| The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is found in large | | | | acid DHA is the heart. Doctors and scientists believe |
| quantities in the human brain and low levels have been | | | | that DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce |
| associated with certain neurological and psychological | | | | the risk of coronary heart disease. There is much |
| conditions. | | | | clinical research supporting this belief. |
| However, in studies concerning depression, a | | | | Daily supplements ensure normal heart and blood flow. |
| combination of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids | | | | They also help to reduce the build up of omega 6 fatty |
| was found to be more effective than either of the | | | | acids, of which Americans consume too much, on the |
| two alone. | | | | walls of the arteries. Too much of this build up blocks |
| The best source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is | | | | the flow of blood to the brain and heart and eventually |
| fish oil. Fish oil is an important dietary supplement. The | | | | leads to stroke and heart attack. |
| human body does not produce omega 3 fatty acids, | | | | Exact daily requirements for either the omega-3 fatty |
| so they must be obtained from the diet. Most people | | | | acid DHA or EPA are unknown, but the Food and |
| do not consume enough fish to meet the body's | | | | Drug Administration, which usually has very little to say |
| requirements. | | | | about health supplements recognizes "a reduced risk |
| Plant sources, such as flax seed oil contain ALA, | | | | of heart disease" as a "qualified health claim" and |
| which can be converted to DHA and EPA omega-3 | | | | recommends two grams of fish oil per day. Some |
| fatty acids, but the process is inefficient. A person | | | | doctors maintain that requirements for DHA and EPA |
| would have to consume much larger quantities of flax | | | | omega-fatty acids are much higher and recommend |
| seed oil than fish oil to obtain the same benefits. | | | | dosages as high as 5 grams of fish oil per day. Lower |
| The brain requires the omega-3 fatty acid DHA for | | | | dosages are recommended for children. |
| optimum performance. Studies showed improved | | | | A typical healthy adult may want to use between 1 |
| performance in children with Attention Deficit Disorder | | | | gram to 2 grams per day. |
| after several weeks of daily fish oil supplements. | | | | Anyone experiencing diarrhea should reduce the |
| Participants in numerous studies have reported being | | | | dosage. Due to concerns regarding mercury |
| able to think more clearly, focus better and even feel | | | | contamination and other by-products of industrial |
| more confident. | | | | pollution, it is recommended that you choose a fish oil |
| Both DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids are required | | | | supplement that has been purified using molecular |
| for the brain to grow. Breast milk contains omega-3 | | | | distillation technology. |
| fatty acids and omega-3s are now added to infant | | | | It is not totally clear if the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is |
| formulas. | | | | more important than EPA, but some studies suggest |
| On a daily basis, brain cells die and new cells take their | | | | that DHA may play a more vital role in brain and heart |
| place. DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids nourish the | | | | health than EPA. Some supplements only contain one |
| brain, helping it to rebuild and repair itself more | | | | or the other, but it is likely that both are needed to |
| efficiently. | | | | prevent chronic diseases and live a longer healthier life. |
| Another organ that is benefited by the omega-3 fatty | | | | |