Fish Oil
Oleum piscium – Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are often described as precious fats because of their beneficial effects on health: first of all, they protect the heart and blood vessels by lowering triglyceride levels, modulating inflammation and antiarrhythmic effects. In recent years, interest in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as their role in disease prevention and health preservation, has been continuously growing. Many clinical and epidemiological studies have shown the positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in child development, prevention and treatment of malignant and cardiovascular diseases, and more recently in various mental diseases, including depression, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The main dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are blue fish (sardines, mackerel, tuna, anchovies) and fish from cold seas (herring, salmon), algae, zooplankton and seafood, as well as seeds and nuts. Fortified food products and nutritional supplements containing purified fish oil are a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids in the modern man’s diet. Healthy fats include polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, primarily docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
An unborn child already needs EPA and DHA for its physical and mental development. In addition, they are of great importance for the normal function of the heart and brain, and contribute to the maintenance of eye health.
There is too little fish in our diet. Unfortunately, we often prefer to consume saturated fats (meat, milk and dairy products) without consuming enough “good”, unsaturated fatty acids. Two fish meals per week would be ideal, with at least one consisting of marine fish.
For normal brain function: Our ability to learn and concentrate is also influenced by the food we eat. Omega-3 fatty acids can particularly contribute to maintaining normal brain function. A prerequisite for normal brain metabolism is an adequate intake of DHA fatty acids through the food we eat. The recommended daily intake of DHA is 250 mg.
For normal heart function: Sufficient levels of DHA and EPA make a valuable contribution to normal heart function. A daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA will have a positive effect on heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important because they reduce blood pressure by 5-10mmHg, reduce triglyceride levels by 25-40%, reduce the risk of secondary cardiovascular events, and also reduce the level of atherosclerotic plaques.
For normal vision: About 80% of all information we receive about our environment comes to us through the sense of sight. This is reason enough to protect our eyes and keep them in good health. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role because they are components of the retina and photoreceptors. A daily intake of 250 mg of DHA can especially have a positive role in maintaining normal vision.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding: Already during pregnancy, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA affect the normal and healthy development of the baby’s eyes and brain. Since a pregnant woman delivers DHA to the unborn child directly through the umbilical cord, an increased daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250 mg of EPA/DHA.