Overview

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential cornerstones of human nutrition. They are deemed "essential" because we need them for proper health, but cannot produce them on our own. We must consume these fats through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development. These long-chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. In nature, omega-3 fatty acids occur as alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found mostly in plants, and as long-chain EPA and DHA, which primarily originate from cold-water fish. The body is able to slowly convert the shorter chain ALA to the more active long-chain, EPA and DHA. However, many people lack the enzymes delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase necessary to make the conversion, making a higher dietary intake of EPA and DHA necessary. In addition, major changes in modern diet over the last century have led to a decrease in the general consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit cardiovascular health, support healthy brain function and cognition, and maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Omega-3 fatty acids have even been shown to help children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by boosting cognitive function.¹ Achieving the proper balance of omega-3s has become an important health strategy that requires supplementation for most people.² The American Heart Association recommends that those concerned about blood lipids take up to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids perday.³

Fish Oil Delivery–Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters^†

While the amount of EPA and DHA provided in a fish oil product is important for efficacy, the type of fish oil delivered is another significant factor in defining fish oil effectiveness. The human body is accustomed to digesting and absorbing EPA and DHA in the natural triglyceride form. Even though natural triglyceride-based fish oils are the preferred form for superior fish oil absorption, the vast majority of fish oil products available on the market are in the semi-natural ethyl ester form. While ethyl esters allow for higher concentrations of EPA and DHA, their unusual structure is resistant to the digestive enzymes (lipases) that enable fat breakdown. In a study comparing EPA and DHA digestion in both forms, five common digestive lipase enzymes were shown to more readily digest fish oil in the natural triglyceride form as compared to the ethyl ester substrate.⁴ A recent study, conducted by fish oil research pioneer Dr. Jorn Dyerberg, also demonstrated that omega-3s in the triglyceride form are more efficiently digested and therefore 70% more absorbable than omega-3s in the ethyl ester form. ⁵

Omega-3 Depletion^†

An accumulating body of research shows that the typical modern diet does not provide a sufficient amount of omega-3s for optimal health. Additionally, insufficient conversion of ALA to the active EPA and DHA may reduce the amount available for use in organs and tissues. Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency are common and often overlooked. These may include dry, itchy or flaky skin, poor sleep quality, poor circulation, eye discomfort, and mood imbalance.⁶ Taking omega-3s regularly helps the body maintain sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA as inadequate levels of DHA in particular, are linked to cognitive impairments that include the loss of mental clarity and restlessness.⁷ Research even indicates that about 70% of Americans have an omega-3 deficiency.⁷

Cardiovascular and Blood Sugar Health^†

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to benefit cardiovascular health. The well-known GISSI-Prevezione trial found that just 1 g a day of omega-3 fatty acids had a significant impact on cardiovascular health after three to four months of consumption.8 EPA and DHA have been shown to modulate levels of fat in the blood, ⁹ and a meta-analysis of 31 placebo-controlled trials found that for each gram of omega- 3s consumed, there was improved support for healthy blood pressurelevels.¹⁰ PopulationstudieshavealsoreportedthatEPA and DHA support better blood sugar balance in populations consuming large amounts of the n-3 long-chain PUFAs.¹¹

Additional Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids^†

In addition to their well-known cardiovascular benefits, omega-3 fatty acids play a central role in brain development, mood enhancement, cognition, joint comfort and visual acuity.

Mood Enhancement^†

A double-blind study, which randomLy assigned participants with low mood to either placebo, 1 g/day or 2 g/day of EPA, found significant improvement with both doses of EPA compared to placebo in balancing mood.¹² Brain cells rapidly use EPA and this means that it needs to be continuously consumed through food or dietary supplements in order to experience long-term benefits. More specifically, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is the key to experiencing sustained mental energy, concentration, rapid processing speed, a good mood, and optimal working memory throughout the day.¹³

Increased Mental Focus^†

In a recent British study, omega-3 blood levels were shown to be directly related to improved measures of cognition, performance and behavior among healthy children with below-average reading ability. ¹⁴

Reducing Symptoms of ADHD and ASD

In a meta-analysis of the scientific literature, omega-3 blood levels were not only found to be lower in individuals with ADHD, but supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids also reduced the ADHD symptoms.¹⁵ In another study that focused on ASD, it was shown that behavioral symptoms in individuals with ASD patients such as hyperactivity and stereotypy improved following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.¹⁶ This finding is also supported by a recent meta-analysis which found that omega-3 supplementation reduced hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy in children with ASD.¹⁷ In particular, the ability of omega-3 to improve fatigue as well as hyperactivity, learning, psychosocial, and behavioral issues by targeting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain has repeatedly been demonstrated through clinical studies that compared groups of children who regularly took omega-3 supplements to other groups of children who took a placebo.^18-21 One clinical study involving the evaluation of mental performance for children with psychosocial, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders who took an omega-3 supplement or placebo for at least three months, demonstrated enhanced language development for the children who consumed the omega-3 supplement. These types of studies also showed that the children with such disorders who took the omega-3 supplementimproved in terms of spelling ^18-21 ability, social responsiveness, overall behavior, and reading level.

Inflammation

EPA has been shown to disrupt the activity of enzymes that influence the development of inflammation in different parts of the body including the joints and even the brain.¹³ Indeed, research shows that omega-3 fatty acids target inflammation that may affect nerves throughout the body as well as the brain and this is especially beneficial because inflamed nerves may lead to the onset of neurocognitive decline as well as certain neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ASD, ADHD).²¹

Visual Acuity^†

A study evaluating the long-term effects of EPA and DHA on visual development in 136 school-age Inuit children exposed to high levels of n-3 PUFAs during gestation, found beneficial effects of DHA intake on visual acuity.²⁴ Eating oily fish at least once per week compared with less than once per week was also found to enhance visual clarity and reduce commonly occurring visual deterioration in adults.²⁵

Super Omega Liquid Dosage Instructions

Start at a low dose and slowly work up to the recommended dosage over 1-2 weeks.

Does Not Contain

Wheat, gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives.

Cautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

References

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