Nowadays, due to the high consumption of meat, the levels of omega 6 fatty acids are skyrocketing, causing a quite remarkable omega3-omega6 imbalance.
This wonderful essential fatty acid is key to the functioning of our endocrine and reproductive systems, for the health of our skin, eyes, and our respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as being a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, which therefore strengthens the immune system.
BUT, WHERE CAN WE FIND IT?
The main omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which we can find in flaxseed or soybeans, for example. EPA or docosahexaenoic acid is provided by fish and shellfish as well as DHA. Our body does not produce ALA by itself, it can only be introduced exogenously and in the case of EPA and DHA, it can transform small amounts of ALA into these other two, but not enough for our cellular system to function properly. .The recommended amount of ALA will depend on our gender and age and can be found in the following table:
| Stage of life | Recommended amount |
| From birth ti 12 months* | 0,5 g |
| Children from 1 to 3 years | 0,7 g |
| Children from 4 to 8 years | 0,9 g |
| Boys from 9 to 13 years | 1,2 g |
| Girls from 9 to 13 years | 1,0 g |
|
Adolescents (males) from 14 to 18 years old |
1,6 g |
| Adolescents (females) from 14 to 18 years old | 1,1 g |
| Adults (men) | 1,6 g |
| Adults (women) | 1,1 g |
| Pregnant women and adolescents | 1,4 g |
|
Women and adolescents who breastfeed |
1,3 g |
*Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
KRILL OIL. OUR NEW ALLY. KRILL OIL. OUR NEW ALLY.
From marine sources, Krill oil is rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids and is considered one of the highest quality sources of omega-3 fatty acids available. Unlike fish oil, which can be prone to oxidation and may contain contaminants such as mercury, krill oil is less susceptible to oxidation and less likely to be contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins. In addition, it contains important nutrients such as Astaxanthin, which generates an antioxidant effect in our body, counteracting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
THE ROLE OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY
The role of food companies will always be to adapt their products to the emerging market and consumer needs.
Currently, our fast-paced life has serious consequences for our emotional health, stress control and the way we eat. For this reason, the consumption of omega 3 has become necessary and a priority, since it helps us with the problem of chronic inflammation caused by excess cortisol and ultra-processed foods. Therefore, from the food industry it would be interesting to enrich our products with this fatty acid and thus contribute to the correct health of our consumers.
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