Why in supplements?
Recommended by health agencies
The American Heart Association (AHA) says that:
'Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, [some] patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. […] The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.'
As well as supplements, omega-3 can be consumed via fortified products. Find out more about the benefits of omega-3 enriched foods.
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Benefit a wide cross-section of society
Many consumers' consumption of fish is too low. Supplements can help individuals obtain their recommended daily intake of nutrients. This is especially true of Western diets based on processed food that has rather low nutritional value.
Fish is by far the most widely used source of omega-3.
Supplements can support other dietary and lifestyle changes towards improving health, such as dieting and weight loss when nutrient intake might reduce or become unbalanced. They can fulfil the specific needs of pregnant and breast-feeding women, to support a baby's pre- and post-natal development.
Supplements can also help to prevent deficiencies in other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly whose ability to absorb nutrients from food has decreased. In addition, teenagers and young people are susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, which can be crucial for healthy development.
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Advantages of supplements
- omega-3 supplements provide a measured dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
- they're available in convenient, easily transportable forms such as capsules or liquids.
- omega-3 fatty acids can be provided at higher levels than in most foods.
