Shutterstock
Despite the "biological importance of the latter", the main clinical and integrative repercussions of omega 3 are to be attributed to two of its derivatives: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Taken through fatty fish and blue fish, but also through algae and linseed, omega 3s have conquered the general public for their very important biological activities.
In fact, these nutrients are attributed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic properties, particularly valuable in the management of the main Western diseases, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia and inflammatory diseases.
The good tolerability and easy availability contribute to the great success of these supplements.
allowed to adequately clarify the biological potential of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega 3 series, useful in the prevention and management of different disease states.After observing the pathogenic role of inflammation in the onset of numerous morbid conditions, both acute and chronic-degenerative, omega 3 have become important protagonists in the dietary and nutritional scenario.
Currently, omega 3 fatty acids are attributed:
- Cardio- and vaso-protective properties, mediated by the antithrombotic and antihypertensive action;
- Anti-inflammatory properties;
- Neuroprotective properties, valuable in many neurodegenerative diseases;
- Lipid-lowering properties;
- Metabolic properties;
- Cytoprotective properties.
In light of the aforementioned properties, omega 3 are currently used in the management of:
- Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia;
- Cardiovascular pathologies;
- Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, senile dementia and Parkinson's;
- Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.
Omega 3 and Metabolic Disorders
Although the amount of work is not as extensive as for cardiovascular diseases, several studies demonstrate the usefulness of omega 3 in managing severe metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory action, useful in countering the damaging action of the visceral adipose tissue, in some studies the omega 3s have also shown a potential insulin-sensitizing activity, particularly useful in the course of diabetic pathology.
Omega 3 and Neurodegenerative Pathologies
The well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, together with the structural role towards lipid membranes, would contribute to making omega 3 excellent allies in neurodegenerative pathologies.
Omega 3 and Sport
In recent years, omega 3s have also conquered the sports world.
The two pillars on which this application is based are:
- The protective action against the muscle subjected to intense physical exercise;
- The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, particularly valuable during intense training sessions.
Recent works have also described an improvement in ventilatory and respiratory capacities in athletes subjected to omega 3 supplementation, thus opening important new perspectives.
, generally extracted from fish oil, are currently available in various pharmaceutical formats, such as capsules, caps and liquid solutions.
The dosages most used, both in the preventive and clinical fields, are between 1 and 5 g per day, to be divided, especially for the more generous dosages, into several assumptions.
To preserve the structural integrity of omega 3, preventing potential lipoperoxidation processes, it is recommended to store supplements away from light and heat sources.
The simultaneous presence of fat-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin E, could help preserve the quality of the product.
There are several quality certifications relating to the degree of oxidation, the content of heavy metals and toxic substances; the best known is probably the IFOS (International Fish Oil Standard).
, during lactation and in the first years of life should be supervised by medical personnel.
The same attention should be paid to patients on drug therapy with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
Also, if you are using omega 3 supplements and need to undergo surgery, you should inform your doctor as you may need to stop taking these supplements before undergoing the surgical procedure.
and antithrombotic of omega 3, in order to reduce a potential increase in bleeding risk, it would be advisable to pay particular attention to the simultaneous intake of:- Aspirin;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories;
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs;
- Garlic and ginkgo biloba.
In any case, before taking omega 3 supplements, it is necessary to inform your doctor if you are following drug therapies of any kind.
