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Reference Guide
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Total Omega-3
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Total Omega-3

What's 
Total Omega-3
?
Total Omega-3 refers to a group of essential fatty acids that your body needs but can't make on its own. These important nutrients, mainly found in fish and some plants, are crucial for keeping your heart, brain, and eyes healthy. They also play a key role in maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes and help control inflammation in the body. Omega-3s are typically divided into three types: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), each with unique benefits. In short, Total Omega-3 is a measure of these vital nutrients in your body, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
If Your Levels Are High
Having higher than normal Total Omega-3 levels might mean that you're consuming a good amount of omega-3 rich foods or taking supplements. This can come from eating fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and other sources of omega-3. Some medications, like those used to lower triglycerides, can also cause an increase in omega-3 levels. While it's important to have enough omega-3s for overall health, having too much compared to omega-6 fatty acids in your body could potentially affect how your body functions.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Total Omega-3 are generally rare, but in some cases, they could include a fishy aftertaste, nausea, or loose stools.
If Your Levels are Low
Having low Total Omega-3 levels might mean that your diet doesn't have enough of these essential fatty acids. This can happen if you're not eating enough Omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Your lifestyle could also play a part, such as eating too many processed foods or having a diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Some people might have a harder time converting ALA, the plant-based Omega-3, into the more active forms, EPA and DHA, because of their genes. It's also possible that certain medications, like cholesterol-lowering drugs, could affect your Omega-3 levels.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Total Omega-3 could include dry skin, brittle hair, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and joint discomfort.

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