Omega-3 Supplements, So Many choices
In this blog, I will discuss the importance of the omega-3’s and what you can do to make educated decisions when purchasing. First and foremost, I would always suggest using the internet and look at the research articles. Sometimes advertisements can be confusing and misleading. When discussing omega fatty acids, it’s important to understand their function to human health, and why they are essential. (Just a side note, essential means that your body can’t make them, therefore you have to get them from an outside source.)
Anytime there is a metabolic disorder, omega-3 fatty acids should be considered as a factor. Some things to consider with essential fatty acids, (EFA’s) create the end products of metabolism which would be prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help with cellular communication and hormone receptor signaling; it helps the cells talk to each other. In other words, once a hormone binds to a site the response may be altered which could create a hormone imbalance. This situation could have “normal” lab results but have symptoms of imbalance or unexpected results from nutritional or drug intervention.
As we all know, EFA disorders are common in the U.S. Estimates have calculated that up to 80% of the U.S. population are deficient in adequate EFA daily intake due to our commercial refinement of our fats and oils. It should also be noted that EFA disorders can be triggered by other factors including:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Insulin resistance
- Thyroid imbalance
- Trans-fats
- Medications
- Heavy metals
- Many other factors
We are now aware of the dangers of trans-fats and the problems they create in human physiology, my advise is to avoid them like the plague. It should also be noted that there must be a balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal cellular function. The ideal ratio is estimated to be 3:1 to 5:1. In the U.S., the ratio is much higher due to the abundance of vegetable oils in our diet. Selecting the best omega-3 may be challenging in that there are so many choices. I would recommend researching the companies that manufacture the products. Make sure that the oils have been processed in such a way so as to remove any heavy metals, oxidative products and other environmental pollutants.
The staff at Fresh and Natural will be able to help you with your choices. If you have any additional questions or concerns you can contact me directly through the blog or at my office. Wishing you vibrant health.
Sincerely,
Paul A. Westby DC,DACBN
