6 Signs And Symptoms Of Omega-3 Deficiency That Every Woman And Man Needs To Know

The typical American diet is abundant in fat, and this is a well-known fact at this point! According to USDA, 641 calories daily of added fat were “average daily calories” in 2008. With such a large amount it would be more than easy to assume the daily omega 3 requirements is reached within that. However, it isn’t. Most of us are deficient in this nutrient with a wide range of negative health effects.

Here are 6 ways your health could be suffering due to an Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency

1. Obesity
Omega-3 fats increase cell activity, meaning that they are of utmost importance for cell metabolism. Anyone whose diet is deficient in omega-3 fats is likely to have a slowed metabolism, which in turn leads to excess weight gain.

2. Heart disease
Up to 40 percent of deaths caused by heart disease are due to high LDL cholesterol levels.  The good news is that adding omega-3 fats to your daily diet helps reduce them, which lowers the risk of sudden cardiac failure.

3. Eczema
Eczema is a type of rash which is often attributed to omega 3 deficiency.  One study has found that this condition can be improved by up to 23 percent by supplementing omega 3 fatty acid DHA. Omega 3 supplementation helps by reducing inflammation.


4. Arthritis
Omega 3 fats are potent inflammation fighters. They are capable of reducing swelling between joints which is common in those suffering from arthritis.  Taking omega 3 supplements reduces joint stiffness and tenderness, which means that arthritis patients may be able to take far less pain medications simply by adding this alternative.  Another study has found that omega 3 fats are effective in fighting cartilage destruction caused by osteoarthritis.

5. Depression
In countries with high omega-3 intake, cases of depression are lower by up to 60 percent. Serotonin is responsible for one`s sense of happiness.  Interestingly, one of the key components of this important neurotransmitter is omega-3 fats.

6. Learning disabilities
Given that up to 60 percent of the brain is made up of omega 3 fatty acids, it`s no wonder that they are more than necessary for its proper function.  If not enough are consumed the myelin sheath which surrounds the nerve cells might deplete, so the messages being sent through the brain will be slowed down or stopped. Multiple studies have found a link between higher omega 3 intake and reduced learning disability symptoms like ADD.

The good news is that this nutrient can be found in numerous foods.  According to one source,

“There are three types of omega-3’s: alpha-linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. HA and EPA are the most studied for  health benefits and are found in seafood like tuna, sardines, herring, salmon, swordfish, and anchovies. It is also found as a vegan sea source in algae. ALA is a source of omega 3’s found in plant sources, such as flaxseed and walnuts.”