OMEGA 3 IS ABOUNDENTLY FOUND IN SOME FISH. It is known as DHA & EPA. Omega 6 is found in Flax Seeds and known as ALA. It is not significant the number of people aware that DHA & EPA provide ~by comparison~ higher health benefits than ALA does from Flax Seeds.
It is prime reason why American & Canadian Heart Associations, American Eye Institute, European Food Safety Authority, Alzheimer's Foundation ~to mention some institutions~ insist on consuming DHA & EPA. They all place trout, mackerel, some tunas, herring, sardines, and salmon as fish with the highest concentration of DHA & EPA.
Scientists learned that the human body ~as well as those of our pets~ have significant need for EPA & DHA. In the case of humans, the average body size is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells; and virtually all of them depend on EPA & DHA for maintaining daily cellular activities. If regularly provided with enough EPA & DHA, organs function as intended by Mother Nature giving us a healthier, longer life.
Some scientists have evaluated the effects of EPA & DHA using doses between 250 mg to 1000 mg per day. More recent trials evidence that doses less than 2000 mg of EPA & DHA per day may not be enough to experience the full benefits of Omega 3s. Scientists concluded that larger doses are safe, effective, and well-tolerated; and that most individuals would benefit from consuming higher doses than the 500 mg recommended as long as a larger dose is consumed often for extended periods of time.
The most efficient way to determine if our Omega 3 requirements are met is by taking a blood test. Such test reveals the 'Omega 3 Index' which is a measure of the amount of EPA & DHA present in Red Cells Membranes. It is expressed as the percentage of EPA & DHA present in those membranes. For instance, an Omega 3 Index of 3.6% indicates that 3.6% of all fatty acids found in Red Cell Membranes are EPA & DHA. It also indicates that that person is not receiving adequate amounts of EPA & DHA. It is so because an Omega 3 Index of 4% or less fills the criteria for 'inadequacy.'
• How many mg of EPA & DHA do I take? •
A realistic way to answer that question is with a blood test revealing the Omega 3 Index. Observational studies have found that a relationship exists when supplementing with Omega 3 and the Omega 3 Index. In other words, the Omega 3 Index increases proportional to a higher dose of EPA & DHA.
The following is what the latest research provides:
* Healthy Children ages 4 to 12: 2000 mg EPA & DHA combined per day.
* Healthy Adolescents ages 13 to18: 2000 to 3000 mg EPA & DHA combined per day.
* Healthy Adults ages 18 and older: 3000 to 4000 mg EPA & DHA combined per day.
The mastermind behind Mother Nature is generous providing us
such a marvel of creation; but we must consume it in enough
quantity, often enough, for long enough, starting early in life.
