About 8 in 10 Australians may not be getting enough long-chain omega-3 acids in their diets, putting them at risk of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, depression and chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma, according to a recent research analysis.

The study, by the University of Wollongong, found only 20 per cent of Australians meet the recommended omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids levels and only 10 per cent of women of childbearing age meet the recommended docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake.

Fish and seafood is by far the richest source of omega-3 acids including DHA.

A recent review  by the National Heart Foundation found dietary intake of fish helped protect against heart disease and stroke. Higher fish intake was associated with lower incident rates of heart failure in addition to lower sudden cardiac death, stroke and myocardial infarction.

Based on this review, the Heart Foundation recommended that Australians eat two to three serves of fish (including oily fish) per week or supplement their diets.

Many Australians find it difficult to reach their minimum requirements through food alone.

For those who find it difficult to include sufficient omega-3s into their diet, supplements are an effective way to boost omega-3 intake. Omega-3 supplements can consist of fish oil, krill oil, or a combination of the two. 

Krill oil may have a role in helping to meet daily requirements. In a study comparing prescription fish oil, supplemental fish oil and krill oil, krill oil was almost twice as potent as the fish oil in increasing the Omega-3 Index.

On a per gram of EPA+DHA basis, the study found supplemental krill oil blend increased the Omega-3 Index approximately 55 per cent more than prescription or supplemental fish oil.

Krill oil delivers omega-3 fatty acids mostly in phospholipid, rather than triglyceride form, providing an efficient means of delivering these vital fatty acids at lower dosages than fish oil. Unlike some fish oil, krill oil does not leave the individual with a fishy aftertaste, which can deter some people from taking omega-3 supplements.

Krill has been found to be rich in phospholipid omega-3s EPA and DHA, which are more bio-efficient and gentle on the stomach compared to other marine sourced omega-3s.

A recent study on 300 people with high triglyceride levels found people who took krill oil experienced a 10 per cent reduction in serum triglycerides but no increase in LDL cholesterol levels.iv

Health professionals may wish to consider using the Omega-3 Index Test to measure the underlying level of Omega-3 fatty acids for their patients to determine whether supplementation may be beneficial.

The Omega-3 Index Test measures EPA and DHA levels in red blood cells and could serve as a cost effective marker of an individual’s omega-3 status.

The average Australian has an Omega-3 Index blood level of 5 per cent, while the healthy goal is 8 per cent or higher.  Unfortunately not all omega-3s are created equal; only omega-3s EPA and DHA have been found to raise an individual’s Omega-3 Index.

Omega-3 supplements, such as krill oil, can be an easy and low-cost solution for increasing your customers’ Omega-3 Index. For more information about the Omega 3 Index Test please visit www.omega3.net.au.

Aker BioMarine Australia General Manager, Ian Chant, is a Board Member of Complementary Medicines of Australia, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, a Chapter Leader of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers, and a Board Member of the Omega-3 Centre.