Omega 3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids having a common final carbon double bond in the n-3 position
. Important Omega 3 fatty acids are ALA, EPA and DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to normal growth and health. Their health benefits have increased in the past few years. Highly purified versions of E-EPA and combinations of E-EPA and E-DHA are considered more effective products than the traditional. In the EU they are available as dietary supplements whereas in the USA these versions are called Prescription Omega 3s.
DHA and EPA Omega 3 are best known for the heart health benefits. Researchers studying the Greenland Eskimos discovered these benefits in the 1970s. These Eskimos consumed large amounts of fat from seafood. However they displayed no cardiovascular disease. The high intake of these fatty acids consumed by the Eskimos reduced heart rate, blood pressure and triglycerides.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to EPA and DHA on 8th September 2004. It further stated that the risk of coronary heart disease may be reduced by consumption of such EPA and DHA fatty acids.
The importance of DHA Omega 3 has been recognized by the Canadian Government and it permits the biological claim that development of the brain, eyes and nerves is supported by the DHA Omega 3 fatty acid.
Increasing awareness of these fatty acids towards health has seen a number of companies add fish oil or flax oil to their final product in order to enrich it with these fatty acids. It is a known fact that some animal products such as milk and eggs can be naturally enriched for Omega 3 fatty acids by feeding the animals a diet which is rich in these fatty acids.