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What is Omega-3?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids classified as essential nutrients because the human body cannot synthesize them independently.

Three Primary Types:

ALA (α-linolenic acid): 18-carbon chain, found in plant sources
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): 20-carbon chain, supports cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): 22-carbon chain, structural component of brain and retinal tissue

Clinical Significance: DHA comprises approximately 40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60% in the retina.

Cardiovascular Health

Documented Effects:

Reduces serum triglyceride levels by 15-30% (dose-dependent)
Supports healthy blood pressure regulation
Reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6)
Improves endothelial function

Research Finding: Meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials (n=135,000+) showed omega-3 supplementation associated with 8% reduction in cardiovascular events.

Mechanism of Action:

Omega-3s modulate eicosanoid synthesis, reducing pro-inflammatory mediators while promoting anti-inflammatory resolvins and protectins.

Cognitive Function & Brain Health

Structural Role:

DHA is integral to neuronal membrane fluidity, affecting neurotransmitter receptor function and signal transduction.

Clinical Evidence:

Supports memory consolidation and recall
Associated with reduced cognitive decline in aging populations
Critical for fetal and infant neurodevelopment

Pediatric Study: Children supplemented with DHA (200mg/day) showed improved reading ability and behavior scores compared to placebo group.

Visual Health

Retinal Function:

DHA constitutes 50-60% of photoreceptor outer segment lipids, essential for rhodopsin function and phototransduction.

Clinical Applications:

Supports visual acuity development in infants
May reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration
Alleviates dry eye syndrome symptoms

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Biochemical Pathway:

EPA and DHA serve as precursors for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including resolvins, protectins, and maresins.

Clinical Relevance:

Reduces joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis
Supports skin barrier function
Modulates immune response

Clinical Trial: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving 2.6g EPA+DHA daily showed 30% reduction in joint tenderness after 12 weeks.

Mental Health

Neuropsychiatric Applications:

Adjunct therapy for major depressive disorder
May reduce anxiety symptoms
Supports emotional regulation

Meta-Analysis: EPA-rich formulations (>60% EPA) showed significant antidepressant effects in clinical trials.

Recommended Intake

Evidence-Based Guidelines:

General adults: 250-500mg EPA+DHA daily (maintenance)
Cardiovascular support: 1000mg EPA+DHA daily
Pregnancy/lactation: 300mg DHA daily minimum
Children (4-12 years): 100-250mg DHA daily

Note: Dosage recommendations based on American Heart Association and European Food Safety Authority guidelines.

Plant-Based vs. Marine Sources

Microalgae Advantages:

Purity: Cultivated in controlled environments, free from marine contaminants (mercury, PCBs, dioxins)
Bioavailability: Direct DHA/EPA source without conversion loss
Sustainability: Does not deplete marine ecosystems
Allergen-free: Suitable for fish/shellfish allergies

Bioequivalence Study: Algal DHA showed equivalent bioavailability to fish oil DHA in randomized controlled trial (n=32).

Scientific References

Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;58(20):2047-67.
Swanson D, Block R, Mousa SA. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(1):1-7.
Calder PC. Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Mar Drugs. 2015;13(4):2015-39.
Grosso G, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:313570.
Lane K, et al. Bioavailability and potential uses of vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Front Nutr. 2014;1:8.