5 Best Omega 3 Supplements for Eye Health
Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and you can ensure that your diet is full of omega-3s by both eating wild caught, fatty fish and by taking fish oil supplements. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid known to be a structural component of the human brain, retina, and skin. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is known to support the body’s normal ability to fight inflammation, and it is also incredibly important for eye health and comfort. These fatty acids have numerous health-promoting effects including supporting the normal function of blood vessels including the formation of clots, helping to sustain normal triglyceride levels and systemic inflammation, and even helping to support mental wellbeing. Despite studies that have indicated otherwise, overwhelming research has also shown many eye health benefits to consuming omega-3 fatty acids.
Capturing the health benefits of fish oil, however, isn’t quite as simple as just popping a couple pills from your local grocery store. Fish oil types can vary substantially in their quality and in their beneficial health effects. When deciding which oil to purchase, you should consider quality, purity, bioavailability, and cost.
3 Types of Fish Oil
Currently there are three different types of fish oil available for purchase: Natural triglyceride oil, ethyl ester oil, and re-esterified triglyceride oil.
Natural Triglyceride Oil
This form of fish oil is the closest of the three to eating real fish and is formed by extracting the natural oils from fatty fish. The greatest benefit of this form is its bioavailability. Even though it contains lower overall levels of fatty acids DHA and EPA when compared to other oils, these critical fatty acids are more easily absorbed by the body when compared to the ethyl ester form. One particular concern with the natural form is the risk that it may contain impurities and contaminants such as heavy metals. These contaminants may contribute to digestive upset and, if consumed in excess, may even have a toxic effect on the body. Usually though, if you stick to a pharmaceutical grade fish oil, you won’t have this issue.
Ethyl Ester Oil
This form of fish oil is created by concentrating and then removing impurities from natural oils through a process that changes the molecular structure of the substance. While the ethyl ester form contains fewer contaminants and has higher levels of DHA and EPA when compared to the natural form, it is not as easily absorbed by the body. This reduced rate of absorption is most likely due to the fact that bile salts and pancreatic enzymes must first break down the structure of the substance before it can be absorbed. This means you may have to take even more to notice the effects, or you may not notice any changes. The majority of fish oil supplements you’ll find on supermarket shelves are going to be ethyl ester based.
Re-Esterified Triglyceride Oil
This form of fish oil is created by taking the process to create ethyl ester oil just a step further. After concentrating and distilling natural fish oil, the ethyl ester form is then converted back into a triglyceride form. This process allows the oil to hold a form that is more easily absorbed and further concentrates the amount of EPA and DHA when compared to the natural triglyceride form. This results in a bioavailable product free from contaminants. Most fish oils on the market are not offered in this form since the additional processing adds greatly to its cost of production. However, there are quite a few great choices available that we’ll discuss in this article.
5 Omega 3 Supplements to Try
1. Heyedrate Omega 3
The Heyedrate Omega-3 for Eye Health was designed specifically with your eyes in mind. Formulated with 515 mg EPA and 415 mg DHA of re-esterified triglyceride (rTg) fish oil, this supplement is sure to get you on your way to healthy, comfortable eyes when combined with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This formula also contains 40 mg omega-7, antioxidant vitamins E and C, B6, magnesium, and lactoferrin for a well-rounded addition to your supplement routine. Simply take 3 softgels per day, all together or separately.
2. PRN DE3
PRN’s DE3 Omega Benefits is a superior omega-3 product which is specifically formulated for patients with occasional eye dryness. Recommended by eye doctors across the country, this option is made from the re-esterified triglyceride form of fish oil and may help to maintain a healthy tear film and assist in overall eye comfort. It contains 1680 mg EPA and 560 mg DHA, which has been shown in multiple studies to be beneficial for eye health. Simply take 3 softgels per day, all together or separately. This choice is also available in a liquid form.
3. Doctor's Advantage
This eye relief supplement contains an advanced and unique formula of powerful antioxidants to help your body’s natural defenses fight occasional eye dryness, help strengthen tear ducts, and support good overall eye health. This unique proprietary blend of omegas 3, 6, and 9 includes natural triglyceride- based omega-3 fish oil, flaxseed oil, turmeric root, and borage oil. Take 3 softgels per day for optimal benefits.
4. Lipotriad
The Lipotriad omega supplement is formulated to create, improve, and maintain the quality of your tears, and it provides critical nutrition essentials to support eye health. It contains 1400 mg total triglyceride-based omega-3 (504 mg EPA, 378 mg DHA, and 350 mg ALA) along with flaxseed oil and vitamin E for an antioxidant punch. Simply take 2 softgels per day for optimal benefits.
5. PRN Omega-V Benefits
If you’re vegan or vegetarian and do not wish to consume fish oil, PRN has a great option for you. PRN’s Omega-V Benefits️ is a vegan, non-GMO omega-3 created to support your eye health. Omega-V Benefits is composed of algae oil, a pure, non-fish, sustainable source of EPA and DHA. It contains 330 mg EPA and 670 mg DHA. This bioavailable form can be easily absorbed for eye, heart, brain and overall health benefits. Simply take 1 teaspoon per day.
AMAZON AFFILIATE INFORMATION
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
