
Omega 3: The “all-in-all” of health supplements!
Effect on Heart Health
Impact on Brain Health
It’s interesting to know that almost 60% of our brain is composed of fat. Omega 3 fatty acids comprise EPA and DHA i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid respectively where 10-20% of the brain fats are composed of DHA. Thus, DHA is the dominant omega 3 in the brain which enhances neurotransmitter function, protects brain cells against inflammation and damage, promoting brain health. Studies conducted over the years have shown that Omega-3 benefits aid memory ability, cognitive well-being, learning, as well as blood flow in the brain. Moreover, it is beneficial for elderly people who have limited access to healthy fatty acid rich foods benefitting Omega 3 supplements (Dighriri et al., 2022). This can be observed from the fact that people consuming omega 3 rich food or supplements have a lower risk of cognitive misfunction. Furthermore, Omega 3s have been shown to be useful in neurodegenerative disease management, by enhancing the glymphatic function helping in clearance, preventing early onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Natural reduction of inflammation
Omega 3 have been found relying on fish oil supplements for inflammation reduction, having benefits on patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. Among the various nutrients received from foods, omega 3 PUFA metabolites like resolvins act as immunity supplements, having strong anti-inflammatory effects especially during allergies and inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, asthma, IBD or inflammatory bowel disease as well as rheumatoid arthritis (Sawada, Saito-Sasaki and Nakamura, 2021). Moreover, scientific studies show that omega 3 supplementation improves key markers like interleukin IL-6, TNF alpha, CRP (C-reactive protein), CK as wells as DOM (Delayed onset muscle soreness) and the most effective results are usually observed through a consistent use of 2 grams per day of EPA+DHA for at least 6 weeks. Also, individuals having stable nutrient status including omega 3 supplementation exhibit lower inflammation causing faster recovery (GrassrootsHealth, 2026).
Supporting healthy skin
Considering Indian beauty standards, our skin is the most important organ and maintaining a radiant skin is as difficult as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The beauty of our skin is dependent on various factors like hydration, nutrition, and cosmetic care. Among these quintessential factors for healthy glowing skin, omega 3 plays a pivotal role and they have to be taken in the form of supplements since our body cannot produce them on their own. Omega 3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties which have the ability to strengthen the skin barrier, combatting skin ageing. Scientific studies have also found a connection between the anti-tumor effects of PUFA metabolites on melanoma as well as squamous cell carcinoma (Sawada, Saito-Sasaki and Nakamura, 2021). Regular consumption of omega 3s provides the skin with its essential fats and their natural anti-inflammatory effects help in calming inflamed skin conditions for eg. Dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Furthermore, omega 3s help in the retention of skin moisture as well as prevention of water loss, making the skin stay supple , radiant and glowing.
Improvement of Eye Health
With increasing age, eye issues like glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration have become very common. Moreover, the accumulation of saturated fatty acids in the retinal tissue increases and thus a healthy ration between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids should be maintained for good ocular health. Studies have shown that PUFAs like Omega 3 play a significant role in the risk reduction of age-related macular degeneration. According to another 2025 study, DHA supplements help in the improvement of visual development in infants and can also reduce retinal damage resulting from oxidative stress. This is because the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of DHA neutralize free radicals. Thus, DHA elevates eye health through its multi-faceted properties.
Nurtures the need of pregnancy
It has been found that the requirements of essential fatty acids increase during pregnancy for supporting fetal growth especially in the eyes and brain. Various animal studies have shown that deprivation of these omega 3 fatty acids have been connected with irreversible visual as well as behavioral deficits which cannot suffice through post-natal supplementation. Moreover, adequate intake of Omega3 fats have been found to be essential in the maintenance of balanced production of prostaglandins, thus stabilizing several physiological functions like blood pressure, clotting, inflammatory and allergic responses, nerve transmission resetting the normal function of kidneys, GI tract and hormone production (Omega‐3 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy, 2025).
References
- Chen, X., Chen, L., Yang, X. and Zhang, Z. (2025). Global burden of ischemic heart disease due to omega-3 deficiency: 204-country analysis, 1990–2021. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1658775.
- Chevalier, L., Vachon, A. and Plourde, M. (2021). Pharmacokinetics of Supplemental Omega-3 Fatty Acids Esterified in Monoglycerides, Ethyl Esters, or Triglycerides in Adults in a Randomized Crossover Trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 151(5), pp.1111–1118. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxaa458.
- Dighriri, I.M., Alsubaie, A.M., Hakami, F.M., Hamithi, D.M., Alshekh, M.M., Khobrani, F.A., Dalak, F.E., Hakami, A.A., Alsueaadi, E.H., Alsaawi, L.S., Alshammari, S.F., Alqahtani, A.S., Alawi, I.A., Aljuaid, A.A. and Tawhari, M.Q. (2022). Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 14(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30091.
- GrassrootsHealth. (2026). Omega-3s, Inflammation, and Muscle Recovery: What the Latest Meta-Analysis Reveals - GrassrootsHealth. [online] Available at: https://www.grassrootshealth.net/blog/omega-3s-inflammation-and-muscle-recovery-what-the-latest-meta-analysis-reveals/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2026].
- National Institutes of Health (2023). Omega-3 Fatty Acids. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/.
- NHLBI, NIH. (2024). Omega-3s for heart health? Exploring potential benefits and risks. [online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/omega-3s-heart-health-exploring-potential-benefits-and-risks.
- Omega‐3 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy. (2025). Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 70(5), pp.835–836. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.70030.
- Sawada, Y., Saito-Sasaki, N. and Nakamura, M. (2021). Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Skin Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology, [online] 11. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7892455/pdf/fimmu-11-623052.pdf.


