Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Scottish Farmed Salmon is one of the major sources of essential Omega-3 fatty acids.

What are essential Omega-3 fatty acids?

Essential Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats recognised as important to human health.

Why are Omega-3 fatty acids called essential?

Omega-3s are termed essential fatty acids because they are critical for good health. However, the body cannot make them on its own. For this reason, Omega-3s must be obtained from food, thus making outside sources of these fats essential.

Are all Omega-3s the same?

Choosing the most effective Omega-3s, such as those found in oil-rich fish (EPA and DHA), provides these fatty acids in the most effective form.  For example, the Joint Health Claims Initiative’s (JHCI) heart health claim is specific to the long-chain Omega-3s EPA, DPA and DHA only.

More and more manufacturers are adding Omega-3 to everyday products to help people boost intake of this vital health-enhancing essential fatty acid.  These foods can be a great way of topping up your intake of Omega-3.  However, oil-rich fish such as salmon remains one of the richest sources of Omega-3 by far.

                           

Are heart health benefits specific to a special form of Omega-3?

The heart health claim from the UK regulatory body for health claims on foods, the Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI), is specific to the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA.  For further information, visit www.jhci.org.uk.

 

Do long-chain Omega-3s benefit other parts of the body?

Omega-3s are much more than just good for the heart, as they are terrific for your brain, eyes, skin, joints, foetus development and your immune system.

 

Long-chain Omega-3s can maintain you and your family’s health, as there is good reason for them at every stage of life, from pregnant women to babies, through adulthood and into the senior years.  For further information, visit www.richinomega3.com.

How much Omega-3 fatty acids should we consume?

The Food Standards Agency advice shows that the following subgroups can eat the following amounts of oil-rich fish, such as salmon, to gain maximum health benefits:

· Men, boys and women past child-bearing age can eat up to four portions a week;

· Women not intending to have children can eat up to four portions a week;

· Girls and women who may become pregnant at some point in their lives can eat up to two portions a week, and;

· Pregnant and breast-feeding women can eat up to two portions a week.

The British Nutrition Foundation recommends that we consume about 2.85g of essential Omega-3 fatty acids per day. However, since the 1940s, fish consumption in the UK - especially the consumption of oil-rich fish - has been falling and now actual average intakes of essential Omega-3 fatty acids are only about 1.8g per day.

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