Are you getting enough omega-3?
Adult should aim to get 1 gram (1,000 mg) a day. Omega-3 deficiency symptoms include:
1. Skin related signs
- Dry skin and hair and soft or brittle nails
- Rough patches of skin
- Small bumps (like chicken skin) on the back of upper arms and legs
- Dry eyes
2. Attention and concentration problems
- Attention Deficit
- Inability to concentrate
3. Mood related signs
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Low frustration tolerance (“short fuse” or highly emotional outburst when things don’t go as planned)
4. Energy and sleep related signs
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep quality
5. Joint problems
- Joint pain – the Omega-3 called EPA can moderate the body’s immune response and this has an effect on pain.
Omega-3 deficiency symptoms change with age. Children and young adults usually have skin and concentration symptoms but as you age, you may begin to notice sleep and energy related symptoms. Joint and cognitive related symptoms are commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly persons.
Omega-3 Frequently Asked Questions
1. There are numerous products on market claimed to contain high content of Omega-3, how can we distinguish and choose the most suitable one?
When choosing Omega-3 supplements, its concentration should reach 40% or above, containing both DHA & EPA. Fish oil which is processed by molecular distillation technology can removes toxins and further isolate unwanted contaminates to ensure purity.
2. Fish Oil Vs. Cod Liver Oil: which Should You Choose?
Fish oil is extracted from fatty flesh of deep sea fishes which are rich in EPA & DHA. On the other hand cod liver oil is from the liver of cod fish, which contains relatively large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D that excessive intake of either may overload liver or kidney and may lead to poisoning.
3. Are there any effective ratio for EPA & DHA to promote cardiovascular health?
Researches show EPA:DHA ratio of 2:1 can promote heart health, as EPA is crucial for cardiovascular health, thus we should choose Omega-3 with higher EPA proportion.
4. How can vegetarians get Omega-3?
Vegetarians can choose plant source of Omega-3 from micro-algae, which can be absorbed more easily and with lower calorie. Other alternatives plant source of Omega-3 includes flaxseed and walnut.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging in this site. You should not use the information on this page for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
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