Omega-3
Omega-3 (Ω-3) is a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are not produced in the human body, are essential and must be obtained from food. Plant foods contain α-linolenic acid, which has 18 carbon atoms. The highest levels of α-linolenic acid are found in flaxseed (44-61%), camelina (35-39%), and mustard (14%) oil. From it, the human body synthesizes higher fatty acids of this family: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They can only be obtained from animal products. They are especially abundant in the fat of fish that live in cold seas (salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel). Higher fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are an important building material of the biological membranes of nerve cells and nerve fibers, the retina, and bioregulators – prostaglandins and leukotrienes – are formed from EPA in the body.
Omega-3 PUFAs reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and normalize blood pressure. Therefore, Omega-3 is an excellent preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases. Oncologists note that Omega-3 slows down the development of tumors and is an effective means for the prevention of cancer. A positive effect of Omega-3 in the treatment of skin diseases has been noted. Omega-3 reduces the manifestations of allergies in children, accelerates the healing of wounds and scars. Omega-3 helps with stomach and duodenal ulcers. A few days after starting treatment, the pain disappears and the ulcer begins to heal. Omega-3 helps with arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, and sometimes patients note improvements from the first (3-5) days of taking the drug. As a result, pain disappears and joint mobility is restored. The antiarrhythmic effect of Omega-3 PUFAs was discovered.
Omega-3 is necessary for maintaining the normal state of the retina and vision function, for normal brain activity, as it helps transmit impulses carrying a signal from one cell to another. This improves the speed and performance of the brain and memory. Omega-3 is recommended for migraines and stress. Omega-3 PUFAs are especially necessary for the fetus developing in the mother’s womb, which is developing organs and tissues. Children have impaired learning ability if their mothers lacked Omega-3. Omega-3 PUFA deficiency may be accompanied by: increased inflammatory activity, visual impairment, can cause functional disorders of the central nervous system, increases the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia, atopy, dermatitis and skin atrophy, rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 PUFAs are among the most popular dietary supplements in the USA, UK and other countries.
Omega-3 dietary supplement PUFA NSP is an additional source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and contains vitamin E.