Omega-3 (you may sometimes see it written as n-3 or w-3) is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent omega-3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as 'essential' as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet. However, from the point of view of human nutrition, the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5)and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) - EPA and DHA - are considered much more valuable as these are the forms the body requires. In theory, humans are able to synthesize EPA and DHA from dietary ALA, but in practice this process is inefficient. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet.

The omega-3 fatty acids are important at every stage of life, even before birth. They are found in the membrane of every cell in the body and help to ensure that the cell membrane is ideally equipped to do it's job. They are also used in the regulation and development of all biological functions, including those of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems.

Information from archaeological findings and studies from modern day hunter-gatherers suggest that the Paleolithic diet is the diet we evolved on, and for which our genetic profile was programmed. This diet is characterized by a lower saturated fat intake than in Western diet, and a balanced intake of omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. We eat predominantly omega-6 essential fatty acids from vegetable oils, and too little omega-3 fatty acids in modern diets. This leads to increase cancer mortality, heart disease and rheumatic disease. Clinical studies suggest that intake of omega-3 fatty acids, like Active Flow, will correct this imbalance and improve health.

When babies are developing during the last third of pregnancy, the brain and nervous system begins accumulating DHA, one of the long chain omega-3s found in oily fish and in Active Flow. DHA is a critical component for building brain tissue, for nerve growth and for the retina in the eye. Before birth, babies get the DHA they need from their mother. If mother's diet does not allow her to provide enough DHA for the needs of her baby, her body stores will be called upon to make up the shortfall. After birth they obtain it from breast milk. It is therefore of vital importance to ensure sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and breast feeding. If there is insufficient DHA for the baby, foetal development may be impaired resulting in lower IQ and poor visual acuity. It is also thought that omega-3 EPA can help prevent babies being born prematurely. Several studies have showed that children who regularly eat oily fish have a lower risk of developing asthma than children who rarely eat such fish.

Since the late 1970 it has been suggested that the high intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids among Greenland Inuits were responsible for their low rate of myocardial infarction. These findings have been confirmed in several studies and societies. Men and women who rarely eat fish have a higher incidence of heart disease such as myocardial infarction and sudden death. They also have an almost two-fold higher incidence of stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressures and inhibit platelets from forming blood clots. They increase arterial compliance and have anti-inflammatory effects. In this way they counteract instability in atherosclerotic plaques. They are important in the membranes of heart muscle-cells, and as such have an effect against arrythmias of the heart.

Whether omega-3 fatty acids can prevent heart disease has been tested in three prospective, randomized, controlled trials. They have all proved reduced mortality and infarction among those who ate omega-3 fatty acids. The largest, most recent and most important among these studies are the GISSI Prevenzione Trial. In this trial 11 300 post-myocardial infarction patients where given either omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. After 3,5 years the omega-3 group reduced total mortality by 20% and sudden death by 45%. There is no longer any doubt: Adding Omega-3 fatty acids such as Active Flow to a diet will improve heart health.

The omega-3s' reputation in inflammatory diseases is well established. Eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements has been proven to regulate the inflammatory response implicated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical trials it does reduce joint stiffness and pain, and also reduces the need to consume prescribed medicines. A similar role is suggested in other inflammatory conditions in various organs such as skin, bowel and lungs.

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is very important to the function of the brain. As pointed out, normal development of brain, eye and functions such as intelligence depends on sufficient intake of this fatty acid. It is therefore not surprising that also in mental disease consumption of these fishy oils might play an important role.

Research published in 2002 in the British Medical Journal found that older people who eat fish or seafood once a week have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. The omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation of the brain, and play a part in maintaining good brain function and nerve cell regeneration.

Less depression is seen among fish eating populations. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been used to successfully threat depressions and bipolar disorders. Currently, research is focusing on their role in various neurological and psyciatric conditions such as schizofrenia, dyspraxia, dyslexia and hyperactivity (ADHD).

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those provided in Active Flow, are essential nutrients which our body needs, but can not synthesise. In modern society most people have a deficiency of these nutrients. Eating more of these omega-3 fatty acids will improve health in heart, brain, joints and it will improve several conditions and diseases. In many countries the health authorities recommend doubling the amount of omega-3s. It is safe to eat for men, women and children. Since it is a natural part of our nutrition there are no side effects.

For the same reason interactions with drugs are unlikely. If medication preventing blood clotting (especially warfarin) is prescribed, your doctor should be informed when you start taking Active Flow.