1. Cardiovascular Health:
   • Reduces triglycerides by 15–30%, lowers blood pressure, and prevents plaque formation (Mayo Clinic).
   • Reduces arrhythmia risk and sudden cardiac death (Harvard Medical School).
2. Brain and Mental Health:
   • Supports cognitive function and may reduce depression and ADHD symptoms (Lange).
   • Critical for fetal brain development during pregnancy (BNF).
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
   • Alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (Lippincott).
4. Eye Health:
   • DHA is a major structural component of the retina (Mayo Clinic).

1. Fatty Fish:
   • Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies (rich in EPA/DHA).
2. Plant-Based Sources:
   • Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds (ALA).
3. Algal Oil:
   • Vegan source of DHA/EPA derived from algae.
4. Fortified Foods:
   • Eggs, milk, and yogurt enriched with Omega-3 (Harvard Medical School).

Deficiency may manifest as:

• Dry Skin and Hair: Reduced skin elasticity and dandruff.
• Poor Concentration: Memory lapses or brain fog.
• Fatigue and Mood Swings: Linked to low DHA levels.
• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Increased inflammation (Mayo Clinic).

Risk Factors:

• Diets low in fish, vegan/vegetarian diets without supplementation, and malabsorption disorders.

• Omega-3 Index: Measures EPA/DHA in red blood cell membranes.
  • Optimal: ≥8% (associated with reduced cardiovascular risk).
  • Deficient: <4% (BNF).

1. Fish Oil:
   • OTC: 300–1000 mg EPA+DHA per capsule (e.g., Nature Made®).
   • Prescription: High-dose (e.g., Lovaza®: 465 mg EPA/375 mg DHA per capsule).
2. Krill Oil:
   • Contains phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA for enhanced absorption.
3. Algal Oil:
   • Vegan-friendly, typically providing 200–300 mg DHA per capsule.
4. ALA Supplements:
   • Flaxseed oil capsules (500–1000 mg ALA).

1. Hypertriglyceridemia:
   • Prescription Omega-3 (4 g/day) lowers triglycerides by 20–50% (Lippincott).
2. Prenatal Health:
   • Supports fetal brain/eye development (recommended: 200–300 mg DHA daily) (Harvard Medical School).
3. Mental Health:
   • Adjunctive therapy for depression and bipolar disorder (Lange).
4. Inflammatory Conditions:
   • Reduces joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis (Mayo Clinic).

General Health:

• Adults: 250–500 mg EPA+DHA daily (BNF).
• Pregnancy: 200–300 mg DHA daily.

High Triglycerides:

• Prescription: 4 g/day of EPA+DHA (e.g., Vascepa®: 4 g EPA) (Lippincott).

Administration Tips:

• Take with meals to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Omega-3 is generally safe but may cause:

• Mild: Fishy aftertaste, nausea, diarrhea.
• Severe: Increased bleeding risk, hyperglycemia (at very high doses) (Mayo Clinic).

• Bleeding Disorders: High doses (>3 g/day) may prolong bleeding time.
• Fish/Shellfish Allergies: Avoid fish oil; opt for algal oil.
• Immunosuppression: High doses may reduce immune response (BNF).

1. Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):
   • Increases bleeding risk; monitor INR closely (Lange).
2. Antiplatelet Drugs (e.g., aspirin):
   • Additive effects on bleeding.
3. Blood Pressure Medications:
   • May enhance hypotensive effects (Harvard Medical School).

• Prescription: Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa®), Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza®).
• OTC: Fish oil, krill oil, algal oil.