Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the primary structural components in cell walls and membranes throughout the body. They are also instrumental in regulating inflammation, blood pressure and thickness, hormone production, and the activities of the immune and central nervous systems. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for infants (and a developing fetus) for proper development of the brain and retina of the eyes.
There are many clinical applications for omega-3. Studies suggest that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be linked to omega-3 deficiency.(1),(2) Deficiencies have also been found in people who have allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis and skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.(3),(4),(5),(6),(7),(8) Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy reduced the risk of eczema.(9) Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced asthma symptoms in children with moderate asthma.(10) It has been reported that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.(11),(12),(13)
Omega-3 may also be a preventative measure for many major illnesses. Researchers think omega-3 can help prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancers.(14),(15),(16) Postoperative cancer patients supplemented with omega-3 experienced improved liver and pancreas function.(17) New preliminary research shows that omega 3 could be beneficial for cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.(18),(19),(20) Researchers were able to establish that the highest intake of omega-3 fatty acid actually reduced the risk of developing ulcerative colitis by 77 percent.(21)
Omega-3 fatty acids can support cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, relaxing blood vessels and lowering cholesterol levels.(22),(23),(24),(25),(26) Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammation and endothelial activation, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease.(27) Taking 3 to 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day can decrease elevated serum triglycerides as much as 50%.(28) Results of a recent study in Italy reported that patients taking 850 milligrams per day of omega-3 fatty acids had a lower rate of death related to heart conditions than those who were not taking the fatty acid.(29)
Omega-3 may also decrease inflammation(30) and reduce pain for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis.(31),(32) Deficiencies of omega-3 in the United States as well as other countries may also be linked to depression.(33),(34) A study revealed that omega-3 proved to be beneficial by improving symptoms of depression in menopausal women.(35) Pregnant women who consumed more fish (omega-3 fatty acids) had fewer depressive symptoms in comparison to pregnant women who consumded less fish.(36) Omega 3 has also shown possible beneficial effects for other mental disorders as well.(37),(38)
Children with verbal apraxia (neurologically based motor planning speech disorder common in autism spectrum disorders) were treated with vitamin E and omega-3. All of the families involved reported significant improvements in many areas including speech, imitation, coordination, eye contact, behavior, sensory issues and development of pain sensation. Supplementation with vitamin E and omega-3 could be beneficial to children with autism and verbal apraxia.(39)