Are you 50+ and wondering whether omega-3 supplements are something for you? That is a smart question! As you get older, your body changes and develops different needs. Omega-3 fatty acids play an increasingly important role for your health, from your brain to your heart. In this blog we explain why omega-3 becomes extra important after 50.
What changes after 50?
Your 50th birthday is more than just a milestone; it also marks changes in your body. Your metabolism slows down and your body produces less of certain substances that it used to produce itself. You also often eat a bit less, which means you sometimes get fewer nutrients than your body actually needs.
In addition, certain body functions start to require more support. Your brain, heart and eyes, for example, need more care than when you were 30. Fortunately, you can support them with good nutrition and supplements. Omega-3 is one of the most important ones.
Why omega-3 becomes extra important for older adults
You have to get omega-3 fatty acids through food; your body does not produce them itself. At the same time, your brain, heart and eyes need more support than when you were younger.
For your brain
Your brain largely consists of fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is an important building block for the brain* and helps keep your brain function normal.* As you get older, this becomes increasingly important. You may notice that you lose a word a bit more often or that concentrating takes a bit more effort.
For your vision
Your retina naturally contains a lot of DHA, and it is important to keep this up. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.* This is especially relevant as you get older, because your eyes have more to endure. Years of exposure to screens, sunlight and other influences leave their mark.
For your heart and blood vessels
After 50, heart health also becomes increasingly important. Your heart has worked hard for years and deserves some extra support. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.* EPA and DHA together also help keep your blood pressure normal.* Healthy blood pressure becomes more and more important as you get older.
Which omega-3 suits older adults best?
There is more choice than ever in omega-3 supplements. Do you have difficulty swallowing, do you dislike the fishy taste, or do you actually prefer capsules? There is always something to be found.
- Liquid omega-3: easy to take and well absorbed by the body. You can also easily adjust the dosage. Arctic Blue's liquid omega-3 fish oil has the 100% no-burp guarantee, so no unpleasant fishy smell. You can also choose algae oil with both DHA and EPA.
- Soft omega-3 gummies: very handy if you do not want capsules or oil. The omega-3 gummies from Arctic Blue have a delicious strawberry/citrus flavor, are easy to chew and contain the same valuable omega-3 fatty acids.
- Omega-3 capsules: the choice many people find familiar. They are easy to take with you, have no taste when taking them and you know exactly how much you are getting.
- Pay attention to quality: always choose omega-3 with the MSC certification for sustainable fishing and check whether it has been tested for purity. Arctic Blue, for example, tests for more than 250 different contaminants.
Combination with other supplements for older adults
After 50, you are probably not taking only omega-3. Fortunately, you can simply use omega-3 alongside other supplements without any problems. Many older adults also use these supplements:
- Vitamin D: most Dutch people have a low status, especially in the dark winter months. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones* and supports the immune system.*
- Magnesium: this mineral plays a role in more than 300 processes in your body. Magnesium supports the normal function of muscles and nerves* and helps with tiredness and fatigue.*
- Vitamin B12: mainly found in animal products and is less well absorbed through the intestines. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue* and supports the energy level.*
Arctic Blue also has omega-3 supplements with added vitamin D. That way you get two important supplements in one product.
Finally
Omega-3 after 50 is not a luxury, but a smart choice for your health. It supports exactly those parts that deserve extra attention: your brain, heart and eyes. Whether you choose liquid omega-3, soft gummies or familiar capsules: the most important thing is that you keep it up. Your body has taken good care of you for years. Now it is time to give something back!
*Approved health claims from the EFSA. The beneficial effects are obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA (for vision and brain function), 250 mg of EPA and DHA (for the heart) and 3 grams of EPA and DHA (for blood pressure).
