Most people know that one of the main benefits of supplementing with wild salmon oil is that it provides noticeable relief to dry, flakey, itchy skin and leads to healthy skin and coat. In fact, salmon oil is one of the best sources of Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is the most abundant Omega-3 fatty acid found in cell membranes throughout the body and is present in all tissues. It is the most prominent Omega-3 fatty acid in neural, retinal and cardiovascular connective tissue and yet our bodies cannot manufacture it. DHA must be supplied through diet or by supplementation.
Many scientific studies have proven that DHA Omega-3 has positive health benefits for everyone from pregnant or nursing mothers and infants, to healthy adults, the elderly and even our pets (1-7). Today we know that n-3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth and development and their beneficial effects have been shown in the prevention and management of coronary heart disease (8,9), hypertension (10-12), type 2 diabetes (13,14), renal disease (15,16), rheumatoid arthritis (17), ulcerative colitis (18), Crohn disease (19), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20).
DHA is essential for the proper development and function of brain and eye development throughout life and for maintaining optimal function of the nerve cells in the brain and retina. Increased levels of DHA have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, improve cholesterol, decrease the risk of eye disorders like ARMD, glaucoma, and DES, and lower the risk of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.