert to be a major underlying cause of the development of chronic disease. According to the same expert, fish oil has been shown to be extremely helpful in reducing silent inflammation because of its rich eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA content, thereby balancing the EPA and the omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA) ratio. This ratio is presumed to be a leading clinical marker in determining the extent of silent inflammation. Primary causes of silent inflammation can include a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Recommended Dose: 2-10 grams EPA-DHA

Depression and Other Cognitive Functions

Although omega-3 is not intended to replace psychiatric medications, early research suggests that people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and other mental health problems can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids.

Recommended Dose: 2-10 grams EPA-DHA

Bone Health

In addition to the crucial role of omega-3s in the soft tissues of the body, mounting evidence is now pointing to the positive effects of omega-3s on bone health. Studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can help boost levels of calcium in the body, deposit calcium in the bones, and improve bone strength. Additionally, scientific research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help protect against bone loss later in life and in some cases may even increase bone density.

Recommended Dose: 1-2 grams EPA-DHA

Similar but Not Equal: Fish Oil vs. Flaxseed

Because flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, some consumers are confusing the benefits of flaxseed with fish oil. Although they are similar in structure, the omega-3s in flaxseed, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is a precursor or "parent" to the omega-3s that are found directly in fish oil, EPA and DHA. In your body, ALA converts poorly into EPA and DHA. Typically, this means between 7 to 11 grams of flaxseed is needed to produce the same benefits as one gram of fish oil. Of course, eating foods high in ALA is better than not receiving any omega-3 fatty acids at all.

A Final Word on Purity

There's no doubt that omega-3s are essential to good health. But recent concerns of environmental toxicity have led many individuals to be concerned about the source of omega-3 fish oil supplements—and with good reason. Many fish species contain unhealthy levels of environmental toxins that can negatively affect the purity and safety of the formula. This makes the processing technology utilized to purify the fish oil absolutely critical. Be sure to select your fish oil supplements from only pharmaceutical-grade manufacturers.

For a list of Meta·genics omega-3 essential fatty acids, click here.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.     These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.