Blog Vol.II, # 5. What is all
the hub-bub about omega 3’s?
There has been a lot of
discussion about the benefits of taking omega 3 fatty acids. Initially, increased
omega 3 was linked to a reduction of triglyceride levels in the blood and thus
linked to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular
disease. More recently, omega 3 has been
found helpful in the reduction of inflammation and eye dryness. A few blogs ago I discussed Tarsal glands and
their critical role in stable, healthy tear formation and overall eye
health. Omega 3’s are the oils that end
up in these glands and enhance their functioning.
Recommended daily doses of omega 3 are in the
3000 mg range for a combination of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic
acid), two different types of omega 3.
To get that much omega 3 one would have to consume 37 tins of tuna every
week. There are so many reasons why that’s
not going to happen. I don’t even think
Hobbes, Calvin’s feline friend, would go through that much tuna in a week.
To make the consumption of the
recommended omega 3 possible, the fish oils have been concentrated into a
liquid or soft gel form for daily consumption.
The problem is that these new esterified forms are nasty tasting and not
readily absorbed by the body. It takes
another step to make these concentrated oils reform back to the triglyceride
form, which is the best form for our purposes.
At Burlington Eyecare we use
PRN brand omega 3’s for treating dry eye. There are other brands out there,
such as Nutrasea, that also provide the most useable omega 3. The body breaks down the fatty acid chains
into their constituent parts and they arrive at the Tarsal glands to make the
free flowing meibum that we all need to prevent dry eyes. Not all omega 3’s on
the market, however, have been returned to the triglyceride form, so the
consumer is not getting the full benefit of the omega 3’s they are consuming.
Do your research.
Omega 3’s do have some side
effects, like causing some blood thinning, so if you are already on a blood
thinner, consult your physician. Omega 3’s can also reduce your blood pressure,
again a word of caution if you are already on anti-hypertensives.
Wanted side-effects, are the reduction
of inflammation throughout the body, for instance in helping with rheumatoid arthritis
and reduced risk in heart disease.
We prescribe Omega 3 fatty
acids
for Dry Eye Disease, and for specific conditions like Acne Rosacea. Once again, we recommend an eye exam and, if
necessary, a dry eye assessment.
Til next week,
the good doctor, Dr. Mark Germain, Burlington Optometrist
