It is estimated that up to 90% of people do not get enough omega 3 in their diets, which can cause problems because the body simply cannot make this essential nutrient on its own, and omega 3 benefits for men and women include overall health and well being and even disease prevention. While there are some common similarities in omega 3 deficiency symptoms that exist in men and women, there are some that are gender exclusive. Just as omega 3 benefits for women differ than those from men in some ways, deficiencies can manifest themselves in dissimilar ways as well.
Some similar omega 3 deficiency symptoms include those affecting the skin (mostly resulting in dry and cracked skin) and changes to the hair and fingernails leading them to be dry and brittle. Dryness in the eyes or mouth can also experienced by both men and women, and the omega 3 acne link is relevant in both genders as well, as small bumps, dry skin conditions, and oily skin can appear in both men and women. Some conditions, while evident in both men and women who are suffering from a lack of omega 3’s, might be more noticeable to one gender or another. Consider excessive ear wax, for instance. It’s one of the more surprising symptoms that are associated with being omega 3 deficient, however, because men tend to have more wax than women do, it’s likely that they may think they have more of it as a result.
Omega 3 deficiency symptoms that are restricted to the females include both increase occurrence and severity of menstrual cramps and breast pain and tenderness occurring during premenstruation. Another symptom that is only found in women is a decrease in the amount of vaginal lubrication produced by the body. These omega 3 deficiency symptoms do not appear in men, although studies have suggested that there may be a relation between male sexual health and too small a level of omega 3’s.
If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms that might be related to omega 3 deficiency, speak to your naturopath or health care provider. While extra omega 3 supplementation is recommended for everyone and is generally safe in proper doses, it is still a good idea to discuss with your doctor both dietary changes and possible supplements that may help you raise your levels to healthy amounts, and also better help balance out your omega 3 6 9 ratio. Remember that some common symptoms can be associated with serious illness, and it’s important not to ignore them, particularly if they are persistent.
