Fish Oil 101 - How To Define Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Know The Difference Between DHA And EPA

Much is written about increasing ones intake of omega 3 fatty acids. It seems every website, magazine or newspaper has something to say about which type of omega 3 fish oil one should use.

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It can be a bit confusing for someone who is just trying to find the right foods and/or supplements to keep their health at optimal levels or to help deal with an illness or disease they currently have.

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There are three basic types of omega 3 fatty acids; they are eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, and alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. The first two EPA and DHA are found in foods such as fish, fish oil supplements, and algae. These forms of fatty acids are long-chain forms of the omega 3 acids.

The final type is ALA and it is a short-chain form which is found in plant sources such as seeds, walnuts, soybean oil and in some green leafy vegetables. These are all good sources of omega 3s and the only difference is that short-chain forms take longer to process since they must first be converted into a long-chain form.

It is not entirely clear whether short-chain forms of omega 3 fatty acids work in the same manner as their counterparts, long-chain forms. Many believe that ALA, the short-term form of omega 3 does not provide the same benefits as EPA and DHA.

This is especially true in dealing with heart disease. Some recommend that patients, especially heart patients, pay more attention to the amounts of EPA and DHA in their omega 3 fish oil supplements. They feel there should be a 3 to 2 ratio of the EPA and DHA. Still others do not see things in the same way.

They are of the belief that as long as one is relatively healthy and eats a balanced diet, consuming lots of dark green, leafy vegetables, walnuts and ground flax seeds then the ALA supplement should be sufficient.

In order to determine which route would be most beneficial in your particular situation it would be wise to consult with your physician or health care worker. They will know your individual needs and issues and can weigh the pros and cons of each type of omega 3 fish oil supplements against what your body needs.

In some cases a physician may need to run a specialized blood test to analyze your fatty acid profile. This is an expensive test, but in some cases your physician may deem it necessary.

Fish Oil 101 - How To Define Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Know The Difference Between DHA And EPA

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