The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the public consumption of natural nutritional foods and supplements, and chief amongst these is undoubtedly the remarkable fish oils, commonly labelled as omega-3.
While the numerous health benefits of omega 3 marine oils have been well established for more than 3 decades, it is only recently that health providers have acknowledged the undisputable benefits for heart health, brain health, bone and joint health, skin health and immune support, unleashed by the adequate daily consumption of omega 3.
As a consequence, food and supplement manufacturers have recognized the economic value of adding “omega-3” to their product labels, and the aggressive promotion of this product has exploded universally, to the degree that virtually every consumable product boasts an “omega-3” content, even though in most cases, with such minimal amounts, that health benefits are unlikely !
Misinformed consumers may be led to believe that food, milk, yogurts and eggs “enriched” with omega-3, will deliver the desired health benefits, as suggested in the scientific literature.
Don’t be fooled by the Adverts !
Most omega-3 products on the market have insufficient levels of the key ingredient that actively delivers health benefits, and as such, they are inadequate for optimal health.
The key ingredients are EPA & DHA, the fatty oils that protect the several vital organs upon which optimum health and longevity depends.
While certain natural products, like hemp, walnuts, chia, pumpkin seed and flax, do contain omega-3 oils, their conversion to the active EPA/DHA is so inefficient (about 3% to 10%) that very large quantities have to be consumed daily for brain and body health requirements.
Only EPA & DHA, in sufficient amounts, and of good quality, can provide the desired benefits, and this can only be achieved by eating oily fish, such as purified mackerel, herring, trout, salmon, and sardines, or alternatively, consuming on a daily basis quality EPA/DHA supplements, with a proven track record for purification and potency.
Inferior products are plentiful on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies, and their EPA / DHA levels so low, that many capsules have to be consumed daily to achieve the desired levels of between 500 mg and 2000 mg of EPA , depending on individual requirements. Examples of high quality products with high concentrations of EPA & DHA are MorEPA Smart Fats and MorEPA Platinum.
CHOOSE WITH CARE !
For best health benefits choose carefully, and select your product which can demonstrate a track record of purity, potency, and profitability, and don’t waste money on inferior or low dose products of unproven quality !
Products that contain omega-6 and omega-9 are unlikely to confer additional benefits, considering that we consume more omega-6 in our diets than is required, and, by so doing, run the risk of ingesting excessive oils that promote inflammation, and worsen the conditions we may be trying to alleviate !
An excess of omega-6 may promote inflammation in your heart, joints, brain and elsewhere, while your omega-3, in the form of EPA, such as MorEPA Smart Fats or MorEPA Platinum, will reduce such inflammation, and restore healthy organ function.
I have taken EPA/DHA as a health supplement for almost 20 years and can testify to its unique health giving, protective, and rejuvenating properties, and routinely prescribe this product for all my patients, young and old !
Dr. Neville Wilson.
Family Physician / Sports Nutritionist.
The Leinster Clinic – Maynooth.
Thanks for that good information. We need the doctors to speak out and help us decipher between what is good and what is not. There are too many so called health professionals promoting all kinds of lotions and potions that the ordinary person is completely mind boggled