Heart health through Omega-3: Why you should rely on these fatty acids now and how to find the right dose

Herzgesundheit durch Omega-3: Warum du jetzt auf diese Fettsäuren setzen solltest & wie du die richtige Dosis findest

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been an integral part of the lively discussion about heart health – they play a crucial role in preventing and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. In this article, you'll learn how omega-3 benefits your heart, your brain, and even your eyesight, why the ratio of 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA is sensible, and what other quality criteria you should consider. We also highlight expert opinions and provide you with practical tips on omega-3 – concise, concise, and insightful.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids aren't "fad supplements," but vital building blocks that your body can't produce itself. They're absorbed through your diet—and they do great things! Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for the human body. They support numerous bodily functions, including heart health, brain function, and vision. The most important omega-3 fatty acids include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are primarily found in oily sea fish. Adequate intake of these fatty acids is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being.¹

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Why is Omega-3 so important for your heart?

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are considered key factors for heart health. They not only support vascular function but also help regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body.¹

Experts emphasize:

“Omega-3 fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatory agents and help stabilize blood vessels.”¹

Omega-3: The natural heart protector that could change your life

Studies show that regular omega-3 intake can reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Individuals who are at higher risk due to their diet or lifestyle particularly benefit from an optimal omega-3 intake. The high quality and purity of the fish oil used in omega-3 capsules is crucial to their effectiveness and is ensured by laboratory testing.

And the best part? You can do something yourself by incorporating Omega-3 into your daily routine – whether through diet or supplementation.

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Does it make sense to take Omega-3?

Many people ask themselves: Do I really need omega-3 supplements? The answer could be crucial to your health. Here are a few clues:

  • Dietary habits : Do you regularly eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or herring? That's a good start. But the reality is that most of us can't get the right amount of omega-3 from fish alone—especially considering that we often don't choose the best fish or eat the right amount. Omega-3 supplements could be the deciding factor in protecting your health without having to worry about the quality of the fish.
  • Lifestyle : Do you frequently eat convenience foods, fast food, or sugary snacks? Then you probably have a massive imbalance in your body. A Western diet rich in omega-6 and sugar can lead to a dangerous omega-3 deficiency—which promotes inflammation and chronic disease. If you don't break this vicious cycle, the long-term consequences could be serious. Omega-3 can help fight inflammation and restore the balance between omega-6 and omega-3.
  • Risk factors : People with elevated triglyceride levels or cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from additional intake, which is why experts recommend higher amounts of Omega 3 for them.

Many experts agree: Omega-3 is an essential building block for a healthy heart. Internationally renowned cardiologist Dr. Peter Libby emphasized in an article in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology:

“The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to their heart benefits because they help stabilize plaque in the arteries and keep blood vessels healthy.”

Certain oils, such as linseed oil and hemp oil, are particularly beneficial because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and, when stored correctly, can maximize their health benefits.

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What symptoms indicate an omega-3 deficiency?

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids is often not as obvious as, for example, a vitamin D deficiency. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your body needs more omega-3:

  • Dry, flaky skin and brittle hair : Omega-3 is a component of cell membranes and helps keep skin and hair supple.
  • Difficulty concentrating and fatigue : Brain function can also be impaired if there is a deficiency, as DHA plays an important role in the brain.
  • Increased inflammation levels : An imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 often leads to increased inflammation in the body, which can manifest itself in increased infections or joint pain.

If you experience several of these symptoms, it's worth getting your omega-3 status checked.

Experts such as Manson, Cook, Lee et al. also emphasize:

“Omega-3 fatty acids not only lower triglycerides, they also have positive effects on vascular function and reduce inflammation – essential for heart health.”⁷

Which is more important – EPA or DHA?

The question often arises as to whether EPA or DHA is the more important component for your heart. Both fatty acids have their specific functions:

  • EPA (400 mg) : Particularly potent in reducing inflammation and lowering triglycerides. It is the ultimate "heart-protecting factor." Omega 3 fish oil, rich in EPA and DHA, plays a crucial role in heart health, as the human body cannot produce these essential fatty acids itself.
  • DHA (200 mg) : Essential for brain and eye function. It also supports the stability of cell membranes in the heart.

The common ratio of 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA has proven effective because it optimally combines the specific benefits of both fatty acids—ideal for heart, brain, and vision. Experts agree that this ratio is a sensible addition to a heart-healthy diet.²

The optimal ratio: 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA

Why is this ratio often recommended? Quite simply: Studies show that a higher proportion of EPA is crucial, especially for lowering triglycerides and reducing inflammation. While DHA also contributes to important functions, an excess could in some cases lead to a slight increase in LDL cholesterol. Therefore, the ratio of 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA has proven very effective—while meeting the needs of the heart, brain, and eyes. Omega-3 oils produced using a special production process with an ultra-purity certificate also offer high purity and stability.

In practical terms, this means that a good omega-3 supplement ideally provides exactly this ratio in a daily dose. This way, you benefit from the cardiovascular advantages while also receiving the necessary building blocks for your cognitive health and vision.³

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How long does it take for Omega-3 to work?

The effects of Omega-3 aren't immediate—they build up over time. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

  • Short-term (2–4 weeks) : Initial positive changes, such as triglyceride levels⁷ or a slight improvement in skin condition, can occur within just a few weeks. The health benefits of 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the consistent distribution of EPA and DHA, contribute significantly to these improvements.
  • Medium-term (8–12 weeks) : The so-called Omega-3 index in the blood increases. This is a good indicator that your cells are optimally supplied with these fatty acids.
  • Long-term (several months) : Improved cardiovascular values, more stable vascular function, and sustained protection against heart attacks only become apparent after prolonged, regular use.¹'⁴

Remember: consistency is key. Consistent use ensures your body continues to reap the benefits. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be considered as such.

