
Fish oil supplements are popularly consumed for their omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are a vital part of cell membranes throughout the body. They are essential fats that cannot be created by the body.
Understanding Essential Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 vs Omega-6
The human body is capable of producing all the fatty acids it needs, except for two:

alpha-linolenic acid
(ALA), an omega-3
fatty acid

linoleic acid
(LA), an omega-6
fatty acid
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, normal growth and development.

However, they are required in the right balance. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, while too much omega-6 fatty acids may promote inflammation.

We may consume too much omega-6 in our daily diet, which is found in common foods such as poultry, eggs, whole-grain breads and most vegetable oils.
A high ratio of omega-6 can raise your blood pressure, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke caused by blood clots.
On the other hand, as sources of omega-3 are not as commonly found in our daily diet, we often do not consume enough of it.
Why do we require Omega-3?

DHA is vital for visual and neurological development in infants.

Research has shown that people who have a diet richer in omega-3s tend to have lower levels of depression.

DHA and EPA can lower triglycerides, a blood fat that is linked to heart disease.

DHA and EPA can reduce joint stiffness and pain, and potentially boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.

A balanced intake of omega-3s can curb plaque build-up inside blood vessels, aiding blood flow, preventing strokes caused by clots of a blocked artery.

Studies have revealed a possible link between omega-3s and a lower risk of Alzheimer's.

Some studies suggest that omega-3s can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their thinking and learning skills.

Sufficient calcium and fatty acids help build bone density, resulting in healthier bones.

Studies have shown that it helps with scalp nourishment, decreasing hair loss and thinning.

Researchers believe that fish oil is able to reduce leukotriene B4, an inflammatory substance that causes eczema symptoms.
There are 3 types of omega-3 fatty acids:

alpha-linolenic
acid

docosahexaenoic
acid

eicosapentaenoic
acid
ALA can be found in:
DHA and EPA can be found in fatty fish such as:
DHA and EPA have higher health properties than ALA for heart, brain and eye health. While the human body is able to turn ALA into usable DHA and EPA to a very limited extent, it is much more efficient to get DHA and EPA directly from fish. However, there are dangers associated with regular consumption of deep-sea fish.
High Levels of Mercury in Fish
Excessive consumption of fish can be detrimental to health due to their levels of mercury. Mercury is collected in oceans, lakes and streams, and converted into methylmercury where fishes would absorb over time.

Methylmercury is toxic to the central nervous system, and poses significant risk to unborn infants that are still developing in their mother's womb.

Fish with higher levels of mercury* include larger fish with longer lifespans such as
It is recommended to consume less of these fish on a regular basis, in order to avoid the negative effects of mercury caused by methylmercury poisoning.
Fish Oil,
an easy and safe means to obtain omega-3s
The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least two times (two servings) a week to obtain sufficient omega-3 fatty acids.

Our daily diet often does not contain enough fatty fish, and there is also the danger of consuming too much mercury. A convenient way of ensuring that we receive enough omega-3s is by taking purified fish oil supplements.

Introducing GNC’s Fish Oil Supplements

Free of mercury,
lead, heavy metals
and PCBs

Only the best quality fish
oil derived from wild,
deep ocean fish is used
A wide range of products available
![]() |
Provides 1,200mg of omega-3 fatty acids (including 600mg EPA, 400mg DHA) |
![]() |
Consists of other omega-3 fatty acids such as Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), Stearidonic acid (SDA), Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) and Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) |
![]() |
Comes in natural orange flavour, suitable for individuals with swallowing difficulties |
Fun Fishy Facts
about salmon, a popular fatty fish

Salmon can be three different colours over the course of their life, changing from a light colour to a silvery blue, before turning a brilliant red in adulthood.

Salmon have a keen sense of smell. The Atlantic salmon can smell one drop of scent in an area the equivalent of ten Olympic size pools!

Salmon are considered a keystone species with a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem.

After living for many years in the sea, salmon travel a long distance home to return to the river in which they were born to spawn.

Salmon have an average of 2500 eggs, but can have up to 7000.

Many believe that the word "salmon" comes from the Latin word salmo or salire, which means "to leap". If you’ve ever seen salmon battling rapids and strong currents as they head upriver to spawn, then you know they are aptly named.

Salmon do not eat during the migration process and most die from exhaustion after spawning.

The biggest species of salmon is the Chinook, also known as King Salmon, which can weigh as much as a hundred pounds.