Omega-3 fatty acids are “polyunsaturate fatty acids” necessary for brain and cellular function that also act as precursors to many other substances your body needs. We are incapable of producing them on our own so this valuable nutrient must be consumed entirely through our diet.
The most common sources of omega-3s are seafood such as salmon and shellfish, nuts/seeds and certain cooking oils like canola. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, curb stiffness and joint pain, reduce inflammation and may even lessen the threat of cancer and arthritis.
If you can’t have seafood or nuts, fish oil or other supplements may be recommended to you. These supplements are generally quite refined, undergoing several filtration, purification and deodorisation steps to remove impurities, heavy metals and virtually all protein. Because of these processes, theoretically they should be safe but, this may vary from brand to brand.
It is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.