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Omega-3 sources & alternatives

Why the origin of Omega-3 matters

Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from a variety of sources, both animal and plant-based. Algal oil is also an excellent, sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids—ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Algal oil is a type of plant-based alternative to fish oil, offering similar health benefits without the typical challenges of fish oil, such as its smell and consistency. Among the richest sources are fatty sea fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel, which contain particularly high amounts of EPA and DHA. Plant-based sources such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts primarily provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid that the body can convert to EPA and DHA to a limited extent. A varied diet that includes these different sources will ensure an optimal supply of omega-3 fatty acids.

Quality is everything! Purity and Totox value of Omega-3 products

Not all Omega-3 products are the same – quality plays a big role here. When buying, be sure to pay attention to:

  • Purity and freedom from contaminants : Reputable manufacturers guarantee that their fish oil is free of heavy metals and other contaminants. Omega-3 capsules also offer a good dosage and are easy to swallow.
  • TOTOX value : This value indicates how oxidized the fish oil is. Ideally, the TOTOX value should be below 26—the lower the better.
  • Manufacturing process : Gentle processing (e.g. molecular distillation) ensures that the Omega-3 oil remains fresh and effective.
  • Sustainability: Use certified fisheries or algae oil that is produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

A product that meets all these criteria not only offers health benefits but also sustainably supports your well-being.⁴

In this way, you not only contribute to your own health, but also support the responsible use of our natural resources.⁵

The Importance of Omega Balance: Why It Is Crucial

Did you know that the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for your body's health? Omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in many vegetable oils such as sunflower and safflower oil, are also important, but in high amounts they can interfere with the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids and have an inflammatory effect. Therefore, maintain a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Index: Your personal health check

The Omega-3 Index is an important marker for the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and provides information about the body's supply of these essential nutrients. An optimal Omega-3 Index is between 8 and 11 percent and is determined by a simple blood test. This value reflects how well the body is supplied with Omega-3 fatty acids and can serve as an indicator of the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regularly checking the Omega-3 Index can help adjust your diet accordingly and ensure that your body is adequately supplied with these important fatty acids.

Regional differences in omega-3 supply

Omega-3 intake varies greatly depending on the region and the prevailing dietary habits. In coastal regions, where fish and seafood are regularly on the menu, the supply of omega-3 fatty acids is generally better than in regions where these foods are consumed less frequently. In Western countries, where diets are often rich in omega-6 fatty acids and poor in omega-3 fatty acids, an imbalance often exists that can contribute to health problems. To optimize omega-3 intake, it is important to consider regional dietary habits and, if necessary, compensate for them with the targeted use of omega-3 supplements.

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Recommendations

How much Omega-3 should you consume daily?

Recommendations vary depending on your health goals, but the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that 250 mg of EPA and DHA daily is sufficient as a minimum for normal heart function. However, many experts recommend a daily intake of 300–500 mg to also prevent cardiovascular risks.⁴

  • Typical recommendation : Since reducing inflammatory processes is often the primary goal (and EPA is very active here), many supplements default to a 2:1 ratio. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day (together) is considered a sufficient minimum amount for "normal cardiac function."⁴ For many people, this is more of a lower limit.
  • In practice, 300–500 mg EPA+DHA per day (in total) is often mentioned if you want to do something for your health and your heart in general¹⁰.
  • Increased dosages : If you have very high triglyceride levels or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, your cardiologist may recommend 1 g or more per day. Studies that found significant effects on heart attack rates often used doses between 1 g and 4 g daily.²³

It is important that you ensure a consistent intake, as the body constantly uses up omega-3 fatty acids and they must be replenished regularly.⁶

Practical implementation: Integrating Omega-3 into everyday life

Here are a few tips on how you can easily and effectively integrate Omega-3 into your daily routine:

  • Adjust your eating habits : Try to eat fatty sea fish at least once or twice a week.
  • Use supplements : If you don't eat fish regularly, an omega-3 supplement can help. Make sure you take the correct dosage (ideally 300–500 mg daily) and a proven ratio of 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA. Consult your doctor before
    You change your usual medical treatment.
  • Quality and sustainability : Before purchasing, find out about the product's manufacturing process and certifications to ensure you receive a pure and sustainable product.
  • Think long-term : Omega-3 doesn't work overnight – plan supplementation as part of a long-term health strategy.

Final thoughts

Omega-3 fatty acids are a key building block for a healthy cardiovascular system. They have anti-inflammatory effects, regulate blood lipids, and contribute to vascular stability. The proven ratio of 400 mg EPA to 200 mg DHA not only offers benefits for the heart but also supports brain function and vision.

Remember: It's not about finding a miracle cure, but rather a holistic, continuous supply. With high-quality products – convincing through purity, a low TOTOX value, and sustainable origin – you can do your heart the best possible thing. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, omega-3 makes an important contribution to your long-term health.

Important NOTE

This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such. Please consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements or changing your current medical treatment.

Bibliography

  1. Mozaffarian D, Wu JHY (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: Effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. J Am Coll Cardiol , 58(20):2047–2067.
  2. Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M et al. (2019). Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med , 380(1):11–22.
  3. GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators (1999). Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: Results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Lancet , 354(9177):447–455.
  4. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2012). Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). EFSA Journal , 10(7):2815.
  5. Calder PC (2013). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology? Br J Clin Pharmacol , 75(3):645–662.
  6. Harris WS, Von Schacky C (2004). The Omega-3 Index: A new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Prev Med , 39(1):212–220.
  7. Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM et al. (2019). Marine n-3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. N Engl J Med , 380(1):23–32.
  8. Libby P (2008). Inflammation and Atherosclerosis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology , 51(6): 2013–2021.