OMEGA 3 + OMEGA 6 + OMEGA 9 FATTY ACIDS CAPSULE
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are subdivided into omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for health and play different functions in metabolism, protection against diseases, and recovery after illness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
α-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are examples of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s come primarily from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as from walnuts and flaxseed in lesser amounts.
EPA + DHA
The important Omega-3 fatty acids—EPA and DHA—play an important role in disease prevention, control, and proper health. They help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve HDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and are beneficial in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
Their anti-inflammatory and protective actions make them useful in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint disorders, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory skin conditions, ophthalmic disorders such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, cancer, psoriasis, and dysmenorrhea.
The brain contains the highest concentration of DHA, making it an essential component of nerve cell membranes. DHA plays an important role in neuropsychiatric disorders, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
EPA and DHA also provide additional benefits during pregnancy for both the mother and the child.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids mainly come as linoleic acid from plant oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, as well as from nuts and seeds. The American Heart Association recommends that at least 5% to 10% of daily calories come from omega-6 fatty acids.
They are converted into inflammatory agents such as arachidonic acid, prostaglandin E2, and inflammatory eicosanoids (thromboxanes, prostacyclins, and leukotrienes), which contribute to pain sensation while also promoting healing and immune responses in traumatized and infected tissues. Therefore, they are essential for normal body protection.
Omega-9 Fatty Acids
Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated, non-essential fatty acids such as oleic acid and stearic acid. These fatty acids help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing hardening of the arteries, and improving immune function.
Need for Balanced Supplementation
Modern lifestyle and dietary habits have resulted in a significant imbalance in fatty acid composition, leading to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disorders; inflammatory conditions; reduced immunity; impaired hormonal function, including insulin resistance; chronic infections; and cancer.
Although fish oils are good natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, supplementation during certain health conditions may not be recommended due to concerns about contaminants and heavy metal exposure.
A better alternative is to consume balanced quantities of omega fatty acids through dietary supplements.
Importance of Balanced Omega Fatty Acid Consumption
Omega-3 and omega-6 are both eighteen-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids and compete for the same metabolic enzymes. Their ratio significantly influences the type of eicosanoids produced, thereby affecting the body’s metabolic functions.
- Metabolites of Omega-6 are generally more inflammatory.
- Metabolites of omega-3 are generally anti-inflammatory.
For optimal health, omega-6 and omega-3 should be consumed in a balanced ratio, ideally ranging from 1:1 to 4:1.
In addition, when Omega-9 fatty acids are deficient, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are enzymatically converted into Omega-9, reducing their availability for their primary physiological functions.
Dosage
1 – 2 Capsules Daily
Indications
- Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory skin, bone, joint, and eye disorders
- Neuropsychiatric diseases
- Old age and Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer therapy
Contraindication
As these ingredients are natural components of the body, there are no known contraindications except in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
