Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including brain health, heart health, and overall well-being. They are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own, so they must be obtained through diet or supplements. Although omega-3 fatty acids can be found in certain foods like fish, nuts, see All pages and seeds, many people may not consume enough of these foods to meet their daily omega-3 needs. This is where omega-3 supplements can be beneficial.
Omega-3 supplements come in various forms, including fish oil, krill oil, and algae oil. Fish oil is the most common form of omega-3 supplement and is derived from the tissues of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Krill oil is sourced from krill, tiny shrimp-like creatures that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Algae oil, on the other hand, is a plant-based source of omega-3s and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids that are important for human health: