FAQs About Fatty Acid Supplements
Find the answers to your top questions about Essential Fatty Acids and fatty acid supplements.
Should I take fatty acid supplements?
Fatty acid supplements, particularly those containing omega-3 fatty acids, can have numerous benefits such as: lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing the need for pain-relief medications with rheumatoid arthritis, improving blood pressure regulation, liver function and hormone production.
What are essential fatty acids good for?
Essential fatty acids are high in omega-3, which is essential for heart health, good cholesterol and the number of triglycerides that are present in your blood. We store triglycerides in our blood cells and eventually convert them into energy. If we have too many though, this increases the risk of blood clots and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids help us keep our triglyceride numbers in check. They also stimulate cognitive and brain function, which helps to protect us from degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, while aiding our vision and eye health (if we have a daily intake of 250mg).
Do fatty acids help boost sexual performance?
In men and women, having high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can boost circulation and blood flow, which can improve libido and sexual performance by stimulating blood flow to the sexual organs. Salmon, tuna and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
How much omega-3 fatty acids should I get per day?
Generally speaking, you should be getting around 250-300mg per day of fatty acids through a healthy balanced diet that contains protein and oily fish, green vegetables, fruits and grains. If you have an underlying health condition, you may need higher amounts of fatty acids than this. The daily dose for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is 1.1g per day for women and 1.6g per day for men. Consult your doctor before taking fatty acid supplements so you are getting the right dose for your health goals.
Are omega-3 fatty acids harmful?
If you take too many omega-3 fatty acid supplements, this could be dangerous, and you shouldn't exceed 3,000mg per day. Omega-3 fatty acids can cause excessive bleeding and blood thinning in some people. You should consult your doctor before taking essential fatty acid supplements if you are on blood thinning medications. High amounts of vitamin A can also be found in omega-3 fatty acid supplements (such as cod liver oil), which can be toxic if you take more than the stated dose. Taking more fatty acids than needed doesn't lead to health benefits.