Expert Advice

Omega-3 primer

Omega-3 fatty acids Triglyceride forms of omega 3s DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) DHA research EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids. And both EPA and DHA are key nutrients, which means that your body needs them for normal function but cannot produce them very effiicently. The best way to get these nutrients is to increase your fish consumption or take omega-3 supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of every living cell in the human body. They are absolutely necessary for normal health and development. Without them, cells cant function, renew, or maintain themselves properly. Omega 3s promote cardiovascular health, support a healthy memory and learning, help brain and vision development of infants, and promote natural joint flexibility and mobility. Triglyceride forms of omega 3s Omega-3 fatty acids in their natural triglyceride (TG) form are more easily and immediately digested into your system. Omega-3 fatty acids occur as triglycerides in natural fish oils. Your body is accustomed to handling fatty acids in this natural TG form and therefore they are more easily and immediately digested. Omega-3 fish oils that have not been converted back to the TG form are commonly available but are not efficiently converted by your body to the form you need to acquire the nutritional benefit. Triglycerides are natural molecules containing three fatty-acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone. In a TG form, the chain is structured in the natural state. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) DHA is the most highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in nature. DHA is critical for developing and maintaining the brain and eyes of the fetus, infant, child, and adult. DHA is an important building block of the brain, nerves, and eyes. It is found in 4050% of brain lipid material and 60% of retinal material. DHA supports normal mental function and optimal memory, learning, and concentration. Your ability to think, learn, and remember can be influenced by the amount of DHA in your cells. In a fetus and infant, DHA is critical for brain and vision development. DHA helps the brains billions of cells transmit electrical signals, ultimately shaping your thoughts, actions, and mood. Brain-cell membranes that develop using trans fatty acid building blocks have a different structure and are less fluid than membranes built using DHA. This loss of fluidity makes it difficult for the brain cell to carry out its normal functions and increases the cells susceptibility to injury and death. Your body uses omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to form the outer walls of every cell. This healthy cell structure helps maintain vital metabolic functions.

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Expert Advice
Omega-3 primer

DHA research Your ability to think, learn, and remember can be influenced by the amount of DHA in your cells. Increased DHA fuels production of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and can help support normal brain function. During pregnancy, DHA plays a key role in the normal development of the babys brain and eyes. Breast milk also contains DHA, which is believed to be a factor associated with infant brain development. Scientific studies have also found that low levels of DHA have been associated with reduced brain function and are linked to a number of mood problems. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) EPA helps in the synthesis of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, with benefits for cardiovascular and joint health. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. EPA also plays a role in supporting the natural movement of joints. Your body uses omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to form the outer walls of every cell. This healthy cell structure helps maintain normal metabolic functions. And since your body cannot produce EPA or synthesize it from food, you need to add it to your diet or take EPA supplements.

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