By Joseph C. Maroon MD
Fall 2024
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential” for human existence. This is because
humans incorporate the omega-3 molecule into every cell membrane of our body. Our
bodies cannot manufacture omega-3 by ourselves, and therefore it must be consumed
in our diet, as seafood, or as dietary supplements.
I have personally done research on the numerous health benefits found using omega-3
as a dietary supplement. In a published study, we showed improved regulation of pain
and joint swelling associated with back and neck pain. In addition, numerous studies
have shown improved vascular and heart health benefits. Additionally, adequate
amounts of omega-3, either from seafood or supplements, promotes fluidity in nerve
transmission and increased brain cell production.
Taking an omega-3 dietary supplement or consuming adequate amounts of seafood
must be obtained daily for optimal health and wellness. But the fact is, the great majority
of Americans are deficient in omega-3 due to our typical Western diet. In fact,
Americans on average only eat about 20 pounds of fish or seafood per year.
Comparing our 20 pounds/annually of seafood consumption and disease reduction to
that of other counties around the world, the results are frightening. The fact is studies
show that in those countries, like Japan, those that eat the most seafood (200
pounds/year or 10 time more than Americans) also have the lowest cardiovascular
disease risk. Americans are missing out on a relatively easy way to reduce our risk for
many chronic diseases and early death, by just changing their diet.
Based on this research and many other recent dietary studies, I now believe that eating
fish and seafood may be as important or perhaps even more important than taking
concentrated dietary supplements. The making and manufacturing of typical omega-3
supplements removes the protein and the many of the nutrients found in seafood that
have tremendous health benefits.
I personally love seafood and eat fish several days a week. But since it is unlikely,
based on a variety of factors, that Americans will start eating 100 pounds or more of
seafood annually, I still recommend a daily fish oil supplement to obtain its many
omega-3 benefits.
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