Select plant Fir Acacia Acerola Sorrel Yarrow Yarrow Yarrow Aconito Adatoda Garlic Agnocasto Agrimonia Alchemilla Alkekengi Aloe Altea Witch Hazel Ammi or Visnaga Pineapple Andrographis Anemone Pulsatilla Angelica Anise Star Anise Japanese Star Anise Bitter Orange Bitter Areca Arnica Harpagophytum Arpagophyte Artemisia Asteragus Basil Asparagus Asparagus Peruvian Asparagus Asparagus Asparagus Hawthorn Boldo Borage Shepherd's Purse Boswellia Bucco Butea superba Cocoa Coffee Cajeput Calamus Calamus Marigold Camedrio Chamomile Roman Chamomile Camphor Cinnamon Ceylon Maidenhair Capuchin Artichoke Cardamom Cardiac Thistle Asian Thistle Carvi Cascara Cassia Catecu Catha Cabbage Celandine Chicory Centaurea Cinnamon Cypress Celandine Chives Cypress Coca Cola Colchico Combreto Condurango Comfrey Coriander Cranberry Barberry American Chrysanthemum Cumin Turmeric Damiana Digital Dioscorea Drosera Dulcamara Dunalilella Echinacea Eder a Ephedra Elenio Eleutherococcus Helichrysum Evening primrose Horsetail Alfalfa Erica Euphrasia Erisimo Escolzia Eucalyptus Farfara Farfaraccio Calabar bean Fenugreek Fennel Phytolacca Frangola Ash Fumaria Japanese Mushrooms Galega Ganoderma lucidum Garcinia Cambogia Mulberry Gentian Broom Ginkgo Ginkgo Guipana Guipana Gynestra Ginkgo Hibelia Gymnasium Hibiscus Guarulp St. John's Wort Horse Chestnut Ispaghul Hyssop Jaborandi Kava kava Konjac Laminaria Cherry Laurel Lavender Lemongrass Lespedeza Lovage Icelandic Lichen Lemon Flax Lippia Licorice Lobelia Hops Maca Marjoram Maize Mallow Manna Marrubio Marrubio d "water Matè Melaleuca Meliloto American Lemon balm Myrtle Myrama Walnut Nutmeg Walnut vomica Olive tree Meadowsweet Ononide Opuntia Oregano Orthosiphon Nettle Poppy Papaya Parietaria Feverfew Passiflora Chilli Perilla Periwinkle Phyllanthus Plantain Picrorhiza Pilosella Pino Pisci dia Podofillo Polygala Grapefruit Parsley Psyllium Pueraria mirifica Butcher's broom Pygeum Quassia Oak Rhubarb Ratania Rauwolfia currant Castor bean Rhodiola Rosehip Rosemary Rue Willow Sarsaparilla Sage Elderberry Sassafras Sedum Ergot Senna Serenoa Repens Soybean Solidago Tansy Taraxus Tamarind Tamarind Tamarind Tamarind Tamarindo Ursina Valerian Vanilla Mullein Verbena Veronica Viburnum Vinca Pansy Mistletoe Vine Withania Yohimbe Saffron Ginger Pumpkin Select disease Juvenile Acne Rosacea Tinnitus Tinnitus Aerophagia Tendon Affections Afonia Aphthae Algias Functional Halitosis Breastfeeding Allergy Anemia Anguish Anxiety Arteriosclerosis Asthrosis Asthrosis Arthritis Arthritis Men Sex Woman Blepharitis and Conjunctivitis Eye bags Bronchitis Gallstones Kidney stones Salivary stones Baldness Androgenetic Candida Fragile hair Caries Headache Cellulitis Motion sickness Cystitis C limaterio Cholecystopathy High cholesterol Ulcerative colitis Colonoscopy Contusions Hematoma Convalescence Couperose Depression Dermatitis Diaper dermatitis Diabetes Diarrhea Erectile dysfunction Dyslipidemia Dysmenorrhea Dyspepsia Disturbances of vision Hemorrhoids Epistaxis Herethism Heart disease Fever Fibromyalgia Gastro-intestinal disease Flatulence Hypertension Fibromyalgia Gastrointomnia Jaundice Laryngitis Renal lithiasis Toothache Sore throat Thinness Menopause Meteorism Mononucleosis Alzheimer's disease Crohn's disease Nausea Vomiting Obesity Dark circles Onychomycosis Osteoporosis Dry skin Periarthritis Piorea Low pressure Prostatitis Psoriasis Colds Breast fissures Anal fissures Gastro-nasal rhinitis Senescence Premenstrual Syndrome Sinusitis Quit smoking Overweight Fatty liver Constipation Stomatitis Stress Cough Triglycerides high Ulcer Burns Nails Brittle flashes Heat Warts Dizziness Properties herbal Tanning Abortive adaptogenic Aphrodisiac bittering analgesic anesthetic anorectics analgesic antacid anti-allergic anti-asthmatic Antibiotic catarrh Anticellulitiche anticonvulsant Antidiaforetiche antidiarrheal edematous anthelmintic antiemetic Antiemorroidarie antiphlogistic Antiidrotiche Antinevrotiche Antioxidants antipyretic antirheumatic antiscorbutic Antiseptic antispasmodic anti-uric Aperitive Flavoring Astringent Balsamic Bechiche Capillarotrope Cardiotonic Carminative Cathartic Caustics Healing Cholagogues Choleretic Dyes Decongestants Deodorants Purifying Diaphoretic Cleansers Disinfectants Detoxifiers Thirst quenching Diuretics Exciting Emetics Emmenagogues Emollients Hemostatic Energies Hepatoprotectors Expectorants Eupepticus Moisturisers Galactosensitizers lanti Hypertensive Hypnotic Hypoglycemic Hypotensive Irritants Laxatives Soothing Narcotic Nerves Nutrients Odontalgic Pectoral Purgative Revulsive Remineralizing Refreshing Rubefacient Scialagoghe Sedative Soporifugas Sneezing Stomachic Stomatics Narcotic Vascular Tightenitis