Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids

Recent articles say that fish or fish oil supplements reduce mortality from all causes.

142 articles found that these essential omega-3 fatty acids reduce heart disease, neurologic diseases (Alzheimer’s,MS, possibly Parkinson’s disease), arthritis, breast cysts, and perhaps skin cancer and macular degeneration. Side effects were limited to mild burping or discomfort from the EPA (fish oil). Bleeding was not found to be significant.

DHA, the longest chain of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, is critical for the development of the retina and the brain. Adding 300mg of EPA/DHA in a prenatal vitamin protects both the fetus and the mother. Higher blood levels of DHA are associated with reduced postpartum blues and depression of all causes.

I have found that DHA supplementation has been supportive of normal vision in patients with macular degeneration. I encourage all of you to take at least 300mg of EPA/DHA as a daily fare.