Omega & fatty acids

Fats or lipids are important macronutrients. They are converted into fatty acids in our body. Important healthy fats are polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as the omega 3 fatty acids EPA, DHA and ALA and the omega 6 fatty acids LA, GLA and AA. ALA and LA fatty acids are essential and we should get them through our diet or supplementation. A good fatty acid balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids is essential for our health. We often consume too many omega 6 fats and too little omega 3. In addition to omega fatty acids, animal fats such as Beef Tallow and emu oil also play a role in a nutritious diet. Cod liver oil and krill oil omega 3 capsules, both available in our webshop, contain a lot of omega 3 for your daily needs.

Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

The human body cannot produce certain fatty acids, such as the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) and the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), itself. These fatty acids play an important role in various bodily processes and are necessary for the production of other fatty acids such as EPA and DHA (omega-3) and GLA and AA (omega-6). Sufficient intake through food or supplementation is therefore essential.

However, the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is not always efficient, which means that the body may not receive sufficient amounts. Because these fatty acids are important for brain function, among other things, supplementation through food or supplementation can be useful. Good sources of omega-3 are, for example, cod liver oil from Rosita Real Foods or fermented cod liver oil from Green Pasture.

The Role of EPA and DHA in the Body

Fatty acids perform various functions in the body. DHA supports brain function, while EPA contributes to normal blood pressure. They are an important component of cell membranes and support various bodily processes. DHA and EPA belong to the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and have a unique structure with multiple double bonds.

Not all fats are equally beneficial, however. Trans fats, which are common in processed foods, are best avoided. In contrast, certain saturated fats, such as those found in grass-fed beef tallow and Walkabout emu oil, are beneficial and rich in essential fat-soluble nutrients.

Omega-3 in Food and Supplements

The main sources of EPA and DHA are fatty fish and shellfish. ALA, a vegetable fatty acid, is abundant in linseed oil. The Health Council advises to get about 1% of the total calorie intake from ALA and to consume at least 450 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day. This can be achieved by eating fatty fish such as salmon or herring twice a week.

For people who eat little fish or have an imbalance in their fatty acid intake, daily omega-3 supplementation is an effective solution.

Calanus Oil, Krill Oil and Cod Liver Oil as Omega-3 Sources

In addition to fish oil, there are several alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Calanus oil (Calanus finmarchicus), like Ergomax Plankton oil, is extracted from zooplankton and contains, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants such as astaxanthin. Because plankton is at the beginning of the food chain, the chance of toxin accumulation is very low.

Krill oil, such as the Krill oil capsules from Ergomax, is a rich source of omega-3, packaged in phospholipids, making it easily absorbable.

Cod liver oil, especially Green Pasture's fermented cod liver oil, is produced in a traditional way and contains omega-3 as well as vitamins A and D.

Ergomax: Specialist in Essential Fatty Acids

At Ergomax you will find a wide range of high-quality fatty acids and fatty acid complexes. In addition to omega-3 supplements such as fish oil, krill oil and plankton oil, we also offer products such as Grass-Fed Beef Tallow from Ancestral Supplements, a natural source of healthy fatty acids, and Walkabout emu oil, rich in fat-soluble nutrients.

Want to know which product best suits your diet? Feel free to contact us for personal advice.