Why Omega-3 Fatty Acid Education?
Consumer knowledge about nutrition is often unclear and information in newspapers, magazines and other media present mixed messages about nutrition in an attempt to communicate the findings of the most recent studies in the scientific literature. Omega-3 fatty acids are an example of nutrition information that is poorly understood by the consumer and segments of the health profession, veterinarians and pet owners. The principle goal of the International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine is to educate consumers, physicians and veterinarians about omega-3 fatty acids and the health benefits of these essential nutrients.
Food contains four different omega-3 fatty acids. Certain vegetable oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and cold-water fish contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A fourth omega-3 fatty acid is stearidonic acid (SDA) which is also found in certain fish but at a very low concentration of 1 percent or less. Each of these four omega-3 fatty acids has very different biological properties because of how the body uses them. What is known is that DHA has a specific role in eye and brain development, and EPA and DHA provide a benefit in reducing blood triglycerides and promoting heart health. Only a small amount of ALA is converted into DHA and EPA by the body, and SDA is not commonly found in food. Since the omega-3 fatty acids are very different nutrients based on their content in food, key functions in the body, biological actions, potential health attributes and properties in reducing chronic disease risk, an authoritative Internet resource for omega-3 education is needed. To meet this challenge of education and learning the International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine was founded. The purpose of the consortium is to help the public realize the full potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet to support a healthy lifestyle and to reduce chronic disease risks as the science reveals the evidence to do so.
Learning & Education
The Learning and Education plan is focused on outreach activities for different population groups that involve teaching the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and how current dietary recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids can be achieved.
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Other Information
- What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Health
- Why Omega-3 Fatty Acid Education?
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits
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