Consumers / Teenagers and Adults
Why we need Omega-3s | Importance of Long Chain Omega-3s | Pregnancy | Children | Teenagers and Adults | Consuming Omega-3
Teenagers
A recent study has reported frequent fish intake by boys aged 15 was associated with higher cognitive performance 3 years later. Fish consumption of more than once a week was associated with higher intelligence scores and verbal performance.
Adults
Long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) are important for maintaining good health. There is increasing scientific evidence that long chain omega-3s can play a role in helping to prevent and manage chronic diseases, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and age related macular degeneration.
Long chain omega 3 - positive benefits
Long chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Asthma
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- High blood pressure
- Huntington's disease
- Lupus
- Migraine headaches
- Mood disorders (including depression)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Overweight and Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How much Long chain Omega-3s do we need for good health?
To help maintain good health the National Heart Foundation of Australia recommends 2-3 serves of oily fish per week (150g/serve), which is equivalent to around 500mg of long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) per day.
| Why are long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) beneficial? | How much do you need? | |
| Heart | Long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) play an important role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular health. Omega-3s can: · help reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke · lower blood pressure · lower triglycerides · improve blood flow | · The Heart Foundation of Australia recommends at least 500mg of long chain omega-3s per day or 2 or more oily fish meals per week · At least 1g EPA and DHA /day are recommended for those with existing cardiovascular disease · 1.2 - 4g EPA + DHA for treatment of high blood triglycerides Reference: NHF position statement on Fish, fish oils and omega-3s. |
| Joints | Long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) can provide pain relief associated with rheumatoid arthritis. | Around 3g of EPA and DHA /day are recommended for assistance with pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis. Reference: Cleland, L. Inflammation including arthritis. Omega-3 Centre Scientific Consensus Report “Omega-3 fatty acids for baby boomers” October 2008. |
| Age-related Macular Degeneration | AMD is the most frequent cause of severe vision loss in the elderly. There is a growing level of evidence, which suggests long chain omega-3s can protect against the development and progression of AMD. | Two oily fish meals/week Reference: Flood, V & Mitchell, P. Vision and maintaining eyesight. Omega-3 Centre Scientific Consensus Report “Omega-3 fatty acids for baby boomers” October 2008. |