Omega-3 is essential for the health of our brain, vision and heart function. However, the healthy fatty acids must be absorbed through the diet. Those who eat virtually no fish or certain vegetable fats run the risk of suffering from omega-3 deficiency. We’ll show you the most common symptoms and how you can even check your scores yourself.
Are you part of the risk group?
Those who are healthy and eat a balanced diet usually do not have to worry. However, an omega-3 deficiency is likely in people who …
- … eat one-sidedly (many finished products, little to no fish, low-fat fats)
- … eat an unbalanced vegan or vegetarian diet (lots of carbohydrates, barely healthy fats, nuts and seeds)
- … are pregnant (there is an increased need here because omega-3 is important for the child’s development)
- … hypertension have
- … overweight are
- … suffer from atherosclerosis
- … have already suffered a heart attack or stroke .
Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency
A deficit of essential fatty acids, vitamins or minerals is difficult to identify clearly. Especially if you suddenly have unexplained symptoms, you should go to the doctor immediately. However, according to the Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung , the following signs may indicate an omega-3 deficiency:
- increased tendency to allergic reactions
- sudden, severe weight loss
- eye infections
- dry eyes
- blurred vision
- flaky, very dry skin
- eczema
- frequent infection with infections
- depressions
- Concentration, learning, behavioral and growth disorders in children
Check omega-3 levels online or at the doctor
Either a diet with omega-3-rich foods or the supplementation with fish oil capsules * or vegan algae oil capsules * will help against a deficiency * . But before you take high doses of Omega-3, you should have your scores checked by the doctor. Some of the above symptoms may also indicate a vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency and other conditions. Those who want to have their omega-3 index determined by the family doctor usually have to pay for it themselves. This is a so-called IGEL performance.