origin

Omega-3 fatty acids belong to the group of unsaturated fatty acids. When all carbon atoms in a fatty acid are saturated with hydrogen atoms, it is called "saturated fatty acids".saturated“Fatty acids. These are mostly of animal origin and can raise our cholesterol levels and cause changes in our blood vessels, which is why they should only be consumed in moderation. If, on the other hand, at least two adjacent carbon atoms are connected by double bonds, it is called an “unsaturated” fatty acid. If there are several of these double bonds, it is called a “polyunsaturated fatty acid.”

“omegaThe letter “3” in the Greek alphabet represents the last carbon atom within the fatty acid chain at the methyl end. The first double bond at this end is located at the third carbon atom, thus explaining the number “3” in the name.

The most important omega-3 fatty acids include:

• the triple-saturated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in linseed, rapeseed and walnut oil
• the 5-fold saturated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which comes from the fat of cold-water fish such as salmon.
• the 6-fold saturated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fish oils and some algae

Omega-3 fatty acids (also called linolenic acid) are among the “essential fatty acids“which the body cannot produce itself from other nutrients. Besides omega-3, this includes…” v.a...the omega-6 fatty acid, also known as linoleic acid. While omega-6 fatty acids are usually plentiful in our diet, the situation is quite different with omega-3: according to the 12th Nutrition Report of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), the recommended amounts of fish—namely 80-150 grams of lean fish and 70 grams of fatty fish per week—are significantly undershot by both men and women. Men consume an average of only 250 mg of EPA/DHA per day, and women even less, at just 150 mg. This underscores the importance of dietary supplements for ensuring adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake.

Besides the absolute amount, the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is also important. According to nutritionists, this should be 3-5 to 1. In reality, however, it is 20:1. An excess of omega-6 fatty acids is problematic (v.aArachidonic acid) in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis. The EPA fatty acid displaces arachidonic acid in the metabolism and thus counteracts inflammation. Therefore, to benefit from the advantages of omega-6 fatty acids without harming the body elsewhere, a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is important.

Benefits and mode of action

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal Brain function and eyesight EPA and DHA contribute to normal cellular function, provided at least 250 mg are ingested daily. Heart function This is beneficial, provided they are consumed in a daily amount of 250 mg. Replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.

With reference to infants Daily intake of DHA (100 mg) contributes to the normal development of vision up to 12 months of age. Additional daily intake of DHA by the mother (200 mg) contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyes in the fetus and breastfed infant.

Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and to maintain normal blood pressure (2 or 3 g daily are required for this).

Studies

The US government's National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the world's largest biomedical research institution and has a comprehensive overview of the current Current state of research on omega-3 fatty acids published on their website: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/

It says there u.a.: “People who eat fish and other seafood have a lower risk of various chronic diseases […]."

The following are the current state of research regarding the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on health. Topics named:

cardiovascular diseaseMany studies show that consuming oily fish and other types of seafood as part of a healthy diet helps keep the heart healthy and protects against some heart problems. For example, consuming more EPA and DHA from food or supplements lowers triglyceride levels. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people with heart disease consume about 1 gram of EPA and DHA per day, preferably from oily fish.

Infant health and developmentDuring pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating 227-340 grams of fish and other seafood per week can improve the baby's health. However, it's important to choose fish with higher EPA and DHA content, such as salmon. Some studies also suggest that taking omega-3 supplements may slightly increase a baby's birth weight and the length of time the baby spends in the womb. Both of these can be beneficial. Breast milk also contains DHA.

Cancer screeningSome studies suggest that people who consume more omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of breast cancer and possibly colon cancer. However, a large clinical trial found that omega-3 supplements did not reduce the overall risk of cancer, nor the risk of breast, prostate, or colon cancer. Further ongoing clinical trials will help clarify whether omega-3 fatty acids influence cancer risk.

Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cognitive functionSome—but not all—studies suggest that people who consume more omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fish may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. Further research on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the brain is needed.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Studies suggest that people who get higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from the foods they eat may have a lower risk of developing AMD. However, once someone has AMD, taking omega-3 supplements will not prevent the disease from worsening or slow vision loss.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Some clinical trials have shown that taking omega-3 supplements in combination with standard RA medications and other treatments may help manage RA. For example, people with RA who take omega-3 supplements may need less pain medication, but it is not clear whether the supplements reduce joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the Heart health This has been intensively researched for several decades. The focus is on... v.a.DHA and EPA are the focus. For example, a US meta-analysis examined 18 randomized clinical trials and 16 prospective cohort studies. When considering risk groups, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a 16% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease in participants with elevated triglyceride levels (>= 150 mg/dl), and to a 14% decrease among participants with high LDL cholesterol levels (>= 130 mg/dl). The results from cohort studies were even more pronounced: these showed a reduction of as much as 18% with the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. (cf. Alexander, Dominik D., et al., A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Cohort Studies of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease Risk, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, January 2017, Volume 92, Issue 1, pp. 15–29.)

A 2016 meta-study based on 19 clinical trials from 16 countries with a total of ~46,000 participants postulates that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, d.hDPA and EPA, which Increase survival chances after a heart attackThose participants with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a 25 percent higher survival rate after a heart attack than those with the lowest levels. However, the claim that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the likelihood of a heart attack in the first place could not be significantly confirmed. The researchers only found that dihydrotestosterone (DPA) reduced the risk of heart attack by six percent, a finding that was not statistically significant. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27357102/

Qidosha products

The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids depends on the proportion of EPA and EHA – both components are particularly high in the QIDOSHA product, at 50% and 25% respectively. DHA is especially important for brain function and, when optimally available in the body, can support learning and cognitive abilities. EPA, on the other hand, provides support, particularly during physical exertion, and can have a positive effect on mood.