Omega fatty acids are a class of polyunsaturated fats that have more than two double bonds. According to the position of the double bond, omega fatty acids can be divided into three categories: omega-3, -6, -9 fatty acids.
- Omega-3 refers to the first double bond at the end of the fatty acid at carbon atom 3.
- Omega-6 refers to the fatty acids whose first double bond at the end is at C6.
- Omega-9 means that the omega-9 position of unsaturated fatty acids has a terminal carbon-carbon double bond.
Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fats that the body cannot produce, so it is important to consume foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain good health. Supplements are available as supplementary options when food is not meeting the body's needs. Here we mainly introduce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and their benefits.
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as omega-3 oils, or n-3 fatty acids. Three common omega-3 fatty acids are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which have many health benefits.
- Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety
Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental diseases. Studies have found that people who regularly consume omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of depression. The symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly reduced after taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Among the three omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, EPA, and DHA, EPA has the most effective antidepressant effect.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development in fetuses and infants. DHA-fortified formula improves the vision of babies compared with unfortified formula. Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy have many benefits for babies, such as improving their intelligence, language skills, and social skills. In addition, they reduce the risk of behavioral disorders, developmental delays, autism, and cerebral palsy.
Heart attacks and strokes are among the most fatal diseases. People who eat a lot of fish have a lower incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Studies have found that a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease is strongly associated with a high omega-3 fatty acid intake. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the body include a reduction in triglycerides, a reduction in blood pressure, an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein levels, a reduction in blood vessel plaque buildup, and a reduction in atherosclerosis.
- Reduce autoimmune symptoms
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's own cells as if they were foreign and harmful. Early omega-3 fatty acid intake can help reduce the risk of diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids, another type of polyunsaturated fatty acids, help grow skin and hair, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain reproductive health. It is necessary for bodily functions. Notably, omega-6 fatty acids have the opposite effect of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory responses. This is because they contain eicosanoids, which accelerate inflammation in the body, while omega-3 resists inflammation. Therefore, a balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can work together to promote health, and the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet should be at least about 1:2 to 1:3.
Our Products
Alfa Chemistry provides three omega fatty acids, including algae oil DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and conjugated linoleic acid(CLA). These nutrients can be added to dietary supplements to meet the nutritional needs of the human body. Among them, CLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, while algal oil DHA and EPA are both omega-3 fatty acids. Compared with fish oil DHA, the algae oil DHA we provide has higher content and purity, with no heavy metal pollution, making it very suitable as a nutritional supplement for pregnant women and babies. Besides, algae oil DHA is purely plant-based, so it is also an excellent choice for vegetarians.
Based on the health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids described above, our products are widely used in dietary supplements. Click the links below to view more details about our products.
Alfa Chemistry provides a wide range of ingredients for nutritional supplements, including algae oil DHA, EPA and CLA. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
