Frequently asked questions: Omega-3?
Q: What are Omega 3 fatty acids?
A: omega 3 fatty acids are overlooked yet essential fatty acids required by the body for both proper physical development and to maintain health.
Q: People talk about ALA, DHA and EPA what do these mean?
A: ALA is a short-chain fatty acid that is converted by the body into the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA. DHA is a long-chain fatty acid which is found abundantly in the brain; the eyes and the nervous system; DHA is also a key component of heart tissue. EPA is another long-chain omega 3 fatty acid that is important for human health, however, unlike DHA, it is not stored as well in the body and therefore must be consumed on a regular and ongoing basis.
Q: Why does my body need DHA?
A: Everyone needs DHA. Cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system have connecting arms that transport electrical currents sending messages throughout the body. DHA ensures the optimal composition of these cells for the most effective transmission of these signals.
Q: Does my body get these fatty acids naturally or only if I eat them?
A: Unlike some nutrients, omega 3s are not manufactured by the human body, but must be obtained from the foods we eat. Fortunately though, omega 3 fatty acids and their precursor nutrients are found abundantly in seafood as well as many plants and nuts.
Q: What are the main benefits of taking omega3?
A: Numerous studies are leading researchers to conclude that omega 3 fatty acids are not only an essential nutrient for human health, but also that increasing one's intake may treat a number of ailments from which we suffer. While there are a greater number of studies regarding the relationship between omega 3s and cardiovascular health, there are numerous other health conditions that may be positively affected by increasing one's intake of omega 3 fatty acids and paying attention to the proper balance of fatty acids in one's diet.
Q: What is ADHD and how does omega3 help?
A: ADHD is a common behavioural disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why.
Children with ADHD may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. In a clinical study of 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral issues such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances, then boys with normal omega 3 fatty acid levels.
Another study used omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids supplements in 117 children with ADHD. The study found significant improvements in reading, spelling and behaviour over a three months period.
Q: Should I take omega3 when I am pregnant?
A: omega 3 fatty acids are required nutrients for prenatal development. While a baby will derive his or her nutrition from the mother's body, a pregnant woman should consume enough omega 3 fatty acids to satisfy both her and her baby's requirements.
Q: What are the risks or side effects from taking omega3?
A: omega 3 fatty acids, being nothing more that fats created by biological organisms, are entirely safe for consumption qualitatively, and are present in many of our everyday foods. Consuming these is no different than eating a piece of fruit. However, omega 3 fatty acids have blood thinning properties and may cause bleeding risks in some individuals. This means that those individuals already on blood thinning drugs or anti coagulants should avoid supplementing their diet with additional omega 3s without first consulting their healthcare provider.
Q: How much omega3 should I take each day? (use EFSA, as well as this website)
A: While the FDA has no formal dietary recommendation, the agency does not object to claims that 160mg of DHA is the recommended daily intake for normal, healthy individuals. For pregnant women, infants, and children, the values cited vary however.
Q: What foods contain omega3?
A: EPA and DHA omega-3s are mainly found in fish, especially cold-water, high-fat varieties, other sources also include Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, Soybeans and soybean oil, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Soy nuts, Olive oil, Hemp seeds, Pumpkin seeds
Q: Is all fish high in omega3?
A: The largest concentrations of DHA and EPA specifically are to be found in deep dwelling, cold water fish. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are significant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, and two 3 ounce servings per week are recommended. Most seafood contains these essential fatty acids, including shellfish, however generally speaking the more fat a fish has, the greater the concentration of omega 3s.
Q: What type of omega3 fatty acids are in Chewyz?
A: The special blend of Omega 3 in Chewyz provides concentrated levels of both DHA and EPA.
