Long term omega 3 deficiencies can lead to severe health issues and chronic conditions over time. If you do not eat a diet high in oily fish, you may be at risk of a deficiency in omega-3s. And if you do eat a diet high in fish you could be at risk for high contamination from neurotoxins like mercury. There is essentially no mercury in omega-3 fish oil (10), as this neurotoxin binds to proteins and not oils.
Methylmercury (MeHg) is the major organic form we are exposed to when we eat fish. All fish and shellfish contain some MeHg, but larger, longer-lived predatory fish generally have the highest levels. Methylmercury is particularly hazardous because it can cross the blood-brain barrier causing neurological impairment. (11) For this reason, many health advocates caution against eating a diet very high in fish.
It is also important to have the proper ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in your diet (12) because too much omega 6 can be associated with worsening inflammation over time. (13). In fact, chronic inflammation may be one of the leading drivers of the most serious modern diseases. Those who follow a Western diet are typically eating way too many omega-6s relative to omega-3s. Adding an omega 3 supplement to your diet can optimize the balance of the omega fats which can reduce your risk of heart disease, chronic inflammation and cancer. (14)
How do you know if you have a deficiency in Omega 3s?
The only way to be sure is to get a blood test that tests your levels of Omega 3s, ideally including the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6. Although this is unfortunately not a test commonly done by MDs (yet), it is available privately at a relatively low cost in many countries.
If testing is not an option, second best would be to evaluate if you are consuming an optimal amount of Omega 3 fats, specifically EPA and DHA. If you do not eat oily fish several times a week, then having a suboptimal deficiency is certainly a possibility, if you also don’t supplement this important nutrient, especially if you consume a lot of vegetable oils in your diet.
Why use Feel Younger® Omega 3 Fish Oil with EPA and DHA?
There are many different omega-3 supplements available. Not all omega 3s are equal in their health providing benefits, and there are a few reasons for this:
1. Many company’s Omega 3 supplements don’t contain enough EPA and DHA.
Feel Younger Omega 3 has a high amount of DHA and EPA per serving. EPA and DHA are considered the most important omega-3 fatty acids. EPA is extremely important for mood health, reducing blood clotting, pain and swelling. DHA is necessary for the functional development of the brain and is also linked to improved heart health, better vision, and reduced inflammatory response.
2. Many other Omega 3 supplements have a bad ratio of EPA to DHA
Both DHA and EPA can reduce inflammation. However, it has been shown that a greater ratio of EPA to DHA seems to address inflammatory risk factors more effectively. (16) Feel Younger Omega-3 has a higher ratio of EPA to DHA per serving.
3. Many dietary sources of omega 3s are contaminated with Mercury and PCBs and other supplements can expose you to vitamin A toxicity. (17)
Feel Younger Omega-3 is sourced freshly from high quality anchovies. They have some of the highest amounts of these beneficial fatty acids of all fish and seafood and despite their size, are densely packed with nutrition. Anchovies are a purer source of omega 3s compared to larger species of fatty fish which contain higher levels of pollutants and toxins. Swordfish, ahi and bigeye tuna, marlin, shark, tilefish, king mackerel and other fatty fish all contain high levels of contaminants. These larger fish that are higher up the food chain, and have lived longer, have had more time to accumulate toxins and pose the greatest risk.
Feel Younger Omega 3 Fish Oil has 2400mg’s of Fish Oil including 864 mg of EPA and 576 mg of DHA giving you a high amount of essential omega-3s free of heavy metals and a good ratio of EPA to DHA per serving in a high quality supplement.
How do you take it?
Ideally take with water alongside a meal, for maximum absorption, but can be taken any time, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Any cautions? (19)
Though omega-3 supplements are generally considered safe, you should check with a healthcare professional before taking them. If you are allergic to fish or shellfish, seek advice from your healthcare professional first.
Fish oil is likely safe for most people in doses of 5 grams or less daily (20).
Fish oil might slow blood clotting. Taking fish oil along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. (21)
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
