Omega-3 fatty acids are known as "essential fatty acids" — meaning your body doesn't naturally produce them, even though they are needed to support a variety of bodily functions. A variety of omega-3 fatty acids are available, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

DHA: What is it?

The fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid can be found in oily fish, krill oil, and algae oil. In order to keep them at fairly equal levels, the body converts some DHA molecules back to EPAs.

EPA: What is it?

There is an important fatty acid called EPA in oily fish, algae oil, and krill oil. DHA and EPA are both omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs in sufficient amounts to reap their benefits.

• The most active omega-3 fatty acids in the human body are EPA and DHA. The two are most commonly found in seafood sources, such as fatty fish. Whole fish contains omega-3s in the form of triglycerides, phospholipids, and free fatty acids.

• ALA, meanwhile, must be converted into EPA or DHA, and is commonly found in walnuts, chia and flax seeds, as well as green, leafy vegetables.

• A unique omega-3 found in roe oil and green-lipped mussels is eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). The benefits of this type have only recently been recognized, including their potential to help balance the body's omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

What is the importance of omega-3s?

Did you know that approximately 90% of Americans don't get enough omega-3s? It's alarming to know that these fatty acids offer such a full body support yet are only being accessed by a small portion of the population.

How do we obtain them?

A fatty acid with omega-3 fatty acids is known as an essential fatty acid, meaning that your body cannot manufacture them naturally, but it does need them for overall health and performance. Your health depends on getting omega-3s in your diet. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that Americans eat at least two servings of fatty fish per week. Yet many Americans don't have an adequate balance of omega fatty acids because the standard American diet is overloaded with omega-6s and omega-9s. People eating a "standard Western diet" tend to consume a lot of omega-6s, but not enough omega-3s. Therefore, increasing your omega-3 intake can help to get your levels back in balance.

Health and wellness are heavily dependent on omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to supporting healthy brain function and cardiovascular function, omega-3s also contribute to a healthy immune response.

What are the benefits of consuming a balanced amount of omega-3s and omega-6s? 

Omega-3 benefits can include:

• Healthy oxidative stress responses

• Healthy immune response

• Cardiovascular and joint support

• Supporting smooth, healthy skin as you age

• Maintaining healthy eye function

• Boosting cognitive function

Besides Omega-3 fatty acids, healthy foods like wild-caught fish, nuts and seeds also contain vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein.

A high concentration of EPA and DHA can be found in fatty/oily fish, which are often considered omega-3 superfoods. In addition, there are some plant-based options for those who prefer not to consume seafood.

Omega-3 foods to add to your diet include:

• Tuna

• Sardines

• Mackerel

• Wild-caught salmon

• Cod liver oil

• Herring

• Flax seeds

• Walnuts

• Chia seeds

• Hemp seeds

• Anchovies

• Natto

• Egg yolks

Adding a few sources of omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet each week is the best way to increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements can be an easy and convenient way to increase your nutrient intake for those who find it difficult to get the proper amounts and balance of fatty acids.

Who Can Benefit from Marine Omega supplements?

This is great for:

• Those who do not consume fish and seafood regularly

• Those who need to promote healthy cognitive function

• Those who want to promote hormonal balance and weight loss

• Those who want to maintain a balanced inflammation response

• Those who want to boost thyroid and immune health

• Those who are looking to ease occasional pains

Doesn't fish oil contain mercury and other heavy metals?

Mercury, heavy metals, arsenic, and other pollutants are commonly found in mass-market fish oils. As a result of recent disasters, even radiation is now a concern. My marine omega fish oil comes from some of the purest waters in the world and is certified pharmaceutical grade.