1 | 2

To restore a healthy balance, nutrition experts are agreed that everyone should include two portions of fish, one of which should be oily, in their weekly diet. This advice is well-meaning, but fails to take account of the nation's resistance to eating fish. The Food Standards Agency reports that on average, people in the UK eat a third of a portion of oily fish a week. Seven out of ten don't eat any fish at all.

The evidence for the health benefits of Omega-3 has led to a flood of Omega-3 product launches. Eggs, yogurts, bread, spreads, fruit juices, milk and more now come fortified with Omega-3s but investigators report that their Omega-3 content tends to be low and their price high in comparison with their non-fortified counterparts.

Cod Liver Oil, rich in natural EPA and DHA, is an obvious and easy answer. Some people are happy to take it from the spoon (or mixed in orange juice, milk or other drink) but today's younger generation prefer the taste-free convenience of a daily capsule. What could be simpler?

Benefits

The Omega-3 fatty acids are fundamental molecules in the structure and activity of the membranes of all cells throughout the body. They also have highly specialised functions in neurological tissues, especially the brain and retina.

Because of their role in cell membranes, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the formation of new tissue and are therefore important for development and growth. They continue to play a major health role through every stage of life.

Best known to help maintain heart health and keep joints supple and flexible, Omega-3 fish oils may also have an influence on adult brain health.

Encouraging early results has generated a raft of studies in other health areas.