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Omega-3 Fatty Acids — Beneficial for the Heart, Brain, and More

The essential omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid and must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot produce them on its own. The following three omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important: alpha-linolenic acid, commonly known as ALA, which is found in vegetable oils, seeds, and nuts, as well as the two omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are primarily found in fish and algae.

The two omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are particularly important for the body because, when consumed in sufficient amounts, they promote healthy heart function and normal cholesterol levels. DHA also contributes to healthy brain function and good vision.

The body also needs omega-6 fatty acids; the key factor is the ratio to omega-3 fatty acids, which should not exceed 5:1. With our modern diet, we usually consume significantly more omega-6 fatty acids, which is why supplementing with a good omega-3 oil can be helpful.

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Graphic “So Valuable: The Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA”: EPA and DHA contribute to healthy heart function when consumed in daily amounts of 250 mg or more; DHA contributes to the maintenance of healthy brain function and vision when consumed in daily amounts of 250 mg or more

What Are the Benefits of Omega-3? How Omega-3 Works

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are very important for the human body and are found in all cells. For example, they are a component of all cell membranes—that is, the outer layers of cells and cell organelles—which play important roles in metabolism. The vital process of energy production also takes place within a membrane—specifically in the mitochondria, the “powerhouses of our cells.”

The two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are primarily known for the following effects:

  • EPA and DHA support healthy heart function*
  • EPA and DHA contribute to normal cholesterol levels**
  • DHA supports the maintenance of healthy brain function*
  • DHA is important for good vision*

* with a daily intake of 250 mg

** when consuming foods high in unsaturated fatty acids

Sources of Omega-3: Which Foods Are Highest in Omega-3?

Excellent sources of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which the body can utilize directly, include, for example:

  • Cod liver
  • Mackerel
  • Salmon
  • Herring
  • Algae

 Examples of substances that the body can utilize directly include:

  • Cod liver
  • Mackerel
  • Salmon
  • Herring
  • Seaweed

In some situations, there may be an increased need for omega-3. These include, for example:

  • A diet rich in omega-6
  • Growth
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Advanced age
  • Diseases*: inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases (e.g., allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis), depression, macular degeneration, liver and gallbladder diseases

* This refers to a potentially increased need for nutrients and not to the relief, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Graph showing the conversion of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA from flaxseed oil and canola oil: Less than 10% is converted to EPA, and less than 0.1% to DHA

The omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is found primarily in:

  • Flaxseed oil
  • Canola oil
  • Hemp Oil
  • Chia oil
  • Walnut oil
  • and the corresponding seeds and nuts

It is important to note that the body normally converts only a small proportion of ALA—at most 10%—into the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. In addition, ALA must also be obtained through the diet. Therefore, it is important to ensure a direct and adequate intake of EPA and DHA.It is recommended to take a high-quality omega-3 oil (from cod liver or algae)—in liquid form or as a capsule—preferably with a meal.

Image showing two scales: The optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 1:1 to 5:1; in today’s diet, it is 15:1

Omega-3 and Omega-6 — It's All About the Ratio

Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and must also be obtained through the diet. However, the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in the body should be between 1:1 and, at most, 5:1.

The Western diet typically results in the consumption of significantly more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, often resulting in a ratio between 15:1 and 30:1. Grain products, meat, eggs, and cheese are particularly high in omega-6 fatty acids.

It’s important to know that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are processed by the same enzyme. If more omega-6 is consumed, the enzymes are occupied by it—meaning the valuable omega-3 fatty acids can’t be utilized as effectively. To achieve a healthy balance, regular consumption of freshly caught cold-water fish or algae is recommended, along with reducing omega-6 fatty acid intake. An easy alternative is to supplement your diet with high-quality fish or algae oil.

How to Spot High-Quality Omega-3

High-quality omega-3 oils are strictly controlled, tested for contaminants, and gently processed to prevent the sensitive fatty acids from oxidizing. In addition, effective antioxidant protection (e.g., vitamin E or astaxanthin) helps preserve freshness and prevent the oil from becoming “rancid.” 

An additional quality indicator is the TOTOX value: the lower it is, the fresher and more stable the omega-3 fatty acids are with regard to oxidation. The best category has a TOTOX value below 10, which our three omega products meet.

Pro Omega Ultra is based on Norwegian cod liver oil from sustainably wild-caught fish; it is carefully purified and protected from oxidation by vitamin E (mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), astaxanthin, and nitrogen-flushed packaging.

If you don't like the taste of liquid fish oil,Pro Omega 3 Fischöl Kapseln offer a convenient, high-dose alternative—just 2 capsules a day. The purified fish oil concentrate is stabilized with mixed tocopherols and is ideal for on the go, as it does not need to be refrigerated.

For a vegan diet,Pro Omega Vegan provides omega-3 from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. The algae oil is stabilized using the patented antioxidant Qualitysilver®* (a blend of tocopherols and rosemary extract).

All three products are rich in DHA and EPA and provide omega-3 fatty acids in a triglyceride form that the body can utilize most effectively.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fish oils and certain algae oils are particularly rich in the valuable omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. While plant-based oils, such as flaxseed oil, chia oil, or walnut oil, do contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the body can only convert this into EPA and DHA to a very limited extent. For a direct source of these nutrients, high-quality fish or algae oils are therefore the better choice. Examples include Pro Omega Ultra, made with Norwegian cod liver oil, and the vegan Pro Omega Vegan, made from algae.

Both versions provide the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Fish oil—as found in Pro Omega Ultra—stands out for its natural origin and high bioavailability, while algae oil—as found in Pro Omega Vegan—is a purely plant-based alternative, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans. What matters most is not so much the source, but rather that the oils are rigorously tested for contaminants and freshly processed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are generally considered to be very well tolerated. People with sensitive stomachs may experience mild belching, especially when taking low-quality fish oils. High-quality oils—such as those in Pro Omega Ultra—are, however, virtually tasteless and free of the typical “fishy” aftertaste.

For vegans, algae oils are the ideal choice because—like fish oil—they provide the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA directly. Pro Omega Vegan contains high-quality algae oil in capsule form and is perfect for supporting heart, brain, and eye health with plant-based nutrition.

FACT-BASED KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUR HEALTH

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