When you are deficient with omega-3 fatty acids, which 99 percent of Americans are not getting an adequate amount of omega-3s, you are likely to experience a range of health issues to include dry skin, difficulty losing weight, depression, heart disease, cognitive decline, and increased inflammation, and potentially impacting mental and physical well-being without readily apparent symptoms.

As you read this article, the only omega-3s we recommend is the BalanceOil+ because it is tested, and includes polyphenols. The BalanceOil+ is the only product that has the combination of omega-3s and polyphenols. And it has been tested as the only product that delivers the best results. More information about the BalanceOil+ at the end of this article.

Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for the proper functioning of the body, are crucial components of our cell membranes and play a vital role in various bodily processes. Despite their significance, omega-3 deficiency is common, often going unrecognized and untreated because MOST physicians don’t test for it when people get their lab work done. This article explores the conditions linked to low levels of omega-3, the benefits of correcting the deficiency, and how testing can guide supplementation to restore balance.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats that include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While ALA is mainly found in plant sources (like flaxseeds and walnuts), EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines), grass-fed beef, and pasture raised eggs, and are considered the most bioactive forms in the body. Omega-3s contribute to cell membrane integrity, anti-inflammatory pathways, cardiovascular health, and neurological function.

 Conditions Linked to Omega-3 Deficiency

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can affect almost every aspect of health, leading to a wide range of conditions:

1. Dry Eye and Skin Disorders
   • • Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate symptoms of dry eye by improving tear quality and reducing inflammation of the eye’s surface. Deficiency can result in eye irritation, redness, and blurred vision.
     • For the skin, omega-3 helps maintain hydration and elasticity. A lack of omega-3 can manifest as dry, flaky skin, and exacerbate conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
2. Inflammation and Joint Discomfort
   • • Omega-3s have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which help regulate the body’s inflammatory responses. Low levels of omega-3 are linked to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis.
     • Deficiency can exacerbate joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Supplementing with omega-3 has been shown to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions by reducing swelling and morning stiffness.
3. Mental Health Issues: Depression and Anxiety
   • • The brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, with omega-3s playing a crucial role in neurotransmitter function and reducing inflammation in the brain. Low levels of EPA and DHA have been linked to mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
     • Research shows that individuals with low omega-3 levels are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Supplementation has been associated with improved mood and cognitive function, suggesting that maintaining optimal levels may help prevent and manage mental health disorders.
4. Heart Disease
   • • Omega-3s are well-known for their cardiovascular benefits. They help lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.
     • A deficiency in omega-3s is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Correcting this deficiency can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve heart health.
5. Poor Sleep Quality
   • • Adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are associated with better sleep quality. They play a role in the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
     • Omega-3 deficiency can contribute to sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality, making it harder to achieve restful and restorative sleep. Increasing omega-3 intake has been linked to longer and more refreshing sleep.
6. Vertigo and Balance Disorders
   • • Omega-3s may play a role in maintaining inner ear health and reducing inflammation that can contribute to vestibular dysfunction. Chronic vertigo and balance issues may be exacerbated by a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.
7. Increased All-Cause Mortality
   • • Studies have shown that individuals with low omega-3 levels have a higher risk of premature death from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
     • Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining systemic health, and a deficiency can negatively impact overall longevity.

Other Conditions That Can Benefit from Omega-3 Supplementation

Beyond these major health concerns, correcting omega-3 deficiency has been shown to help with various other conditions:

• • Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.
  • Metabolic Disorders: Improved insulin sensitivity and lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Pregnancy and Infant Development: Omega-3s support fetal brain and eye development and reduce the risk of preterm birth.
  • Cognitive Decline: Lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Asthma: Omega-3s help reduce airway inflammation, potentially improving asthma symptoms.

The Importance of Testing: Omega-3 Index and Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio

To ensure that omega-3 levels are adequate, testing is a vital step. Two important tests can help:

1. BalanceTEST for Omega-3s
   
   • • This test measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, reflecting long-term omega-3 status. An optimal omega-3 index is typically considered to be above 8%, while levels below 4% indicate a high risk for cardiovascular disease.
     • Knowing your omega-3 index can help you tailor supplementation with the BalanceOil+ to achieve optimal levels.
2. Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio
   • • Modern diets are often high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils and processed foods) and low in omega-3s, leading to an imbalanced ratio. An ideal ratio is around 3:1 or lower, but many people have ratios around 20:1 or higher.
     • Testing this ratio can guide dietary changes and supplementation to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Addressing Omega-3 Deficiency: How to Optimize Your Levels

Correcting omega-3 deficiency typically involves dietary changes and supplementation:

1. Dietary Sources of Omega-3
   • • Include more fatty fish in your diet, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, which are rich in EPA and DHA. Honorable mention includes grass-fed beef and butter, and pasture raised eggs.
     • Plant-based options like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae oil can provide ALA, though it’s less efficiently converted to EPA and DHA in the body.
2. Supplementation
   • • BalanceOil+ is the superior way to get back into balance. When it comes to BalanceOil+ you have the option to choose soft gels and oil algae oil (for vegetarians/vegans) that are also effective ways to increase EPA and DHA levels.
     • Dosages can vary based on individual needs, so it’s important to use the BalanceTEST to guide supplementation.
3. Balancing Omega-6 Intake
   • • Reduce consumption of processed foods and seed (vegetable) oils high in omega-6 fatty acids (like soybean and sunflower oil). This can help bring the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio back into a healthier range.

Conclusion

Omega-3 deficiency is a widespread yet under-recognized health issue that affects various aspects of well-being, from inflammation and joint health to mental well-being, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, and even longevity. Many conditions could be alleviated simply by ensuring adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Testing your omega-3 levels and adjusting your diet and supplementation accordingly can make a profound difference in preventing and managing a host of health problems.

Regularly monitoring the omega-3 index and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio offers a personalized approach to optimizing your health and ensuring that this vital nutrient is not overlooked.

References 

1. Simopoulos, A. P. (2002). Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(6), 495-505.
2. Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients, 9(9), 965.
3. Bhargava, A., & Ikonne, U. S. (2019). Role of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye disease. Marine Drugs, 17(4), 210.
4. Calder, P. C. (2013). Long-chain fatty acids and inflammation. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 72(3), 273-276.
5. Kremer, J. M. (2000). n−3 fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(1), 349S-351S.
6. James, M. J., Gibson, R. A., & Cleland, L. G. (2000). Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(1), 343S-348S.
7. Sinn, N., & Milte, C. (2010). The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on mood disorders: Implications for depression and bipolar disorder. Nutrition Reviews, 68(5), 274-287.
8. Grosso, G., Galvano, F., Marventano, S., et al. (2014). Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2014.
9. Calder, P. C., Yaqoob, P. (2009). Understanding omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 85(1000), 84-90.
10. Albert, C. M., Campos, H., Stampfer, M. J., et al. (2002). Blood levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and the risk of sudden death. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(15), 1113-1118.

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Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, nutritionist, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health, and he serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association. You can e-mail Robert at robert@dietfreelife.com.