Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Liquid Form, or Fish Oil

If you want to naturally supplement your diet with omega-3 fatty acids, the best way is to eat a lot of fish. However, in today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to prepare healthy meals every day.

And you might simply not like fish.

However, this does not prevent you from still benefiting from the valuable fats they contain.

Fish oils come to your aid, which are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA [1].

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Good For?

Scientific research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids lower the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, eicosanoids, and other pro-inflammatory markers [2]. As a result, they can reduce inflammation in the body [3-5].

A short-term inflammatory state (e.g., during a cold) is beneficial for the body – it supports healing processes. However, if its duration is prolonged, it can be dangerous and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases [4].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cholesterol and the Circulatory System

Fish oil can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of thrombotic disease. Regulation of lipid metabolism also affects the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol [6-7].

Scientific studies confirm the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, and a review of scientific work from 2002 states that they can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular causes by as much as 29–52% [8].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Skin

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can support the healing process of skin diseases with inflammatory and allergic backgrounds, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and even acne [2,9-10].

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may also exhibit photoprotective effects, limiting the adverse impact of sun exposure on the skin [11]. However, it should be emphasized that they should not replace the use of protective creams with UV filters in any case.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Nervous System

The DHA acid present in fish oils is essential for the proper development of the brain in infants, as well as maintaining its proper functionality in adults. Deficiencies of this acid can lead to a decline in cognitive functions and increase the risk of conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease [7].

On the other hand, studies show that higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease [12].

Researchers indicate that omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA and DHA) may alleviate symptoms of depression and enhance intellectual performance, which can be impaired in this condition [5].

Moreover, a study involving postmenopausal women suggests that increased intake of these acids was associated with a lower incidence of depression in the studied group [13].

Is It Worth Supplementing Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Our body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so they must be obtained from food. If you want to take care of your heart and circulatory system, as well as ensure proper brain function, reach for fish (especially those from the sea).

However, many people do not consume enough of them to ensure the precious properties of omega-3. Supplementation of EPA and DHA acids in the form of natural fish oils may be a solution.

How to Choose the Best Fish Oil?

When choosing fish oil, pay attention to:

• Content of EPA and DHA – choose a product that meets your needs. Remember that children require different concentrations of these substances than adults.
• Source of the oil – the best manufacturers clearly specify which fish they source their materials from.
• TOTOX Index – it should comply with guidelines and be below 26. TOTOX indicates the quality of fish oil (its degree of oxidation).
• Laboratory tests – tests can confirm the absence of contaminants and the content of fatty acids.

OSAVI Cod Liver Oils and Fish Oils

If you are looking for safe and tested products that are a source of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oils and cod liver oils, reach for the dietary supplements from the OSAVI brand in the Marine line. You will find dietary supplements for both adults and children. This line includes, among others:

Sources:

1. Das, Pipika, et al. “Advances in therapeutic applications of fish oil: A review.” Measurement: Food, vol. 13, March 2024, p. 100142. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meafoo.2024.100142.
2. Guertler, Anne, et al. “Deficit of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Acne Patients-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in a German Cohort.” Life, vol. 14, no. 4, April 2024, p. 519. www.mdpi.com, https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040519.
3. Calder, Philip C. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes.” Nutrients, vol. 2, no. 3, March 2010, pp. 355-74. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030355.
4. Wierenga, Kathryn A., and James J. Pestka. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Inflammation - You Are What You Eat!” Frontiers for Young Minds, vol. 9, 2021, p. 601068. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2021.601068.
5. Giacobbe, Juliette, et al. “The Anti-Inflammatory Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Metabolites in Pre-Clinical Models of Psychiatric, Neurodegenerative, and Neurological Disorders.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 11, February 2020. Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00122.
6. Ciubotaru, Irina, et al. “Dietary fish oil decreases C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and triacylglycerol to HDL-cholesterol ratio in postmenopausal women on HRT.” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, vol. 14, no. 9, September 2003, pp. 513-21. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0955-2863(03)00101-3.
7. Horrocks, LLOYD A., and YOUNG K. Yeo. “HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA)”. Pharmacological Research, vol. 40, no. 3, September 1999, pp. 211-25. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1006/phrs.1999.0495.
8. Carroll, Douglas N., and Mary T. Roth. “Evidence for the Cardioprotective Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Annals of Pharmacotherapy, vol. 36, no. 12, December 2002, pp. 1950-56. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1A314.
9. Sawada, Yu, et al. “Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Skin Diseases.” Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 11, February 2021. Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.623052.
10. Thomsen, Bryce J., et al. “The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review.” Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, vol. 24, no. 5, September 2020, pp. 481-94. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475420929925.
11. Huang, Tse-Hung, et al. “Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil's Fatty Acids on the Skin.” Marine Drugs, vol. 16, no. 8, July 2018, p. 256. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080256.
12. Avallone, Rossella, et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Evidence in Clinical Trials.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 20, no. 17, January 2019, p. 4256. www.mdpi.com, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20174256.
13. Chae, Minjeong, and Kyong Park. “Association between Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Depression in Postmenopausal Women.” Nutrition Research and Practice, vol. 15, no. 4, 2021, p. 468. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2021.15.4.468.