Symptoms of Omega-3 Deficiency Even if you are eating enough omega-3, your body could still be deficient
In the case of omega-3, it is not only important how much you get, but also from what foods you get it. This is because of your DNA. About 1 in 3 people have genetics that predispose them to omega-3 deficiency when they rely primarily on plant sources, like olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, flax oil and hemp seeds, for this essential fatty acid. Early signs of omega-3 deficiency include: • • •
Dry skin Fatty food cravings High triglycerides
Should you get your omega-3 from plant or animal sources? See this video: bit.ly/GB-nutrigenomics The FADS1 gene is responsible for converting the omega-3 you get from plant foods (ALA) into EPA and DHA, which are the biologically active forms of omega-3 in your body. If you carry the C allele at rs174550 in your FADS1 gene, you are less efficient at this conversion. The following is the frequency of the low-convertor genotype in different ethnic groups: • • • • • •
69% of Mexican Americans 41% of East Asians 36% of Europeans 14% South Asians 9% Indians 4% of Africans
Check your FADS1 gene: bit.ly/hot-topic-plant-animal-fat