The most important and overlooked essential fatty acids that are lacking in our modern diets are the Omega 3 essential fatty acids EPA, DHA and DPA. The essential fatty acid Omega 3 works in tandem with Omega 6, however a balance of 1:1 is required for optimal performance. Our modern diets of processed foods and oils are already so high in Omega 6 that the minimal intake of Omega 3 from eating fatty fish such as salmon and tuna barely has an influence on changing the balance of Omega 3:Omega 6, which some doctors are saying can be anywhere from 1:20 to 1:60. In order to get the balance into a healthier range you not only have to decrease your intake of Omega 6 by watching what you eat, but you also have to increase your intake of Omega 3. With the worry of high levels of mercury and other toxins in fatty fish, the safest and easiest way to increase your intake is through Omega 3 supplements.

The following is a list of 9 of the most popular Omega 3 supplements on the market today:

(1) Omega 3 Supplements from Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil contains high levels of Vitamin A and D as well as the Omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although there is a risk of toxins when consuming fish in any form, it must be warned that since the liver acts as a filter, cod liver oil has a higher risk of being contaminated with toxins such as mercury and PCBs.

(2) Omega 3 Supplements from Emu Oil

Emu oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine by the Aborigines of Australia. With its high concentration of linolenic acid (LA) and oleic acid (OA), Emu oil can be used internally for its healing Omega 3, 6, and 9 properties.

(3) Omega 3 Supplements from Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is beneficial for reducing inflammation and is also required for normal infant development.

(4) Omega 3 Supplements from Fish Oil

Fish oil contains the Omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Fish oil can be made using a variety of species such as salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies as well as other types of fish.

(5) Omega 3 Supplements from Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids. In fact 30-35% of the weight of a hemp seed is oil, which contains the essential fatty acids linolenic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

(6) Omega 3 Supplements from Krill Oil

Krill oil is made from krill, a shrimp-like marine animal that is typically eaten by whales and seals. Krill oil contains the Omega 3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

(7) Omega 3 Supplements from Salmon Oil

Much like fish oil, salmon oil contains the Omega 3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The difference being salmon oil supplements are made only using farmed or wild salmon.

(8) Omega 3 Supplements from Seal Oil

Omega 3 supplements from seal oil are the only type of supplement that contains all three Omega 3 essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). All three Omega 3's (EPA, DHA and DPA) are present in mothers milk and are essential for growth and development.

(9) Omega 3 Supplements from Shark Liver Oil

Shark liver oil is rich vitamins A and D, and the Omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However much like Cod liver oil, there is a higher chance of contamination of toxins such as mercury and PCBs.