Omega-3: what are adults and children taking, instructions for use

Recently, everyone has heard fashionable Omega-3 drugs. They are recommended in fitness clubs and beauty parlors. But many do not know what Omega-3 substances are, why they are taken, and what effect they have on the human body.

The chemical composition of Omega-3

Fats provide twice as much energy as carbohydrates. Lipids incorporate saturated fatty and polyunsaturated acids. This group includes Omega-3. It consists of 11 acids.

The most important polyunsaturated fatty acids:

• Alpha-linolenic - found in milk and its derivatives, vegetable oil, red meat.
• Docosahexaenoic - synthesized from seafood: fish, algae.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid - is found in large quantities in such fatty fish varieties: salmon, flounder, trout, cod (liver).
• Docosapentaenoic acid - found in seafood and certain types of meat.

The daily need for fats should be covered by 60% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Daily rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids

The consumption rate of Omega-3 depends on the age of the patient. For optimal functioning of the body, a healthy adult needs to consume about 1500-2000 mg of fatty acids. With arthritis, diabetes, nervous disorders and atherosclerosis of blood vessels, it is necessary to increase the daily rate to 4000 mg.

Regular use of omega-3s is good for the baby. Infants and young children need about 100 mg per day of PUFA. There is no official dosage of omega-3s; all rates are approximate.

What are adults and children taking?

Many are interested in the question of whether there is any benefit from Omega-3, for which they are taken by women expecting a baby. The use of these substances is necessary for pregnant women, since they are indispensable for all systems and organs of the person:

• The cardiovascular system. Omega-3s are a source of good cholesterol. This indispensable component eliminates atherosclerotic plaques, strengthens the vascular walls, has a hemorrhaging effect, and evens blood pressure. Regular intake of PUFA preparations reduces the risk of heart attacks, thromboembolism, strokes and varicose veins.
• Metabolism. Omega-3 is a lipid-lowering agent that accelerates metabolic processes, which contributes to the rapid loss of excess weight.
• Nervous system. Admission PUFA is accompanied by improved memory, increased mental performance. Omega-3 prevents damage to nerve cells, improves the conductivity of nerve impulses. Docosahexaenoic acid is effective in the treatment of the early stages of schizophrenia: it reduces nervousness and improves sleep.
• The immune system. Substances have anti-inflammatory effects. Stimulate the production of interferon to fight infectious diseases.
• Skin, hair. Polyunsaturated acids improve the metabolic process in the root follicles of the hair, preventing their loss. In addition, the production of fat is normalized, which leads to the elimination of dryness and brittle hair. Omega-3 increase the elasticity of the skin, control the sebaceous glands. Contribute to the production of collagen, which reduces wrinkles. Protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Prevent malignant cell division.
• Vision. The risk of developing glaucoma and degenerative changes in the eyes is reduced, and “dry eye syndrome” is prevented.
• Joints. Bone tissue is strengthened, intra-articular lubrication is produced. And also the tool is often used to prevent arthrosis.

During pregnancy, Omega-3 preparations are prescribed with the aim of having a healthy baby and a safe pregnancy. Docosahexaenoic acid is involved in the formation of the fetal nervous system, has a positive effect on the development of the organs of vision. A future mother needs a large amount of Omega-3s to prevent the risk of premature birth. These substances can reduce the risk of bleeding in pregnant women and increase their stress resistance.

It is recommended to take fish oil both during the planning period and throughout all trimesters of pregnancy.

Due to the constant presence of acids in the child’s diet, brain function improves, resulting in increased attention and memory. Therefore, when using Omega-3, children learn learning material more easily. And also this component normalizes visual function and activates the children's body's resistance to infections.

In men, fatty acids increase testosterone production and lower the level of “stress hormone”, preventing inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland.

