You may have heard of your parents or grandparents taking an Omega-3 or fish oil supplement. Maybe you asked yourself, do I need to start taking them? Or what does Omega 3 do? Today, we will dive into what Omega-3s are and where your sources are.

What are Omega 3’s?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, meaning our bodies do not produce them; we need to obtain them from food. Omega 3’s plays a vital role in all our cells. Each cell in our body has a fatty protective layer called a cell membrane. Without enough healthy fat, we have a weak cell membrane causing nutrients that we consume not to flow in and out. How does this affect you? When nutrients are not adequately absorbed, this can affect how our body functions, from your brain to your muscles and energy.

Do I need to supplement?

Many people are deficient in their Omega 3’s. There are many food sources, but you can also increase your levels through supplementation, enter that fish oil! When you want to add fish oil into your routine, you want to look for the amount of DHA and EPA. By increasing our levels of DHA and EPA, you can see benefits such as better nutrient absorption. In addition, studies have shown that it could improve sleep, decrease migraine headaches, and reduce the severity of symptoms in children with ADHD.

How much do I need?

Many supplements do not offer high enough levels, averaging around 100-300mg. I recommend 2000mg per day for adults and 900mg per day for kids. A higher dosage may be recommended by a health care professional for those with high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia.