Spring 2023 | Student Pharmacist; Bethany Hayden
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS COMMON TYPES Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) REASON FOR USE Omega-3 has many positive effects on the human body. They are a vital part of the cell membranes in the body. They are known to provide a start point for the hormones that regulate blood clotting, heart contraction and relaxation, and inflammation. Omega 3-fatty acids are essential fats meaning the human cannot produce them on its own and it must come from an outside source. BACKGROUND Research for this supplement began in Greenland where they discovered it in both diets and blood in 1978. EPA was the first omega-3 fatty acid to be studied and tested for various chronic conditions. In 1985, three major studies were published in the New England- Journal of Medicine. A few years later, in 1989, long term study results were becoming known. The Lancet, medical journal, released a two-year study that eating fish decreased all-cause mortality in people who have been victims of heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids biggest leap was when REDUCE-IT, a evidence providing organization that tests reduction of cardiovascular risk, published its own study. They pointed out that to see results, you have to take a high enough serving size/dose to get the healthy heart benefits. HOW IT WORKS Omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FA) main purpose is to lower triglycerides in the body by suppressing lipogenic gene expression, increasing beta-oxidation of fatty acids, and increasing expression of LPL. AVAILABLE FORMS W/SERVING SIZE Gummy Chews - 1200 mg daily (2 gummies) Soft Gels - 600 mg daily (1-2 softgels) Tablet - 550 mg daily (2 tablets) Liquid - 1200 mg daily (1 tsp