Nutrition Review: Sports Supplements: Nordic Oil Omega 3

In the perfect world, sports supplements would not be necessary; we would all have diets containing everything we needed. But unfortunately that's not the case; our lives are often too busy, too restricted, too regimented, to ensure that we get the perfect balanced diet to ensure our bodies are functioning at their maximum. Enter the world of sports supplements, and in particular in this post, Nordic Oil's High Grade Omega 3 supplement.

Over the last month or so I've been testing out the Nordic Oil capsules; a daily supplement containing both Omega 3 fish oils and Vitamin D. I've taken similar Omega 3 supplements in the past, and this is as effective as they get in my experience. Other athletes, including Chrissie Wellington (the four time female World Ironman Champion) have agreed and endorsed the product.

So what is the benefit of taking high grade Omega 3 and Vitamin D supplements? Here's the science bit:

"Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body, and can only be consumed within the diet. Omega 3 contains the fatty acids that are known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA is influential on behaviour and mood, as well having shown significant effect in lowering inflammation throughout the body. DHA on the other hand, is proven essential to pre- and postnatal brain development. The primary thing to look for in an Omega 3 supplement should be EPA and DHA content."

The thing that makes Nordic Oil different from other Omega 3 supplements is its high content of EPA and DHA; this is what makes it a "High Grade Oil".

As mentioned above Omega 3 helps to reduce inflammation; in areas ranging from the joints to the lungs. It also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduces the viscosity of the blood. It has even been proven to reduce the level of mental deterioration and macular (sight) degeneration. Fortunately for me I have yet to reach the stage of my life where I need to worry about the latter of these ailments, but the reduction of inflammation of muscles, joints and the lungs is a constant concern for cyclists. Since starting to use the oils I have found a notable reduction in the inflammation of my knees and wrists, which occasionally occurred after long rides, particularly on the mountain bike. As a result, I am keen to promote the product to others that may suffer similar problems, in the hope that it might help them too.

Nordic Oil can be purchased from Nordicoil.co.uk, and from select UK pharmacies.