Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Health
A majority of adults search the Internet for information about health, nutrition and disease. Diet has been an integral part of health since the discovery of the essential nutrients in the 20th century and, more recently, in reducing diet-related chronic disease risk. The mission of the International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine is to provide the most up-to-date nutrition and health findings about omega-3 fatty acids for the public via our website. The goal of our consortium is to disseminate knowledge about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids to improve the human condition.
The omega-3 fatty acids are absolutely essential and must be supplied in the diet for proper eye and brain development in the infant. The omega-3 fatty acid responsible for these vital developmental roles and in maintaining the normal functions of the retina in vision and the brain and nervous system is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA or 22:6n-3). DHA is fortified in infant formulas around the world and it is also found in mother's milk. Another very important function of DHA and a second omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA or 20:5n-3) is in heart health. These two long chain omega-3 fatty acids are effective in reducing blood triglycerides in patients with high levels such as in the condition of hypertriglyceridemia and in lowering the risk factors for coronary heart diseases.
Both DHA and EPA are present in cold water, oily fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies. Other sources include fortified processed foods, such as orange juice and yogurts and infant formula, to which DHA has been added. As the research progresses on omega-3 fatty acids, evidence is mounting to support new health benefits such as controlling inflammatory diseases and improving mental health. Several professional organizations around the world are recommending that the public consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish including the American Heart Association.
Other Information
- What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Health
- Why Omega-3 Fatty Acid Education?
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Make sure that you sign up for our newsletters. We have three different newsletters, designed for consumers, physicians and veterinarians that will give you bimonthly information on omega-3 fatty acids. These uniquely designed newsletters contain information about nutrition, family health, food products, pet food products, and new discoveries in health maintenance and diet-related disease risk.