Omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)
Synopsis of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential polyunsaturated fats that play vital roles in human health, particularly in cardiovascular, cognitive, and inflammatory functions. The three primary types of omega-3s are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in plant sources like flaxseed and chia seeds; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both found primarily in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
Medicinally, omega-3s are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, their ability to reduce triglyceride levels, and their role in supporting brain development and mental health. They are frequently recommended to lower the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke, and have shown benefit in managing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression, ADHD, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. DHA, in particular, is crucial for brain and retinal development, making it essential during pregnancy and early childhood.
In supplement form, omega-3s are widely available as fish oil, krill oil, algal oil (for vegetarians), and flaxseed oil. Modern formulations often balance EPA and DHA to support specific therapeutic outcomes, such as mood stabilization or cardiovascular protection.
Historical Use in Medicine
Historically, omega-3-rich foods have long been integral to traditional diets, especially among Arctic and coastal populations. Indigenous communities like the Inuit of Greenland consumed high amounts of marine fats, and researchers in the 20th century began studying their unusually low incidence of heart disease despite a high-fat diet. This led to the discovery of the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in blood lipid profiles and inflammation control.
In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, while the term "omega-3" was not used, the inclusion of fatty fish, seeds, and oils as part of a balanced diet was emphasized for strengthening vitality, nourishing the brain, and soothing inflammation. Flaxseed, for instance, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive and skin health—benefits now understood to be partly due to its high ALA content.
Scientific interest in omega-3s surged in the 1970s following epidemiological studies, and by the 1990s, they became one of the most researched and recommended supplements in integrative and conventional medicine alike. Today, omega-3s represent a critical bridge between traditional nutrition and modern preventive health strategies.
Omega-3 fatty acids is used for these health conditions
Acne (Scientific)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Scientific)
Addictions (drugs) (Scientific)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing) (Scientific)
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Alcoholism (Scientific)
Allergies (food) (Scientific)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Angina (Scientific)
Anorexia (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Apathy (Scientific)
Arrhythmia (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Anger (excessive) (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Scientific)
Autism (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Bipolar Mood Disorder (Scientific)
Birth Defects (prevention) (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Bloodshot Eyes (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Broken Bones (Scientific)
Bulimia (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Canker Sores (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cartilage Damage (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (low) (Scientific)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Concentration (poor) (Scientific)
Concussions (Scientific)
Confusion (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Dysmenorrhea (Scientific)
Eczema (Scientific)
Emotional Sensitivity (Scientific)
Endometriosis (Scientific)
Epilepsy (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Eye Problems (Scientific)
Eyes (red or itching) (Scientific)
Eyesight (poor) (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Glaucoma (Scientific)
Gout (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Hair Care (general) (Scientific)
Hashimoto's Disease (Scientific)
Hearing Loss (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Scientific)
Hepatitis (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Infertility (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritability (Scientific)
Lou Gehrig's Disease (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Macular Degeneration (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Menopause (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Migraine (Scientific)
Muscular Dystrophy (Scientific)
Nerve Damage (Scientific)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Scientific)
Numbness (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Scientific)
Pets (supplements for) (Scientific)
PMS Type D (Scientific)
PMS Type P (Scientific)
PMS Type S (Scientific)
Polyps (Scientific)
Post Partum Depression (Scientific)
Post Partum Weakness (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Raynaud's Disease (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Rosacea (Scientific)
Schizophrenia (Scientific)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Scientific)
Seborrhea (Scientific)
Seizures (Scientific)
Senility (Scientific)
Sickle Cell Anemia (Scientific)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Scientific)
Skin Care (general) (Scientific)
Spinal Disks (Scientific)
Strokes (Scientific)
Surgery (healing from) (Scientific)
Surgery (preparation for) (Scientific)
Thinking (cloudy) (Scientific)
Thrombosis (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Triglycerides (low) (Scientific)
Vaginal Dryness (Scientific)
omega-3 fatty acids is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Female Reproductive System (Scientific)
Gums (Scientific)
Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Ovaries (Scientific)
Prostaglandins (Scientific)
Prostaglandins (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Senses (Scientific)
Serotonin (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Structural System (Scientific)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Testes (Scientific)
Testosterone (Scientific)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)
