Omega 3 is important if you suffer from dry eyes

Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that our bodies cannot manufacture. This means that we must obtain Omega-3 through our diet. The key ingredients are Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). DHA and EPA are a part of every cell in our bodies and they play an important role in reversing inflammation – a part of every disease process. 

Not all Omega-3 supplements are the same. The safest and most effective form of Omega-3 is called the “Natural Triglyceride” (TG) Form, this is the purest molecular form closest to that found in fish like anchovies, sardines and mackerel. 

 The Forms of Omega-3 you that you will find in supplements are as follows:

1. Unpurified Native Oil: obtained from oil pressed directly from the fish. Since it is unpurified it may still contain toxins such as mercury, PCBs and dioxins.
2. Ethyl Ester Based Omega-3 (Alcohol Based): some manufacturers will use chemicals during  processing to convert the Omega-3 to an “ethyl ester” form, which contains a form of alcohol. These products can have the fishy after-taste, absorb less effectively and there is also a risk that the alcohol ester may irritate the stomach lining. 
3. Re-Esterified Triglyceride (rTG) Form: Removing the alcohol in the ethyl ester Omega-3 creates a cleaned triglyceride form without toxins. These products will not have a fishy after-taste, are purified for contaminants and contain no irritants or byproducts that could reduce their effectiveness.

Taking a good quality Omega 3 is important if you suffer from dry eyes. Our doctors recommend that you take the cleanest, purest form available. The other forms are not absorbed and metabolized as well, and may actually require as many as 40 capsules to equal the benefit of a normal dose of a re-Esterified Triglyceride version. One study¹ found that the amount of omega 3 absorbed by the body was 75% higher when the rTG form of Omega 3 was consumed, as compared to the Ethyl Ester version. The ratio for EPA:DHA should be at least 3:2 and the minimum therapeutic dose to achieve a significant benefit is 2000-2500 mg/ day. Our doctors may prescribe up to double that in some cases depending on the severity of your condition.

We carry two versions of rTG Omega 3 nutrients: a regular strength and an extra strength. Ask your MVO eye doctor at your next visit which one is right for you.

One last note: Canada does not require labels that fully describe nutraceutical products. If in doubt you can check with the manufacturer or come visit us at Mountain View Optometry and we will be happy to go over any questions you may have.

- By Christie Varty, MVO Dry Eye Technician

1. study: “Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations” (Dyerberg, Madsen, Moller, Aardestrup, Schmidt June 29, 2010)