We hear a lot about fish oils and omega-3s in relation to brain health but what exactly are they?

Clinically established as a nutrient essential for the development of an infant’s brain and central nervous system, omega-3s occur naturally in breast milk, and are added to infant formula – yet many are unaware of their importance in pregnancy and infant care.

Even more surprising is that this knowledge is only rarely applied to the growing child and adolescent and is virtually forgotten as it pertains to adult brain function. The truth is omega-3 fatty acids are essential during every stage of life, right through to old age.

Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 are the individual building blocks for all the fats and oils in our diet, and are components of almost every cell in our bodies. As a nutrient, essential fatty acids, like vitamins, cannot be generated by the body, and therefore must be consumed through supplementation or a healthy diet.

Healthy body and mind
The type of fatty acids we eat influences our body composition, and ultimately its function and health, so it’s not surprising that if the body, including the brain, doesn’t get the right building blocks it will not function efficiently.

Fatty acids are grouped into various categories: saturated fatty acids tend to be solid at room temperature and are abundant in butter, for example.  Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are liquid at room temperature and are the main component of vegetable oils such as corn, sesame and evening primrose, and are also found in fish and fish oils.  PUFAs are often called ‘good fats’ because eating them can improve health, and these are subdivided into two main categories called omega-6 and omega-3.

The two omega-3 PUFAs most important for brain function are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Because they are so essential for good health, the body has evolved ways of producing EPA and DHA from other fatty acids which are more widely available in the diet.

However, the process of conversion in the body is inefficient and slow, and today’s diet and lifestyle means that these fatty acids need to be obtained from more abundant sources. Fortunately, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are excellent sources of these omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoiding deficiencies
With most people failing to eat the government recommended daily allowance of two portions of oily fish each week, which would provide us with the omega-3 fatty acids we require, the average intake is currently less than half that necessary for optimal health.

These low levels mean that there is now a general omega-3 deficiency in the diet that has been linked to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, brain disorders including a range of learning disorders, age related memory loss, dementia and depression.  Ensuring a daily intake of omega-3 is a healthy way to maintain normal brain function from birth right through to old age.

New Efalex Active 50+, the first fish oil supplement specifically designed for the over 50s, contains a unique combination of ingredients known for their beneficial role in maintaining healthy brain function and performance, including Fish oils, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Ginkgo biloba, Vitamin B12 and folic acid.

For further information please contact 01372 379828 or visit www.efamol.com