Omega-3s for Every Stage and Every Age

Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. At the molecular level, these acids are chains of carbon atoms. In fact, Omega-3 fatty acids take their name from the position of their first double carbon bond. The human body cannot make these fatty acids on its own, so we have to ingest them through food or supplements.

Two common types of Omega-3s, EPA and DHA, appear in fatty fish and seafood. A third type of Omega-3 known as ALA occurs in various plants, nuts and seeds. 

EPA and DHA, the “marine” Omega-3s, are of particular interest to health researchers. Recent studies have explored how the Omega-3s we get from seafood may provide various benefits as we grow and age.

Childhood and Infancy

According to a fact sheet from the National Institute of Health (NIH), DHA plays an important role in fetal development. This Omega-3 concentrates rapidly in the brain and retina during the third trimester of pregnancy, and it keeps accumulating in the brains of newborns throughout their first two years.

The role of Omega-3s in children’s development doesn’t stop at birth. Harvard Nutrition Source notes that “a developing child needs a steady supply of DHA to form the brain and other parts of the nervous system”. Human milk contains DHA and other Omega-3s, so infants can get these nutrients by nursing. For older children, the National Academy of Medicine has published their Adequate Intake levels in grams per day.

Adulthood

The journal Nutrients has published evidence that marine Omega-3s can help improve athletic performance. Their research has cited a number of benefits from consuming EPA and DHA (Tomczyk M et al.):

• Inflammation control
• Nervous system support
• Maintaining muscle mass after injury
• Improvement in training adaptation

The Omega-3s we get from seafood not only boost physical performance; they may also improve our emotional health. The British Journal of Nutrition found that EPA and DHA “could be considered as an effective add-on therapeutic approach in relieving depression symptoms.” (Lu Y et al.)

Middle Age

When it comes to heart health, marine Omega-3s deliver a wide range of benefits. Harvard Nutrition Source reveals that these fatty acids help ward off arrhythmia, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and can also help prevent atherosclerosis.

Scientists have also begun to research the links between Omega-3 and other chronic diseases. While there is still more research to be done, early indications show that this research into Omega-3 shows promise for the future.

Senior Living

As we noted in our blog post Seafood & Healthy Vision, foods rich in Omega-3s can help lower the risk of eye diseases later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

These fatty acids may also have a positive effect on brain health as we age. The NIH cites a particular study which found that higher fish consumption was “associated with a 60% lower risk of dementia and a 70% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Build Your Knowledge Base and Your Menu

While Omega-3 supplements are widely available, eating fatty fish and seafood remains one of the most reliable ways to obtain the benefit of these nutrients. The details are broken down in our blog post, Pills, Plants, or Seafood? Comparing Omega-3 Sources.

Fortunately, Chicken of the Sea offers any number of fresh and innovative ways to add Omega-3s to your foodservice menu. Browse our recipe collection and get inspired.

You can learn all about the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids and earn CPEU credit while you do it. Register for our free course Omega-3s and Health at Tunaversity and find out how seafood supports a healthier lifestyle.