- Healthy life and growth, and the continuity of physical and mental functions can only be ensured with a balanced and sufficient diet. Historical resources show that the nations with healthy diets have always created great civilizations. Likewise, countries with healthy diets are classified as advanced, and the countries with poor diet are classified as underdeveloped countries. Scientific studies conducted in recent years have clearly revealed the relationship between health and diseases, hile the epidemiological studies have pointed to the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases. The fact that studies have revealed the natural effectiveness of certain nutrients in the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases has increased the importance of sufficient, balanced, and proper nutrition in the protection of our health. Fats, which have an important role in human nutrition, are sources of high energy, and they are very important due to the functional compounds they contain such as fat-soluble vitamins, their roles on blood lipid levels and omega-3 fatty acids.
The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Human Health
The findings of recent studies have shown that the types and amounts of fats and fatty acids in fats are also important for individuals to get healthier. With the increase of margarine and frying oils, the food consumption habits of individuals has recently led to an increase in consumption of linoleic acid, which is a precursor of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid used in the synthesis of eicosanoids (TXA 2, PGE 2, PGI 2) and leukotrienes (LTB 4, LTC 4, LTE 4). On the other hand, the consumption of α-linolenic acid, which is another omega-3 fatty acid, aeicosaenoids (TXA 3, PGE 3, PGI 3), which are derivatives of α-linolenic acid with anti-inflammatory features, and n-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA has been reported to have important effects in the prevention and treatment of prostate, breast, lung and intestinal cancers, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and schizophrenia. In addition , it has been reported to have significant positive effects on strengthening the immune system, development of intelligence in the early period, and ensuring high birth weight (Ceylan et al., 1999; Leskanich and Noble 1997). These fatty acids have been stated to have positive effects on the development of the nervous system, brain functions and retina.
The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Diseases
Although the mechanism of the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases is not fully known, it is thought that these fatty acids effect by inhibiting the synthesis of saturated fatty acids, triglycerides, lipoprotein B and LDL in the liver, reducing their formations, increasing the amount of plasma HDL, transporting cholesterol to the liver and thereby transforming it into bile acids and providing its excretion (Dyerberg, 1986; Kinsella et al., 1990). They have an important role in decreasing serum cholesterol level, thus preventing and delaying the formation of vascular occlusion. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have antihypertensive effects.
The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on The Musculoskeletal System
It is reported that omega-3 fatty acids have a very important effect in the prevention, reduction and treatment of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis) disease, which is characterized by symptoms such as joint swelling, pain, difficulty in movement, fever, fatigue, and weakness. In particular, EPA increases Ca density in bones by ensuring the absorption and accumulation of Ca in bones, thereby preventing the formation of osteoporosis, which is a serious problem encountered in old age. It is suggested that EPA achieves this effect by inhibiting the release of the hormone PGE 2, which suppresses bone formation (Watkins et al., 2001).
The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on The Immune System
It is known that omega-3 fatty acids have positive effects on the immune system that protects the organism against diseases. These fatty acids make the organism resistant to diseases by providing the synthesis of T and B lymphocytes, which protect the organism against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, foreign tissues and tumors, and which produce special proteins called antibodies against antigens, as well as the macrophages that eliminate harmful substances for the organism by means of phagocytosis (Guo et al., 2004).
Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy
It is reported that omega-3 fatty acids have a very important role in the development of the brain, retina, and nervous system, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy and in infancy after birth. DHA has a particularly important place among these fatty acids. Hence, DHA is an essential natural component of phospholipids, which are found in the membrane structures of related tissues and which have vital functions for the cell (Connor, 2000; Mahaffey, 2004).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuropsychiatric Diseases
EPA and DHA, which are among the omega-3 fatty acids, help the rejuvenation of the cells in the brain, thereby enabling the brain and retina cells to reproduce. Studies have shown that there is an opposite relationship between consumption of n-3 fatty acids and problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, memory loss, and visual disturbances (Canbulat and Özcan 2008). Morris et al. (2003) stated that consuming at least one serving of fish per week reduced the risk of Alzheimer by 60% in individuals compared to the individuals who consumed less frequently. Likewise, it has been reported that the relevant fatty acids yield positive results in the treatment of individuals with antisocial behaviors, learning difficulties and mental imbalances leading to schizophrenia and depression (Marangell et al., 2003).
Possible Side Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Due to the low daily amount of these fatty acids in diet and the low level of requirement (0.2-1 g/day for children; 1-1.5 g/day for adults), it has been reported that there are no serious side effects arising from their consumption. It has been stated that ALA in flaxseed oil in very high doses (30 g/day) may cause diarrhea and gas; however no side effects related to EPA and DHA have been encountered. On the other hand, people at risk of bleeding are recommended to be cautious due to the fact that s n-3 the fatty acids reduce blood viscosity. Likewise, due to the fact that these fatty acids have a large number of unsaturated double bonds, it is recommended to add antioxidant substances to the diet in case they are used at a high level against the possibility of oxidation.
Farmafen Omega 3:
Ingredients: Each capsule contains 1434 mg of fish oil, 968 mg of Omega 3, 473 mg of EPA and 315 mg of DHA. In addition, each capsule contains 30 mg of Vitamin E.
Directions for Use: 1 soft capsule per day for adults. Product quantity: 30 soft capsules contribute to the normal functions of the heart and brain due to the high level of EPA and DHA.
It contributes to the strengthening of the immune system due to the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E. It contains Norwegian fish oil in accordance with IFOS standards. The origin of Vitamin E is Germany.