Collection: Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids support the health of the heart and the circulatory system

Omega-3 fatty acids generally refer to alpha linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Out of these, ALA is an essential fatty acid which means that we need to acquire it externally from foods or supplements since the body cannot synthesize it. The body is able to synthesize EPA and DHA to some extent from the ALA fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for the normal function of the heart, blood vessels, brain, nervous system, skin and mucous membranes.

The daily intake and sources of omega-3 fatty acids

1 % of the daily energy consumption should be from omega-3 fatty acids. For example, a person who consumes 2000 calories a day should get at least 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day. The Finnish Heart Association recommends that a healthy person who consumes 2000 calories a day should get 2 g of ALA and 200 milligrams of EPA and DHA daily. People who suffer from heart problems or who belong in risk groups should get even 1 gram of EPA and DHA a day.

Good sources of ALA include linseed oil, hemp oil and canola oil. Other food oils are also good sources of ALA.

Fatty fishes, such as salmon and herring, are good sources of EPA and DHA. Fatty fish contains about 1 % of EPA – in some cases even 1,5 % – whereas low-fat fish contains 0,1 % of EPA. The amount of DHA can be 2 % in fatty fish whereas low-fat fish contains only 0,1 % of DHA. The daily intake of EPA and DHA can be fulfilled by eating 150 g of fatty fish a day.

The approved health claims of omega-3 fatty acids

• ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels
• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart

You can find plenty of different omega-3 supplements from our selection. When choosing the right omega-3 product for yourself, it is good to take into consideration the concentration and dosage of the product. Some omega-3 products also contain vitamins, such as vitamin A, D and E, so this is also good to take into consideration if you are already using certain vitamins simultaneously.

Choose a sustainable omega-3 product

The future of our oceans and fishes are under threat. Therefore we recommend choosing a certified fish oil which guarantees that the fish used in the product is caught in a responsible, ethical and sustainable way.

In our selection, you can find omega-3 products certified with the Friend of the Sea and MSC certification.