An omega-3 vitamin contains fish oil, which has a combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Both are considered essential omega-3 fatty acids. And while the most effective way to get these nutrients is through a diet rich in seafood, supplements made with omega-3 fatty acids can also improve your health.
Types
The fish oil found in omega-3 vitamins is derived from oily fish. Salmon is by far the most popular oily fish used in supplements, but the oil can also be derived from herring, tuna, sardines, mackerel, bluefish and anchovies (to name a few).
Alternatives
Though fish oil is the most common omega-3 supplement on the market, you can also find omega-3 supplements made from plant life, such as algae.
Considerations
Since your body is unable to manufacture these nutrients, you need to get them through your diet or supplements. The average person should get between 300 and 500mg of omega-3 fatty acids each day.
Effects
By incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, be it through fish or supplements, you reduce your chances of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
Potential
There is also the potential that omega-3 fatty acid may help treat or reduce your chances of rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, dementia, depression and digestive disorder (to name only a few).
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