Omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)

Table of Contents

Other names

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
Fish Oil Omega-3
Plant-Based Omega-3

Synopsis

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential polyunsaturated fats that play vital roles in human health, particularly in cardiovascular, cognitive, and inflammatory functions. The three primary types of omega-3s are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in plant sources like flaxseed and chia seeds; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both found primarily in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Medicinally, omega-3s are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, their ability to reduce triglyceride levels, and their role in supporting brain development and mental health. They are frequently recommended to lower the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke, and have shown benefit in managing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression, ADHD, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. DHA, in particular, is crucial for brain and retinal development, making it essential during pregnancy and early childhood.

In supplement form, omega-3s are widely available as fish oil, krill oil, algal oil (for vegetarians), and flaxseed oil. Modern formulations often balance EPA and DHA to support specific therapeutic outcomes, such as mood stabilization or cardiovascular protection.

Historical Use in Medicine
Historically, omega-3-rich foods have long been integral to traditional diets, especially among Arctic and coastal populations. Indigenous communities like the Inuit of Greenland consumed high amounts of marine fats, and researchers in the 20th century began studying their unusually low incidence of heart disease despite a high-fat diet. This led to the discovery of the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in blood lipid profiles and inflammation control.

In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, while the term "omega-3" was not used, the inclusion of fatty fish, seeds, and oils as part of a balanced diet was emphasized for strengthening vitality, nourishing the brain, and soothing inflammation. Flaxseed, for instance, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive and skin health—benefits now understood to be partly due to its high ALA content.

Scientific interest in omega-3s surged in the 1970s following epidemiological studies, and by the 1990s, they became one of the most researched and recommended supplements in integrative and conventional medicine alike. Today, omega-3s represent a critical bridge between traditional nutrition and modern preventive health strategies.

Uses: Health Conditions

Abuse and Trauma (Traditional)
Acne (Traditional)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Traditional)
Addictions (coffee, caffeine) (Traditional)
Addictions (drugs) (Traditional)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates) (Traditional)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing) (Traditional)
Addison's Disease (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Age Spots (Traditional)
Aging (prevention) (Traditional)
Alcoholism (Traditional)
Alkalosis (Traditional)
Allergies (food) (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Amenorrhea (Traditional)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Aneurysm (Traditional)
Anger (excessive) (Traditional)
Angina (Traditional)
Anorexia (Traditional)
Antibiotics (side effects of) (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Anxiety Disorders (Traditional)
Apathy (Traditional)
Appendicitis (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Appetite (excessive) (Traditional)
Arrhythmia (Traditional)
Arteriosclerosis (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Traditional)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Traditional)
Autism (Traditional)
Autoimmune Disorders (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bedwetting (Traditional)
Bell's Palsy (Traditional)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Traditional)
Bipolar Mood Disorder (Traditional)
Birth Control (countering side effects) (Traditional)
Birth Control (natural) (Traditional)
Birth Defects (prevention) (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bladder (irritable) (Traditional)
Bladder (ulcerated) (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bleeding (internal) (Traditional)
Blisters (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Science)
Blood in Stool (Traditional)
Blood in Urine (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Bloodshot Eyes (Traditional)
Body Building (Traditional)
Body Odor (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Breast Lumps (Science)
Breast Milk (dry up) (Traditional)
Breasts (enhance size) (Traditional)
Breasts (swelling and tenderness) (Traditional)
Broken Bones (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Bruises (prevention) (Traditional)
Bulimia (Traditional)
Bunions (Traditional)
Burning Feet or Hands (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Bursitis (Traditional)
Calcium Deficiency (Traditional)
Calcium Deposits (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Capillary Weakness (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Cardiac Arrest (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Traditional)
Cartilage Damage (Traditional)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Down Syndrome (Traditional)
Duodenal Ulcers (Traditional)
Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Electromagnetic Pollution (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Endometriosis (Traditional)
Energy (lack of) (Traditional)
Environmental Pollution (Traditional)
Epilepsy (Traditional)
Estrogen (low) (Traditional)
Exercise (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Eyes (spots before) (Traditional)
Eyesight (poor) (Traditional)
Fat Cravings (Traditional)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Fatty Tumors or Deposits (Traditional)
Fear (excessive) (Traditional)
Fibroids (uterine) (Traditional)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Traditional)
Fibrosis (Traditional)
Fingernail Biting (Traditional)
Fleas (Traditional)
Floaters (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Frostbite (prevention) (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gall Stones (Traditional)
Gangrene (Traditional)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Goiter (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Grave's Disease (Traditional)
Grief and Sadness (Traditional)
Hair (graying) (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Hangover (Traditional)
Hashimoto's Disease (Traditional)
Headache (cluster) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Hearing Loss (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Traditional)
Heart Valves (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hernias (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Hypochondria (Traditional)
Hypoglycemia (Traditional)
Hypotension (Traditional)
Hypothyroid (Traditional)
Hysteria (Traditional)
Infertility (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Interstitial Cystitis (Traditional)
Irritability (Traditional)
Jet Lag (Traditional)
Lou Gehrig's Disease (Traditional)
Lungs (fluid in) (Traditional)
Lupus (Traditional)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Metabolic Syndrome (Traditional)
Mitral Valve (Traditional)
Multiple Sclerosis (Traditional)
Muscular Dystrophy (Traditional)
Myasthenia Gravis (Traditional)
Nerve Damage (Traditional)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Traditional)
Numbness (Traditional)
Parkinson's Disease (Traditional)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Traditional)
Pets (supplements for) (Traditional)
PMS Type D (Traditional)
PMS Type P (Traditional)
PMS Type S (Traditional)
Polyps (Traditional)
Post Partum Depression (Traditional)
Post Partum Weakness (Traditional)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Traditional)
Progesterone (low) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Puberty (hormone balancer) (Traditional)
Raynaud's Disease (Traditional)
Rheumatic Fever (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Rosacea (Traditional)
Schizophrenia (Traditional)
Sciatica (Traditional)
Scoliosis (Traditional)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Traditional)
Seborrhea (Traditional)
Seizures (Traditional)
Senility (Traditional)
Sex Drive (low) (Traditional)
Sickle Cell Anemia (Traditional)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Sleep Apnea (Traditional)
Snoring (Traditional)
Spinal Disks (Traditional)
Stiff Neck (Traditional)
Stretch Marks (Traditional)
Strokes (Traditional)
Surgery (healing from) (Traditional)
Surgery (preparation for) (Traditional)
Syphilis (Traditional)
Tachycardia (Traditional)
Testosterone (low) (Traditional)
Thinking (cloudy) (Traditional)
Thrombosis (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Traditional)
Triglycerides (low) (Traditional)
Vaginal Dryness (Traditional)

Body Systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Nails (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Pancreatic Tail (Traditional)
Pineal Gland (Traditional)
Pituitary (Traditional)
Pituitary (anterior) (Traditional)
Pituitary (posterior) (Traditional)
Progesterone (Traditional)
Prostaglandins (Traditional)
Prostaglandins (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Senses (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Smell (Traditional)
Specific Hormones (Traditional)
Spinal Disks (Traditional)
Structural System (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Testes (Traditional)
Testosterone (Traditional)
Thyroid Gland (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Vagina (Traditional)