Cold Pressed Omega 3-6-9 Matrix
Also known as: Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, Omega-9 fatty acids, Omega-3-6-9 matrix, triple omega fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, Omega-3-6-9 Fatty Acids
Overview
The Cold Pressed Omega 3-6-9 Matrix is a dietary supplement combining omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3s (e.g., EPA, DHA, ALA) are primarily found in fish oil, flaxseed, and algal oil, and are crucial for cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation modulation. Omega-6s (e.g., linoleic acid) are abundant in many vegetable oils and seeds, playing essential roles in the body, though often overconsumed in Western diets. Omega-9s (e.g., oleic acid) are monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and are non-essential but beneficial. Cold pressing is a key processing method used to extract these fatty acids, which helps minimize oxidation and preserve their integrity. While omega-3s have extensive research backing their benefits, the direct evidence for combined omega 3-6-9 supplements, particularly for omega-6 and omega-9 supplementation, is less robust, as these are often sufficiently obtained through diet.
Benefits
Omega-3 supplementation, a primary component of this matrix, significantly increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.72 pg/mL (95% CI: 0.28 to 1.15; p < 0.001), suggesting potential neuroprotective and cognitive benefits. High-quality meta-analyses indicate that omega-3 intake is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and CVD events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These benefits are statistically significant with moderate effect sizes. Omega-3s also modulate inflammation and improve lipid profiles. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, their benefits from supplementation are less clear due to high dietary intake. Omega-9 fatty acids are non-essential but contribute to membrane fluidity and lipid metabolism. Benefits, particularly for BDNF and cardiovascular markers, can be observed within 10 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Omega-3 fatty acids integrate into cell membranes, altering their fluidity and function. They are precursors to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and modulate the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing systemic inflammation. Omega-3s also influence neurotrophic factors like BDNF, supporting neuroprotection and cognitive function. Omega-6 fatty acids serve as precursors for both pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, playing a complex role in immune responses. Omega-9 fatty acids, being monounsaturated, contribute to cell membrane integrity and lipid metabolism. These fatty acids interact with the cardiovascular system by reducing inflammation and thrombosis, with the nervous system by supporting neurogenesis and protection, and with the immune system by modulating cytokine production. They primarily act through cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways and influence nuclear receptors like PPARs.
Side effects
Omega-3-6-9 supplements are generally safe at recommended doses. Common side effects, primarily associated with omega-3s, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and a fishy aftertaste, especially with fish oil-based products. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) can include an increased bleeding risk at very high doses and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rarely, some studies have noted a possible increase in atrial fibrillation risk with high-dose omega-3 supplementation, though this is not conclusively established. These supplements may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, potentially increasing bleeding risk, and should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or prior to surgery. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should consult healthcare providers for appropriate dosing and safety considerations.
Dosage
For omega-3s, a minimum effective dose of ≥2000 mg/day (EPA+DHA) has been associated with an increase in BDNF levels. Optimal omega-3 dosages typically range from 1000–4000 mg/day of EPA+DHA. Dosing for omega-6 and omega-9 is less standardized, as these are often sufficiently obtained through diet. The maximum safe dose for EPA+DHA is generally considered up to 3000 mg/day without medical supervision; higher doses require professional guidance. These supplements should be taken with meals to enhance absorption, as fatty acids are fat-soluble. For efficacy, fish oil or algal oil are preferred sources for EPA/DHA over flaxseed oil (ALA). Co-ingestion with dietary fat and the presence of antioxidants like vitamin E can further improve absorption and prevent oxidation.
FAQs
Is a combined omega 3-6-9 supplement better than omega-3 alone?
Evidence suggests omega-3 alone provides most health benefits. Omega-6 is abundant in typical diets, and omega-9 is non-essential, making combined supplements often unnecessary for additional benefits beyond omega-3.
Are cold pressed oils important?
Yes, cold pressing is important as it reduces oxidation during extraction, which helps preserve the quality and integrity of the delicate fatty acids, ensuring their efficacy.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some benefits, such as improvements in BDNF levels and certain cardiovascular markers, can be observed within approximately 10 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Are there risks of taking omega-6 and omega-9 supplements?
Excessive omega-6 intake, especially if unbalanced with omega-3, may promote inflammation. Omega-9 supplementation is generally safe but usually not necessary due to sufficient dietary intake.
Can omega-3 supplements cause harm?
Rarely, very high doses of omega-3s may increase bleeding risk or, in some individuals, potentially increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, though this is not definitively established.
Research Sources
- https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5273 – This narrative review highlights the heterogeneity in omega-3 trial results and emphasizes the importance of the omega-3:omega-6 ratio and product quality. It discusses various study design flaws and the need for careful consideration of these factors when interpreting research on fatty acids.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37589276/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs involving 587 subjects found that omega-3 supplementation significantly increases serum BDNF levels (SMD 0.72, p<0.001) within up to 10 weeks. Despite high heterogeneity, the study provides robust evidence for omega-3's neurotrophic effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38224465/ – This high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis focused on ASCVD patients, concluding that omega-3 intake reduces all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events. It noted that the effects of omega-6 and total PUFAs were less clear, reinforcing the specific benefits of omega-3s in this population.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-6-9-overview – This overview provides general information on omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, their sources, and their roles in the body. It discusses the common dietary sources and the rationale behind supplementation, particularly highlighting the importance of omega-3s.
- https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.001365.pdf – This source discusses the general aspects of omega fatty acids, their health implications, and the importance of their balance in the diet. It provides context on the roles of different omega fatty acids in human health and disease prevention.
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