mEYEspa blogs are full of the eye-related benefits of Omega 3's... but Omega 3 supplementation has many positive influences beyond your eyes.  If you are looking for motivation to start or continue Omega 3's, read on...

Cardiac health:  Omega 3 has been extensively studied and in high enough doses, can lower LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, thins blood and reduces inflammation of blood vessel walls.  This ultimately reduces the risk of health disease [1].

Brain health: Appears to play a role in reducing risk of neuro-degenerative diseases [2], studies suggest the Omega 3 can reduce anxiety, improve mood and support mental health [4], suggested to support neuro-development in children.

Muscle & Skeletal health:  Lowers joint [5] and muscle inflammation 

Immune health: Positively influences immune system activity and effectiveness.

Prenatal health: The World Health Organization (WHO) advises additional 200 mg/day of DHA for pregnant women for fetal nervous system development.

Endocrine system health:  Can lower blood triglyceride levels [6]

Skin health: Promotes skin elasticity and hydration [7], hair and nail growth, possible wound healing improvement

Eye health:  Common clinically-used treatment for dry eye (for inflammation control and enhanced oil layer production), less commonly endorsed for macular degeneration (AMD) and for retinopathy support. [3]

Dr Morris

References:
[1] In 2004 the FDA recognized the claim for EPA and DHA-containing foods and dietary supplements “consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease”

[2] Tully AM, Roche HM, Doyle R, Fallon C, Bruce I, Lawlor B, Coakley D, Gibney MJ (2003) Br J Nutr 89:483–489 Low serum cholesteryl ester-docosahexaenoic acid levels in Alzheimer's disease: a case-control study - PubMed

[3] SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY (2005)  Prog Retin Eye Res 24:87–138. The role of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of the retina - PubMed

[4] Kuan-Pin Su, MD; PhD Ping-Tao Tseng, MD; Pao-Yen Lin, MD, PhD; et al (2018) JAMA Open Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

[5] Robert J Goldberg, Joel Katz (2007) Pain. 2007; 129:210-223 A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain

[6] A scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) reviewed the role of omega-3 fatty acids in managing hypertriglyceridemia. The AHA concluded that omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduce triglyceride levels, with higher doses leading to more substantial reductions. 

[7] Linus Pauling Institute - Oregon State University Omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a critical role in normal skin function and appearance.

Related topics: Can Omega 3 help your retina?, How much Omega 3 to take , How to start Omega 3 supplementation