What Is Purpose of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of essential fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body and need to be derived from the diet. They play diverse roles in the human body, and deficiency of these nutrients is linked to an increased risk of several chronic conditions. Important omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA; eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA; and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA.

Sources

The only dietary sources of EPA and DHA are coldwater oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and herring, and marine algae. Flax and its oil are rich in omega-3's, mainly ALA, but lack EPA and DHA. The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but it does this very inefficiently. This is why it is very important to ensure you are taking in enough omega-3's, especially EPA and DHA, from your diet.

Cancer

Several studies have reported an anti-cancer effect of omega-3 fatty acids. For example, a study in the “European Journal of Cancer Prevention” suggests a decreased risk in colorectal and breast cancer with increased EPA and DHA intake. These omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce tumor growth and improve appetite and quality of life of cancer patients.

Cardiovascular Disease

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. A study in the Juntendo University School of Medicine in Japan suggests that supplementation of 1.8g of EPA daily for two years led to a significant decrease in the thickness of the arteries together with improved blood flow. Other cardiovascular effects linked to omega-3 fatty acids include reduction in blood cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced tendency for LDL cholesterol oxidation, which is believed to be one of the main causes of atherosclerosis.

Brain

EPA and DHA are especially important for brain development of the infant and in fact are nowadays incorporated in baby food. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been reported to help treat psychotic disorders and prevent memory impairment, according to a study in the “Journal of Neurochemistry." Other brain-related benefits associated with this nutrient include an improvement in cognitive abilities in children with learning problems and a neuroprotective action in Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties through their inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Thus, according to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, these nutrients are especially important in fighting conditions such as arthritis, which are characterized by excess inflammation.