In todays highly refined, white bread, meat and sugar diet, omega 3's have been replaced almost exclusively by omega 6 fats such as corn, safflower and sunflower oils. Although these are good for you as well (and not to be confused with "bad for you" oils like anything that has been hydrogenated or with trans fat, including most margarines), they must be balanced with omega 3's at a ratio of 1:1 for optimal health. Today's american diet typically contains omega 6's as compared to omega 3's in a ratio of 20:1 and upwards, even, of 50:1, so it is very unfortunately skewed in favor of omega 6's. Specifically, omega 3 fats, especially concentrated in select fish, have been found to be beneficial to the brain and are therefore irreplaceably important. They also benefit other parts of the body such as the skin and heart. Fish oil is comprised of two fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). We need both for optimal health. DHA is the most prevalent polyunsaturated fat in the central nervous system and is especially important not just for adults, but for children's proper neurological development. Pregnant moms especially are advised to ingest omega 3's for optimal fetal brain development especially during the third trimester where the most development takes place. Lack of DHA has also been associated with everything from depression to schizophrenia to Alzheimer's disease. It has even been touted in at least one British study to help children suffering from ADD, attention deficit disorder.
The reason behind DHA's importance in brain health, especially, is that the brain is comprised almost entirely of fat, the most important of which is the omega 3's and improves communication between nerve synapses in the brain. DHA is believed to help increase serotonin levels in the brain; serotonin is a "feel good" hormone that chronically sad or depressed people are often found to be lacking in. EPA, the other component in fish oil, also helps with depression, and is beneficial to the heart as well as to joint health, skin and more. Taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil can provide optimal supplementation of both fatty acids. Omegas 3's are essential fatty acids and can't be produced by the body and must be supplemented through diet. If you are a person that doesn't consume large amounts of fish or doesn't like fish, supplementation with fish oil may be a better alternative. The wild fish taken from lakes, streams, and the ocean may contain high levels of mercury, which is poisonous and should be avoided. The omega 3's in Sealogix pharmaceutical grade fish oil are from fish located in some of the cleanest waters in the world from fisheries that are renewable and fully-sustainable. The fish oil is then molecularly distilled to concentrate and purify the oil, removing the contaminants. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (food and drug administration). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets.