The latest research concerning omega 3 fatty acids come from Oxford University in UK. In conducting their study Oxford researchers analysed the blood content of the children. The outcome of the analysis was that school aged children between 7-9 years old had low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. The study carried out is one of the first to examine omega 3 in blood.
Long chain omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, seafood and some forms of algae. They are essential for brain's structure and function as well as for the maintenance of a healthy heart and cardiovascular and immune systems. Overall government guidelines recommend two portions a fish a week however the findings suggested that 9 out of 10 children ate fish less than twice a week. Analysis of blood samples showed that under 2% of the total blood fatty acids were omega-3 DHA and 0.5% omega-3 EPA.
The majority of children in UK don't get enough of the long chain omega 3 fatty acids that are needed for a healthy brain, heart and immune system thus poor behaviour and learning disabilities are observed in some children.
Consumption of long chain omega 3 fatty acids can offer also significant protection from depression also. According to a Norwegian study that was carried out which involved 22.000 participants, a regular consumption of a diet that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduced the risk of around 30% of depression development.
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