Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency – Effects, Symptoms & Sources of Omega 3’s {Infographic}

Most people (99%) don’t get enough omega 3’s, an essential fatty acid that is crucial to our survival. These fatty acids are essential because our bodies don’t actually make them on our own.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are what help support brain health and prevent cancer, heart disease and many other diseases. Since our body doesn’t make these fats, we must rely on proper nutritional food sources and supplements.

Omega 6 EFA’s are also necessary, but these days we consume just way too many omega 6’s and the ratio of omega 3’s to omega 6’s is not good.

Our ancestors consumed a healthier ratio of these fats – 1:1 – which is the best way to go. Our EFA imbalance is one of the big reasons we have so many health issues. Along with the fact that almost our entire population is deficient in omega 3’s.

The typical vegetable oils such as corn and soy oil, used especially in processed foods, is where we get most of our omega 6 EFA’s.

We need to start reducing our intake of these typical oils and start increasing our intake of oils with healthy omega 3 fats like olive oil and flax-seed oil.

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There are numerous health benefits that come with getting the proper amount of Omega 3 EFA’s.

Here is a helpful infographic that gives you a list of Omega 3 sources and also outlines the effects and symptoms of EFA deficiency.

If you have small children like me, Omega 3’s are vital for their development. If your kiddos have chronic congestion, runny noses, constipation, ear infections, coughs, or slow healing wounds, that’s a good indicator that they need more Omega 3’s in their diet. You can bet any children who have allergies, asthma, hay fever, eczema, skin rashes, and digestive problems are also deficient in essential fatty acids. Natural Healthy Concepts has plenty of chew-able or liquid fish oil supplements for the little ones.

• Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Gummies are a best seller with a tasty tangerine taste for kids two and older.
• Nordic Naturals also offers Baby’s DHA with Vitamin D3 for babies 5-35 lbs.

As for you, there are many ways to get your daily dose. You can swallow capsules, drink liquid oils, bake with flax seeds or even eat chewables!

Here’s a list of Omega 3 sources that will help you get your needed intake of EFA’s:

• Dr. Mercola Krill Oil - If you’re allergic to fish – krill oil is a good alternative. Some people prefer to take Krill Oil over Fish Oil either way.
• Terry Natually Vectomega – A whole food omega 3 complex with DHA, EPA, phospholipids and hydrolyzed amino acids from salmon extracted by a chemical free process using natural enzymes and a cold water flush.
• Carlson Fish Oil – Fish body oils from Norwegian deep, cold water fish including mackerel and sardines which are especially rich in Omega-3s EPA and DHA.
• Healthy Origins Chia Seed – Provides one of the richest whole food sources of Omega 3’s and fiber. Chia oil has one the highest amounts of omega 3 EFA’s of any plant known with eight times more Omega 3’s than fish oil.
• Nordic Naturals Algae Omega – The ideal vegetarian alternative to fish oil. Made from microalgae, it offers a plant-based source of omega-3’s EPA and DHA without the use of fish.
• Now Foods Flax Seed - The Omega-3 content of flax oil is typically 52%. Now Foods’ organic flax seeds also provide protein, mucilage, phytosterols and plant lignans.

For further information on fish oil, visit Essential Fatty Acids from Fish Oil on our website.

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