Omega-3s: Boost Brain and Bone Health, but Heart-Health Benefits Uncertain

These fatty acids are crucial for eye, neurological, and psychological health, but is supplementing heart-healthy? Explore both sides of the argument.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in cold-water fish, are essential for many bodily processes, but supplementation has come under scrutiny in recent years. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Upon losing almost 10 feet of intestines, a 6-year-old girl became reliant on total parenteral (intravenous) nutrition. After five months, she experienced neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and blurred vision. Analysis showed a significant deficiency in linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Switching her to an emulsion with linolenic acid eventually resolved her neurological symptoms.

Doctors and dieticians have praised omega-3s for potentially reducing cardiovascular events for decades, making fish oil a popular nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplement in the United States.