Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place all this week, culminating in Mental Health Awareness Day on Thursday 10^th October. According to Aware, a voluntary organisation which supports people with depression, 450,000 people in Ireland (one in ten) suffer from depression at any one time. According to the HSE, one in six women experience post-natal depression. Long recognised for heart health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are emerging as an effective therapy for mood disorders ranging from major depression, post-natal depression and bipolar disorder. People with mental health issues such as depression may benefit from an additional 1,000 mg of EPA plus DHA included in Eskimo Brain 3.6.9. 

Mental wellbeing and diet are intrinsically linked and doctors believe that depression rates have risen over the past century as our intake of omega-3 fatty acids has fallen. This has caused an increase in conditions such as depression, ADD, dyslexia, and Alzheimer’s. Given the brain is 60% fat, it stands to reason that the better the fat in the diet, the better the brain. While the average person’s brain is getting plenty of fat, the key issue is that it’s not getting the right kinds of fat. Oily fish provides the most beneficial and active omega-3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as EPA and DHA. These fats are vital for neurological health. Studies show that EPA and DHA found in oily fish (sardines, anchovies, mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring) can be uplifting and enhance your mood. The higher your levels of omega 3, the higher your level of serotonin will be. The reason for this is that omega-3 fats help build the brain’s receptor sites for serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Surprisingly, a massive 89% of Irish people are not consuming sufficient oily fish in their diet, so often there is a need to take a good quality omega-3 fish oil such as Eskimo-3.

Over the past few years, scientists have started to look at omega-3’s potential to help in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Interestingly, liu et al (2013) showed the people with anxiety had lower levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA compared with those without anxiety symptoms. Just last month, researchers released the results of a systemic review and meta-analysis which questioned whether omega-3 treatment resulted in an improvement in anxiety symptoms. 

Kuan-Pin et al (2018) took data from 19 clinical trials including a total of 1,203 participants. Their findings were published in the JAMA Network Open journal. After analysis, their findings supported their initial theory, which saw a significant reduction in anxiety in the groups. 

How much do I need?

Studies show that you need 250mg DHA daily to support brain health. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommends people eat fish twice a week, including one portion of oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, herring), but if they don’t like the taste of fish, you can supplement with fish oil. It is recommended that you check your preferred supplement to see that you are getting adequate DHA, as often supplements can fall short. Eskimo Brain 3.6.9 combines the unique stable fish oil, Eskimo-3, which is high in DHA, with plant oils omega-6 and omega-9 along with brain friendly Co-Q10 and vitamin D. 

Eskimo-3 Range

Eskimo-3: Eskimo-3 is a unique stable fish oil supplement containing a healthy balance of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids have been well studied for their role in the support of many systems in the body, including heart, muscuoskeletal, cognitive and during pregnancy.

Eskimo Brain 3.6.9: Eskimo Brain 3.6.9 (Formerly named Eskimo Brainsharp) combines the unique stable fish oil, Eskimo-3, with ingredients such as CoQ10 and GLA to optimise brain and energy support. Omega-3 fatty acids have been well studied for their role in the support of many systems in the body including brain function.

Eskimo-3 Kids: Eskimo-3 Kids combines the unique stable fish oil, Eskimo-3, with omega-6, omega-9, vitamin D and vitamin E to offer children support. Omega-3 fatty acids have been well studied for their role in the support of many systems in the body including brain function.Available in two delicious natural flavours – tutti-frutti flavour and orange flavour which kids simply love!

Eskimo-3 Kids Chewable DHA+: This is an omega-3 food supplement suitable for children aged 3-12 years. Eskimo-3 Kids Chewable DHA+ combines brain boosting omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, with choline and biotin in one easy to swallow chewable. Omega-3 fatty acids are the most critical building blocks of the brain; they are considered essential and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Without these important fats, it can become difficult for children to concentrate, learn new information, and balance their moods properly. Each Eskimo-3 Kids Chewable DHA+ contains 254mg of omega-3 DHA to guarantee your child gets enough brain boosting nutrients daily.

Eskimo-3 comes in both capsule or liquid form and is available from all leading health food stores and pharmacies nationwide.  

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here. If you are experiencing any mental health issues please discuss with a close family member or friend, or your GP.