Why do you need omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a hot topic these days, and for good reason. Omega-3 fats are found throughout the body's cell membranes, and research suggests they have a positive effect on many aspects of health. However, since the body cannot produce omega-3s, we must acquire them by eating foods rich in essential fatty acids, especially freshwater fish. There are three omega-3 fatty acids to highlight:

By Health First
3 min read
supplémentation en oméga-3 et en vitamine D

Nowadays, omega-3 fatty acids are a hot topic, and for good reason. Omega-3 fats are found throughout the cell membranes in the body and research suggests that they have a positive effect on many aspects of health. However, since the body cannot produce omega-3, to acquire them we must eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, especially freshwater fish. There are three omega-3 fatty acids to highlight:

  • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
  • EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
  • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

The most direct sources of omega-3 are EPA and DHA. They are available in marine oils, especially fish oils and algae oils, and they offer immediate benefits for the human body.

ALA is found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, especially nut and seed oils like walnuts and flaxseeds. ALA must be converted into longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA or DHA, which makes it less effective as a source of beneficial omega-3s. Studies show that we convert ALA to EPA and DHA at a rate of approximately 5%. 1,2

What about vitamin D?

Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine" vitamin, is not naturally present in food sources. Instead, it is produced by the body from sun exposure. There are two forms of vitamin D that you may have heard of, vitamin D2 (calcidiol) and vitamin D3 (calcitriol), the latter being a physiologically active form.

Vitamin D is involved in many aspects of health, and it plays a key role in bone health. Above all, it promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and contributes to the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

What about omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation?

Many people choose to supplement their diet with omega-3s and vitamin D. Usually, omega-3s come from fish or algae oil as a direct source of EPA and DHA. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be safely added to essential fatty acids. However, with all the choices available on the market, how can you choose the one that's best for you?

This is where NutraSea omega-3 liquid stands out. As Canada's best-selling omega-3 liquid, NutraSea® is known as a complete range of clean and mild-tasting products. Just one teaspoon of NutraSea a day provides the body with all the beneficial essential fatty acids needed to stay healthy. Formulas are available in a wide range of flavors, from lemon to orange/cranberry, apple, and chocolate. If you are looking for a product that offers the added benefits of vitamin D3, try NutraSea +D grapefruit/tangerine, it's delicious!

What about purity and potency?

NutraSea® products are third-party tested through the PureCheck™ program. You can access online (www.purecheck.nethttp://www.purecheck.net/) test results for potency, purity, and oxidation for each batch in the product line. When it comes to omega-3 supplements, you can rest assured knowing that you are purchasing high-quality EPA and DHA.

Best of all, NutraSea liquid products are made right here in Canada. So, the next time you're looking for an omega-3 supplement with added vitamin D, try NutraSea+D – it's available from coast to coast in all RHF member stores!

References:

[1] Plourde, M. and S.C. Cunnane, Extremely limited synthesis of long chain polyunsaturates in adults: implications for their dietary essentiality and use as supplements. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2007. 32(4): p. 619-34.

2 Brenna, J.T., Efficiency of conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to long chain n-3 fatty acids in man. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 2002. 5(2): p. 127-32.