Omega 3 has long been appreciated for its significant health benefits. However, for the elderly, supplementing any nutrient requires special attention. So should the elderly use Omega 3?
Omega 3 belongs to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids, playing an important role in protecting health, especially for the elderly. This is an essential nutrient that the body cannot synthesize on its own, so proper supplementation can bring many outstanding benefits. Let’s learn about the effects, how to supplement and notes when using Omega 3 for the elderly.
Should the elderly use Omega 3?
According to experts, the elderly should supplement Omega 3 to improve their health, especially for the heart, brain, and vision.
The two most important components of Omega 3 are DHA and EPA. These are essential nutrients for human health, especially in the elderly, helping to support many functions in the body. However, the body cannot produce Omega 3 on its own and needs to be supplemented from external sources. The amount of Omega 3 absorbed through daily diet is often not enough to meet the necessary needs. Therefore, using foods containing Omega 3 for the elderly is an effective way to meet this nutritional need, helping to maintain better health and prevent age-related diseases.
Should the elderly use Omega 3 is a question of many people.
Outstanding health benefits of Omega 3
Here are the effects of Omega 3 on the elderly that many people ignore:
Improve cardiovascular health
Omega 3 is known for its important role in protecting cardiovascular health. This fatty acid not only helps prevent cardiovascular problems in healthy people but also reduces the risk of complications and death in people who already have the disease. In particular, Omega 3 also helps maintain a stable heart rate, minimizing the risk of arrhythmia.
According to a study, Omega 3 supplementation after a heart attack can reduce the risk of death related to cardiovascular disease by up to 45%. At the same time, consuming fish and fish oil helps slow down the progression of arteriosclerosis and significantly reduces the risk of stroke.
One of the health benefits of Omega 3 is promoting heart health.
Support for reducing blood fat
Two important fatty acids in the Omega 3 group, DHA and EPA, have the ability to reduce blood fat index by 20 – 50%, contributing to improving overall health.
Reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Fish oil containing Omega 3 has been studied and proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain and stiffness in the morning. However, the use of Omega 3 for people with this disease needs specific instructions from a doctor to ensure appropriate dosage and treatment effectiveness.
Prevent osteoporosis
Research shows that people who regularly consume fish rich in Omega 3 have higher hip bone density than those who consume less. Another study also confirmed that the combination of fish oil, calcium, and evening primrose oil can improve bone density in older adults with osteoporosis.
Omega 3 supplements for the elderly help prevent osteoporosis
Improve memory
A diet rich in fatty fish not only helps reduce the risk of dementia but also helps prevent memory loss in the elderly. Omega 3 is considered a beneficial supplement, helping to slow down the aging process and improve memory.
Improve eye health
The elderly often encounter eye problems such as macular degeneration, vision loss, blurred vision, dry eyes, eye fatigue and cataracts. DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid with a high proportion in the retina, plays an important role in maintaining health and vision function. Omega 3 supplementation for the elderly not only helps improve vision but also reduces the risk of eye diseases.
Reduce the risk of cancer
In middle age and the elderly, the risk of cancer often increases. However, adequate Omega 3 supplementation can help reduce this risk, especially colon cancer, with a reduction rate of up to 55%. In addition, Omega 3 has also been studied and proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
Support treatment of neurological diseases and Alzheimer’s
Omega 3 is an essential nutrient for the development and maintenance of brain function. Many studies have shown that Omega 3 supplementation helps improve memory and supports the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s – a common disease in the elderly. This fatty acid not only protects the brain from aging but also helps maintain effective brain activity.
Improve sleep quality
Insomnia is a common problem in the elderly, and Omega 3 is known for its ability to improve sleep quality and prolong sleep time. Thanks to that, the elderly not only sleep more deeply but also improve both mental and physical health.
Omega 3 helps improve sleep quality for the elderly
When is the right time for the elderly to supplement Omega 3?
Elderly people should supplement Omega 3 in the morning after meals so that the body can absorb it more effectively thanks to the high fat content in the product, and taking it at a fixed time frame helps avoid forgetting or missing a dose. However, dividing it into two doses in the morning and evening will help reduce symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux and help distribute Omega 3 evenly in the body, increasing absorption efficiency. Although the body’s ability to absorb Omega 3 decreases after 14 hours, supplementing in the evening is beneficial due to increased blood concentrations, helping to improve sleep, especially for those who often have insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
Omega 3 is an essential nutrient that brings many health benefits to the elderly, from the heart, brain, vision to sleep. Supplementing Omega 3 for the elderly properly, combined with a healthy diet and scientific lifestyle will help maintain good health, prevent disease and improve quality of life.
