Omega 3 Fatty Acid Deficiency, Premature Mortality And Public Health

We've all heard that omega 3 fatty acids are an important nutrient, but a study published by the Public Library of Science Medicine Journal and PubMed spells out just how critical this nutrient may be. The study focused on the most important preventable causes of premature death in the US population.

Researchers at Harvard's Global Health Initiative and the Harvard School of Public Health reveal that one of the most common preventable causes of premature mortality among Americans is omega 3 fatty acid deficiency, possibly accounting for as many as 96,000 deaths annually. This would put dietary deficiencies in this nutrient on the same level of risk as eating a diet high in trans fats.

Nutritionists have warned that the average American does not consume nearly enough omega 3s in their diet and urge that Americans incorporate foods like sardines, salmon and other fatty fish as well as various seeds such as walnuts, flaxseed and hemp seed into their diet.

These are all foods which are exceptionally rich in this essential fatty acid. When eaten in sufficient quantities, omega 3 fatty acids are believed to significantly reduce the incidence of heart disease through their action in regulating levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

Omega 3s are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and some studies suggest that they may play a role in preventing some cancers. There is even some evidence that this nutrient may help to prevent or treat depression and other mental illnesses.

However, even focusing on those benefits which omega 3 fatty acids are already well known to provide, it's not surprising that an omega 3 fatty acid deficiency could be a dangerous thing. The anti-inflammatory and cholesterol regulating properties of this nutrient alone make it something which helps to prevent some of the most common causes of death in Americans.

There is one important point mentioned in this study which readers should take note of. The effects of a deficiency of omega 3s in the diet were considered against the alternative of a healthy lifestyle overall including the avoidance of smoking and other unhealthy habits, regular exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet which includes the recommended intake of omega 3 fatty acids.

It should also be noted that we're not yet entirely certain why omega 3 is as important as it is to preserving health and preventing premature death, though at present this is believed to be largely due to the fatty acids' anti-inflammatory properties. Since cancer, heart disease and even periodontal disease can be caused by chronic inflammation, this appears to be at least one of the most important factors at work.

It's certain that omega 3s are something you should be getting enough of, though as this study suggests, it's probably not enough to just take omega 3 supplements while continuing to eat a diet and live a lifestyle which is unhealthy.

Americans should look at omega 3 fatty acids as part of a larger picture and make sure to get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet which is largely made up of fresh and if at all possible, organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with enough fish oils, flaxseeds and other sources of omega 3  to prevent an omega 3 fatty acid deficiency. Health is about more than just getting one particular nutrient - your body needs a variety of different elements to maintain good health.