Omega 3 Resources:
Omega-3 is contained in certain fish and in fish oil supplements. Omega-3 may have certain health benefits. This page presented by Seven Seas USA links to some stories that may be of interest for people considering increasing the amount of Omega-3 in their diet.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association offers perspectives and recommendations about Omega 3. Text on the AHA page includes:
“Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease.
We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week.”
“Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician’s care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.”
“Šcoronary artery disease 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.”
(source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632)
American Heart Association dietary guidelines
American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines. Links to many articles on Omega-3. When using Internet Explorer, search on this page by using Edit / Find on this page. Use “omega-3”, not “omega 3”.
“This document presents guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by dietary and other lifestyle practices.”
“Consumption of 1 fatty fish meal per day (or alternatively, a fish oil supplement) could result in an omega-3 fatty acid intake (ie, EPA and DHA) of 900 mg/d, an amount shown to beneficially affect coronary heart disease mortality rates in patients with coronary disease.”
(source: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/102/18/2284)
Omega-3 Information Service
An information site about Omega-3 fatty acids. Located in the United Kingdom, this site links to the UK-based manufacturer of Seven Seas products.
“Fat has a bad reputation. It is a word associated with obesity, heart disease and many other disease states.
However, not all fats are bad fats. The different types of dietary fat fall into three main groups: saturated; mono-unsaturated; and polyunsaturated.”
(source: A page on Fats and Fatty Acids)
FDA qualified health claims for Omega 3
From September 8, 2004, FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids press release.
“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the availability of a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) on conventional foods that contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids.
Typically, EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are contained in oily fish, such as salmon, lake trout, tuna and herring. These fatty acids are not essential to the diet; however, scientific evidence indicates that these fatty acids may be beneficial in reducing CHD (Coronary heart disease)”
(source: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01115.html)
Dr. Joseph Mercola
Dr Mercola summarizes some research about the importance of Omega-3 in diets.
“A Purdue University study has showed that kids low in Omega-3 essential fatty acids are significantly more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders, and to display behavioral problems.”
“In fact, researchers believe that about 60% of Americans are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, and about 20% have so little that test methods cannot even detect any in their blood.”
(source: http://www.mercola.com/2001/sep/8/omega_3.htm)
Results of a test of increasing Omega 3 in children
News story from the BBC about a research project of increasing Omega-3 in children’s diets through supplements.
“The results have not yet been published, but they are expected to show a statistically significant improvement in school performance in the group of children given Omega 3 supplements. This does not mean that every child benefited from the treatment - many did not. But according to Portwood, about 40% of children showed some clear improvement.”
(source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/intelligenceandmemory/omega_three.shtml)
Here are Seven Seas products containing Omega 3:
Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil
Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Plus - has vitamins and supplements
Seven Seas Jointcare includes Cod Liver Oil
Seven Seas Jointcare Jointmax
Seven Seas Haliborange Omega-3 Fish Oil Chews for children
Seven Seas Sportflex - a multinutrient capsule