Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of life. Two of the most important are Omega3 and Omega6. Unfortunately we can only acquire these essential fatty acids through the food we eat, or supplements we take. Our bodies cannot manufacture the essential fatty acids we need, so we have to make sure that the many sources available are included in our diets. The suggested ratio for a healthy diet is 1:1. However much of the food we already eat is full of the Omega6 fatty acid. Seeing that our diets are so high in Omega6, doctors suggest the Omega3:Omega6 ratio may be anywhere from 1:20 to 1:40, taking Omega3 supplements is a good way to counterbalance the difference.

Below is an explanation of the three types of Omega3 supplements available on the market today.

Flax Oil

Flax oil is a non-marine source of Omega3 and contains the Omega3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body needs and cannot make for itself. Several other sources of ALA do exist, most notably walnuts and hemp seed. However, because flax only yields ALA, which then must be converted into EPA and DHA by the body, it is not an effective source of Omega3 for the following reasons:

·Converting ALA into EPA and DHA is not very efficient, especially as one gets older

·Bodily conversion of ALA results in low levels of EPA and DHA

·Flax oil contains no DPA, the third main component of Omega3

·Flax oil is high in Omega6, something our bodies do not need

The estimated rate of ALA to EPA and DHA conversion ranges from 5% to 25%. This means in order to make sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA, one would need to consume 5 to 6 times more ALA than you would if you were to use fish oil alone.

Fish Oil

Whether you are eating fish or taking fish oil supplements, fish has been known to contain numerous health benefits, especially fatty species that are rich sources of Omega3 fatty acids. Proven benefits range from lowering triglycerides and blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, to the more subtle effects of reducing chronic inflammation. Fish oils provide a direct source of EPA and DHA. There are, however, some problems with fish oils:

·High in Omega6

·Low levels of DPA

·Fish are susceptible to chemical pollutants and dioxins in the water

Seal Oil

Seal oil is one of the best and most direct sources of EPA, DHA and DPA, the third component of Omega3. While DPA is present in some fish and fish oils, the levels are much lower than seal oil, about 1/5. Seal is oil has been found to be the best source of Omega3 for the following reasons:

·Seal oil contains the highest levels of DPA (up to 10 times more than fish oils)

·It is chemically similar to the Omega3 found in our bodies

·Seals can filter out chemical impurities better than fish

Unlike both flax and fish oil, seal oil has only traces of Omega6, and may be one of the best Omega3 supplements to reduce the imbalance of Omega3:Omega6.