Over the last century, there has been a
significant drop-off in omega-3 fatty acid intake within western
countries.
Furthermore, since the depletion of
omega-3 fatty acids from western food supply, nervous system disorder
rates have dramatically increased in western countries. Also,
adolescents and younger people are more commonly seen with central
nervous system disorders.
According to a survey from Ocean
Essentials, Inc, and Ocean Nutrition Canada, most Americans do not
eat enough fish to reap omega-3 benefits. Released January 25, 2000,
Americans are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.
This deficiency exists because
Americans are not consuming enough fish oil found in anchovies, salmon,
and sardines. Eighty-six percent of more than 1,000 women and men surveyed
do not eat fish three times a week.
More than 5,000 studies published
around the world have reported omega-3 health benefits ranging from
improved joint flexibility/mobility, heart health, to enhanced brain
development and memory. Research presented at the Prepared Foods New
Product Conference in October 2004 suggested that nine of the top ten
American consumer food choices remained unchanged from 1990 to 2000.
On January 12, 2005 the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) advised Americans to double fish consumption.
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