Unpacking the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Your Guide to Better Health

Written by: Our Editorial Team

Last updated: 02/02/2023

Recent studies on the benefits of supplementing omega-3s have found:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids can significantly lower triglyceride levels, a measurement of fats in the blood, by up to 30%.

  • Reduced markers of oxidative stress by 15%.

  • It can help people with rheumatoid arthritis relieve joint tenderness and pain.

  • It can slow aging and increase cellular repair by reducing inflammation and stress hormone levels. Having a decreased stress response could also reduce depression risk.

We at Marek Health offer three forms of omega-3 supplements:

1. Ethyl Ester

This omega-3 supplement is a prescription medication made on demand by our partnered compounding pharmacies to ensure freshness. It contains a high dose of pharmaceutical-grade EPA and DHA with low levels of mercury and other heavy metals.

In combination with a proper diet, ethyl esters are used to lower very high levels of triglycerides, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

We recommend taking this supplement with food for optimal absorption.

2. Triglyceride Form

This is a high-dose EPA in triglyceride form for optimal absorption. We recommend Thorne’s Super EPA Pro, which is sourced via sustainable fish farming practices.

3. Phospholipid Form

This form of omega-3 is best suited to carriers of the APOE4 allele, which predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's. The phospholipid form of DHA more easily passes through the blood-brain barrier, which is impaired in APOE4 carriers. 

We recommend the Nordic Naturals brand, which is derived from herring roe extract & purified deep-sea fish oil and is available via Marek Health. 

How much omega-3 is optimal? Multiple factors determine how omega-3 blood concentrations respond to intake, including weight, amount consumed, genetic differences in fatty acid metabolism, sex, age, and dose and formulation (if supplemented). 

Do you have enough omega-3 in your diet?

Test, don't guess. We at Marek Health recommend the Omega Check blood test. 

The diagnostic panel tests for the following biomarkers:

  • EPA

  • DPA

  • DHA

  • Omega-3, Total

  • Omega-6, Total

  • Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio

  • Arachidonic Acid

  • Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio

  • Linoleic Acid

Learn valuable insights into your levels of omega-3s, such as EPA, DHA, and DPA, as well as omega-6s, such as Arachidonic Acid and Linoleic Acid, in order to make informed decisions on individualized diet and supplement interventions.

Omega-3s are vital in maintaining human health throughout the entire lifespan, participating in numerous pathways, modulating gene expression, and affecting many organ systems. It is increasingly clear that omega-3 fatty acids positively impact learning, enhance immune function, improve pregnancy outcomes, prevent and reduce symptoms associated with many chronic health conditions, and decrease the chance of early death. 

Marek Health specializes in preventative medicine. Let us, help you, implement actionable recommendations to improve your overall health and longevity.

Data from 40 separate clinical trials on those who took omega-3s found:

  • 35% reduced risk of fatal heart attacks

  • 13% reduced risk of heart attacks

  • 9% reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease.

  • The higher the dosages, the more cardiovascular benefits were seen.

Do you have enough omega-3 in your diet?

This blog post/article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon. If you are considering a treatment, always consult your primary care physician to discuss the risks and benefits.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/

https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/omega-3

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-omega-fatty-acids

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/omega-3-acid-ethyl-esters-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066973?p=1