About Omega-3
Omega-3 are fatty acids that are important for a lot of bodily functions. The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. [1]
In Which Food Can We Find Omega 3?
Omega-3 can be found in many foods, including fish, such as sardines, tuna, salmon, and herrings, as well as in nuts and seeds such as chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed. Omega-3 can also be found in some vegetable oils.
Omega-3 Deficiency Symptoms
Here are some symptoms of omega-3 deficiency. If you experience many of these symptoms, it could mean that you’re getting a too low amount of omega-3 into your system.
- Leg cramps
- Joint pain
- Skin, hair, and nail problems (for skin, this could mean dry skin)
- Problems with sleeping
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Dry eyes
Omega-3 Health Benefits
Omega-3 has plenty of benefits when it comes to general health. For example, these fatty acids help brain and eye health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also help with hair growth and its thickness.
What’s also interesting is that certain studies have found that children who have ADHD have lower omega-3 levels in their blood than those who don’t have this disorder. [2]
Does Omega-3 Help Joint Pain?
Omega-3 can indeed help when it comes to joint pain. Plenty of studies support omega-3 for joint pain and inflammation. [3] Some even say that omega-3 fatty acids can protect against cartilage loss in patients with osteoarthritis. [4]
Collagen or Fish Oil for Joints?
Fish oil contains a lot of omega-3, which is why many people consider taking it for joint problems. But is collagen better than fish oil?
We would say both are quite beneficial; collagen can help provide you with amino acids required for healthy cartilage, while omega-3 from fish oil will primarily help reduce inflammation that leads to joint pain.
Conclusion
Taking omega-3 will benefit your joint health in the long run. Don’t forget to eat healthy and have an overall healthy lifestyle to prevent the further progression of arthritis and to reduce joint pain.