Omega-3s are what we call, good fats. They have become one of the most widely consumed classes of supplements, and with good reason: it is virtually impossible to obtain therapeutic doses through diet. One article by our specialized pharmacist, and collaborator to the Vitoli blog, Mr. Jean-Yves Dionne, presented these unsaturated fatty acids in detail: A Practical guide to omega-3s.

We will now focus on therapeutic uses by describing the state of the science. These are uses that can reduce the risk of disease or help correct physiological parameters such as blood pressure or blood lipid composition. We will therefore review 6 very high-quality scientific studies to focus on.

  1. Liao et al., 2019: Omega-3 and depression – Meta-analysis; 26 clinical studies, 2160 participants = therapeutic effect on improving depression.
    • Significant effects on symptoms of depression vs. placebo (P = 0.004):
      • ≥ 1000 mg of EPA/d:
      • ≥ 60% EPA:
    • No significant effect from DHA.

Omega-3s thus have clearly demonstrated effects on depression, but the dosages must be high and mainly EPA.

 

  1. Zhang et al., 2022: Omega-3 and hypertension (American Heart Association) Meta-analysis of 71 clinical trials, 4973 people.
    • Significant benefits between 2000 to 3000 mg/d of omega-3.
    • Benefits superior to more than 3000 mg/d of omega-3.
    • Benefits reach a threshold at 5000 mg/d of omega-3.

Here, it is worth pointing out that the effect on hypertension becomes significant for doses higher than what is possible to take through food for the vast majority of people. It is difficult to consume more than 1000 mg of omega-3 on average per day, even when eating a lot of oily fish. On the other hand, very high dosages, over 5000 mg/day are not necessary either. Note that the majority of supplements on the market do not achieve lower-level significance of more than 2000 mg/day.

 

  1. Weiberg et al., 2021: Omega-3 and cardiovascular health (Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)) – JACC Focus seminar
    • Omega-3 supplementation may reduce the risk of CV disease in some patients.
    • Omega-3 at doses of 2 to 4 g/d ↓ blood triglycerides by 25% to 40%.
    • Other effects of omega-3s, other than lowering triglycerides, may contribute to their cardiovascular benefits.

Here is one of the most controversial applications (cardiovascular health), for which this study comes from one of the most credible sources on an international scale: The American College of Cardiology. It is possible that the controversy is related to the high dosages necessary to have a significant impact (more than 2000 mg/day); a dosage that is not reached by the majority of supplements on the market.

 

  1. Sigaux et al., 2022: Omega-3 and inflammatory rheumatoid diseases – Systematic review and meta-analysis: 30 clinical studies, 1420 participants, 3 to 6 months.
    • Therapeutic dose ≥ 2000 mg/d. Significant effects compared to placebo on:
      • The number of painful, swollen, and tender joints,
      • The level of disease activity (assessment for 28 joints), and
      • The results of the health assessment questionnaire.
      • Better impact of fish omega-3s.

Inflammation issues affect both joint pain and mobility. Again, we are at more than 2000 mg/day for a therapeutic dose and the best impact of fish omega-3s is probably related to their easily assimilated form. Plant omega-3s must be converted to be assimilated by our cells and the conversion rate is said to be as low as 5-10%.

 

  1. Firouzabadi et al., 2022: Omega-3, pregnant women, lactation and infancy – Systematic review and meta-analyses; 28 meta-analyses; 672 clinical studies, 273,523 participants.
    • Moderate to high evidence:
      • ↓ risk of preeclampsia,
      • ↓ the risks of low birth weight,
      • ↑ in head circumference (when taken during pregnancy).
      • ↓ severe retinopathy of prematurity,
      • ↓ cholestasis (bile) (when used in infancy).
    • Favorable effects on:
      • ↓ risk of preterm birth,
      • ↓ risk of depression during or after pregnancy,
      • Improved control of blood sugar and inflammation for pregnant women,
      • Improvement of the immune system (allergies) and visual ability in children.

Here with the sum of scientific demonstrations and the level of certainty of the benefits, it is difficult to understand that quality omega-3 supplements are not automatically recommended to all pregnant women. Note that it is advisable to stop taking it about one month before delivery.

 

  1. Lafuente et al., 2021: Omega-3 and visual health – Antioxidant role and neuroprotection for eye diseases (review).
    • The role of ADH in reducing oxidation and protecting vision has been studied in different types of models, particularly for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
    • High doses of DHA are needed to achieve benefits (1050 mg/d).

Here is one last application that is less well supported from a scientific point of view, but for which we have seen fit to bring you the information since there are not many natural solutions for vision problems such as dry eyes which affects a large part of the population.

 

Conclusion

Omega-3s are unquestionably essential for the proper functioning of our cells and they can even help in several facets of health if they are taken in sufficient quantity. Unfortunately, many people consume low-concentration products that do not achieve therapeutic doses. It is for this reason that we have decided to make BASE Omega-3 available:

  • BASE Standard = natural balance: 1635/540 mg EPA/DHA, 2450 mg of total omega-3/day.
  • BASE enriched with DHA: 530/2660 mg EPA/DHA, 3560 mg of total omega-3/day.
  • BASE enriched with EPA: 2650/530 mg EPA/DHA, 3450 mg of total omega-3/day.

 

Do not hesitate to write to us if you need advice; it is always a pleasure to be of service!

 

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References:

  • Firouzabadi et al, 2022. The effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in pregnancy, lactation, and infancy: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized trials. Pharmacol Res. 2022 Jan 29;177:106100.
  • Lafuente et al, 2021. Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation in Eye Diseases That Can Lead to Blindness: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Mar 5;10(3):386. Leonov et al, 2015. Longevity extension by phytochemicals. Molecules. 2015 Apr 13;20(4):6544-72.
  • Liao et al, 2019. Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: A meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry. 2019 Aug 5;9(1):190.
  • Sigaux et al, 2022. Impact of type and dose of oral polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on disease activity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022 May 7;24(1):100.
  • Weinberg et al, 2021. Cardiovascular Impact of Nutritional Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids – JACC Focus Seminar. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Feb 9;77(5):593-608.
  • Zhang et al, 2022. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 Jun 7;11(11):e025071.