Omega-3 Drug List

The most famous formulations containing these substances are:

• Solgar Double Omega. The product is enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA (360 mg), EPA (240 mg) and vitamin E.
• Omega Forte Evalar. The composition includes linseed oil, tocopherol, vitamin C.
• Omega 3 Vitrum. Contains DHA (200 mg) and EPA (300 mg), tocopherol.
• Omegamam is 9 months old. Specially designed drug for pregnant women. Contains DHA 500 mg.
• Omega-3 Doppelherz Asset. It contains fish oil and vitamin E.
• Omega 3 Natures Bounty. The supplement includes 900 mg of DHA and EPA.

 

All drugs are available in capsule form and have a cumulative effect.

Instructions for use and dosage

The pattern of use depends on the specific composition.Consider the example of the drug Double omega-3 capsules. It is produced by the American company Solgar. The package contains 60 capsules. The main component is fish oil, which contains EPA and DHA. The amount of EPA is 240 mg, DHA is 360 mg.

Omega-3 is used as a food supplement. For adults, it is recommended to drink 1 piece in 2 sets with meals. The pediatrician calculates the required dose for children.

The duration of administration depends on the purpose of use and is determined by the doctor. On average, the course lasts 3 months, if necessary, a repetition is possible.

Fatty acids help improve vision, brain activity, reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E is involved in cell metabolism, strengthens the muscle system, promotes the absorption of other vitamins, and stimulates cerebral circulation. The drug is manufactured using modern technology, with the help of which fish oil is purified from salts of heavy metals.

During pregnancy and lactation

Solgar Double Omega is not recommended for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For pregnant women, there are special Omega-3 complexes with other dosages.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

When taking drugs with Omega-3, it is necessary to control the use of seafood to avoid overdose. It can be manifested by a strong dilution of blood, which is dangerous for people with peptic ulcers of the stomach or duodenum.

Contraindications to the intake of PUFA:

• Children's age up to 7 years.
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
• Active tuberculosis.
• Hemophilia.
• Diseases of the kidneys, urinary system.
• The postoperative period.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Allergic reaction to seafood.
• Vascular disease, accompanied by their fragility.
• Injuries associated with blood loss.
• Impaired liver function.
• Excess tocopherol.

With proper administration, side effects rarely occur and manifest as nausea, vomiting, muscle and chest pain. Sometimes it is possible to increase menstrual bleeding in women.

Flaxseed oil or fish oil - which is better?

Our body is not able to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids, so we get them only with food or after taking dietary supplements. Omega-3 fish oil (99%) and flaxseed oil (55%) are especially rich.

DHA and EPA are present in the first agent, and alpha-linoleic acid in the second. Only a small amount of DHA and EPA can be isolated from flax seeds, but to get a daily dose of Omega-3, you will need to consume a large amount of oil.

Fish oil may contain salts of heavy metals, in this regard linseed oil is a safer product.

Flax seeds have a pleasant neutral taste, and fish oil has a specific smell that children do not always like.

Omega-3 in linseed oil is poorly absorbed by men. Therefore, they should choose fish oil as the main source of beneficial acids.

These two products affect the body in different ways. Flaxseed oil has a milder effect and is a biological supplement. It has antitumor, antiseptic properties, promotes wound healing. Flaxseeds contain the antioxidant thioproline, which removes nitrates from the body. Therefore, flax oil is recommended to be consumed with food.

It can be used externally, applied to poorly healing wounds, ulcers. For women, oil is used as a natural estrogen that preserves youthful skin, and it also reduces the unpleasant manifestations of menopause.

Fish oil can be attributed to medicines. It has a stronger effect on the body. It is recommended to be taken to prevent rickets in children. Used for vascular disease.

But if used improperly, it can be harmful to health, while flaxseed oil is safe even in large quantities. It can have a negative effect only if it turns out to be spoiled.

Of course, we all want to be healthy, young and beautiful. To do this, first of all, you should eat right, add more seafood, fruits, vegetables to your diet. And to achieve maximum effect, take Omega-3 periodically.