Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) provide energy, and their caloric value is similar to other fats and oils, but unlike saturated fats, they have important health roles.
As their name suggests, they are essential and must be consumed daily because the body has limited storage for them. It has been shown that omega-3 EFAs are involved in normal physiology including:
-
Regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity
-
Dilating or constricting blood vessels, and helps in regulating blood pressure
-
Regulating collateral circulation
-
Directing endocrine hormones to their target cells
-
Regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes
-
Being primary constituents of cell membranes
-
Regulating the rate of cell division
-
Maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cell membranes
-
Regulating the inflow and outflow of substances to and from cells
-
Transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues
-
Maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
-
Keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
-
Preventing blood cells from clumping together
-
Mediating the release of inflammatory substances from cells that may trigger allergic conditions
-
Regulating nerve transmission and communication
-
Maintaining normal neurological function especially in the brain and retina
-
Regulating the formation of new tissue with emphasis on growth and development (prenatal, newborns, and beyond)
Thus, a diet deficient in omega-3 EFAs may contribute to the onset of certain long-term degenerative illnesses or conditions:
In chronic illness, it has been shown that an increase in the omega-3 EFAs of marine origin can improve a range of conditions, both physical and mental. Research is continually producing positive findings supporting the use of omega-3s for a variety of health conditions.
Choosing the right omega-3 for your patients ensures they receive necessary nutrients for optimal relief of certain symptoms and overall well-being. Omega-3’s rich in EPA and DHA in their natural triglyceride form provide an excellent natural approach to general wellness. PRN Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals® provides the purest, most therapeutically potent omega-3 based nutriceuticals possible. All of PRN’s omega-3 based products, when taken as recommended, deliver a therapeutic amount of omega-3 EPA and DHA as recommended by the American Heart Association.