What You Need To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Hamilton

As a Hamilton compounding pharmacy, we want you to know about omega-3 fatty acids in detail. Our bodies use omega-3 fatty acids for many purposes, such as creating new cells and producing energy. This type of fat is polyunsaturated, which means it has a chemical structure that makes it liquid at room temperature, which means that it has a high melting point. According to general health guidelines, polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3s, are generally considered healthier than other fats (such as saturated and trans fats). omega-3 fatty acids come in many forms, but three of the most common are:

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

It is impossible for your body to produce enough omega-3 fatty acids on its own, which is why you need to get them from food or supplements. Most people can get all their omega-3 requirements through their diets alone.

The omega-3 fatty acids are used throughout your body to make and maintain cells, particularly those in your brain and eyes. As well as providing your cells with energy, they have an important role to play in the functioning of several body systems, including:

• Hormone production
• Heart and blood vessels
• Lungs
• Immune system

Despite the fact that most of the research so far has not been conclusive, omega-3s might also be beneficial for your long-term health.

What Are Some Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally present in a wide range of foods, including:

• Plant oils like soybean oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil
• Oily fish like sardines, salmon, or tuna
• Soybeans
• Flaxseed
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds

Omega-3s can also be taken as a supplement, either in the form of:

• Capsule
• Gel
• Liquid
• Gummy

Fish, shellfish, and plants are the usual sources of omega-3 supplements:

• Fish oil
• Fish-liver oil
• Krill oil
• Flaxseed oil (vegetarian)
• Algae oil (vegetarian)

Some packaged foods, such as cereals, yogurts, and beverages, contain omega-3 fatty acids. For people with high triglycerides, there are prescription omega-3 supplements available.

How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acids Should We Take?

According to the NIH, the amount of ALA that you require every day depends on your age, your gender, and whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are no specific recommendations for the amount of DHA and EPA you should be taking, but experts recommend that you do not exceed the daily recommended intake of EPA and DHA combined.

It is recommended that you consume the following amounts of ALA daily:

• Children 1 to 3 years: 0.7 g
• Children 4 to 8 years: 0.9 g
• Male children 9 to 13 years: 1.2 g
• Female children 9 to 13 years: 1.0 g
• Male adults age 14 and older: 1.6 g
• Female adults age 14 and older: 1.1 g
• Pregnant females: 1.4 g
• Breastfeeding females: 1.3 g
• Babies under 12 months should get 0.5 g of combined omega-3s (ALA, DHA, and EPA) per day.

What Does Omega-3 Do For Us?

Based on what we know so far, taking omega-3 supplements appears to be effective for lowering triglyceride levels and relieving symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for other health conditions are also being investigated, but the proof is unclear yet. The following health benefits may result from omega-3 fatty acids:

• Stroke
• Macular degeneration
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• ADHD
• High blood pressure
• Cancer prevention
• Dry-eye disease
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Cystic fibrosis
• Depression
• Dementia

Conclusion

At Aurora Compounding and as a Hamilton compounding pharmacy, our expert compounding pharmacists can develop customized dosages for you based on your needs. They can even change a drug’s formulation. If you can’t take pills, we will be happy to convert them into liquid form. Contact us for more information on compounding and we would be happy to help you out.