Omega 3: The “all-in-all” of health supplements!
June 16, 2026Wellness

Omega 3: The “all-in-all” of health supplements!

With the advent of science, technology and conscious marketing, our youth have switched to mindful health choices compared to previous generations. This involves clean eating habits, regular exercise and avoiding stressful lifestyles. However, increasing hospitalization rates and poor health outcomes makes news headlines throughout the world and this is worsened by visible nutritional gaps in our staple diet ingredients. Although our society has progressed, a huge percent of the population is still dicey about taking health supplements and its utmost need in our regular routine goes unnoticed. Also, people are unaware of the benefits of highly absorbable Omega-3 supplements and thus often take it as a trend or only if recommended by physician. 

Omega 3s known for their wide range of health benefits and since our body cannot produce these fatty acids, we are dependent on external sources mostly in the form of supplements. While discussing Omega 3s, what they are, their sources and impact on our health, let’s understand the various ways omega 3 supports our overall health.  

Effect on Heart Health


Omega-3 fatty acids are scientifically proven for improving cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots and avoiding any plaque buildup. Further studies have shown that marine-derived fatty acids like Omega 3 helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels, reducing vascular inflammation, enhancing plaque stability, improving endothelial function as well as protection of the cardiac cell membrane function (Chen et al., 2025). In one such trial of Vitamin D and Omega 3 VITAL, results have shown significant 28% reduction in heart attack incidents in adults taking Omega 3 vs placebo. In addition, researchers have found a 44% reduction in heart attack incidents in the population suffering from 2 or more heart disorders who don’t consume fish regularly (NHLBI, NIH, 2024).  

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. 

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