Best Omega-3 Supplement for Muscle Growth
The Holiday season is upon us, and while it’s a little early to talk about New Year resolutions, many of you are thinking ahead about your fitness goals. It’s hard not to as you sip on yet another Peppermint Mocha or Egg Nog Latte. On the top of your list may be building lean muscle mass. You know that beyond the gym equipment, natural health supplements are the key to accomplishing this task. Traditionally, all you would hear about is upping your protein, intake while figuring out how to balance your carbohydrates. While these two compounds can help you replace body fat with the right kind of pounds, there is a massive gap in the consumption of essential fatty acids (EFA).
EFAs are among the most important nutrients you can add to your diet. Of the EFAs, there is one indisputable champion, especially when it comes to supporting muscle growth and improving post-workout recovery – omega-3. But before you add an omega-3 supplement to your Holiday wish list, be sure to know what to ask Santa for. After all, not all omega-3 products on the market in Canada are created equally. So which option do we recommend? Metagenics OmegaGenics. Here’s why.
Why Metagenics OmageGenics EPA-DHA 1000 Should Top Your Wish List of Omega-3 Supplements for Supporting Muscle Growth
Because Not All Types of Omega-3 Have the Same Benefits
There is no “bad” naturally occurring omega-3, but there are superior forms. Some people choose to get theirs from ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is found in certain plant sources such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oil in addition to chia seeds and black walnuts. Then there’s omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which are both found in a variety of fish and shellfish including (but not exclusive to) sardines, mackerel, tuna, and krill.
It’s EPA and DHA that your muscles (and the rest of your body) want, and the supplement you choose should deliver EHA and DHA in pure form, not through ALA.
Why? The issue with plant-source omega-3 is the restricted utilization of ALA. Numerous studies have shown that the human body typically converts only 0.3 to 21% of ALA into EPA and 0 to 9% into DHA. Subsequently, 70 to 90% of ALA is eliminated and unused. So when you buy an ALA omega-3 supplement, you don’t get what you pay for (so to speak). Metagenics OmegaGenics leverages the natural benefits of fish oil to deliver the right balance of DHA (710 mg) and EPA (290 mg).
The Right Amount of the Right Kind of Omega-3
We’ve clarified that in order to support muscle growth and overall health, that you require an omega-3 EPA-DHA supplement. Metagenics OmegaGenics checks that important box. But you also require a supplement that provides enough of the good stuff to stuff that old t-shirt with muscle.
Many omega-3 supplements on the market come in at 500 mg of EPA-DHA. Is that enough? For the average Jane or Joe, it may be, but you don’t have average plans for the post-Holiday year ahead. How much omega-3 EPA-DHA do you require?
In one study, it was found that 4000 mg (combined EPA-DHA) had a quantifiable impact on maintaining muscle mass and improving strength even when on a low-carb diet. Requirements for older adults looking to add lean muscle mass may even be greater. Recent research found that supplementing 4,200 mg of EPA-DHA increased new muscle protein synthesis in older adults while at the same time mitigating the “natural” loss of muscle that comes with age. Have a look at the physiques of elders in cultures that count fish as a dietary staple (Pacific islanders, etc.) and you won’t see the kind of muscle degradation that you find on the mainland.
All in all, when it comes to building lean muscle mass, research points to an omega-03 EPA-DHA consumption range of anywhere from 1000 mg to 5000 mg, as long as they have not been advised otherwise by their physician. Most of you will land in the 2000 mg to 3000 mg range. If taking an omega-3 supplement that’s just 500 mg you’ll be popping capsules too often through the day. For greater convenience and optimal absorption, Metagenics OmegaGenics packs the right amount of the right kind of omega-3, at a combined (EPA-DHA) 1000 mg.
View more on OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 1000 which is available at InnerGood Canada. Also see the whole Omegagenics product line up here. Contact us if you have any additional questions about this health supplement, how to qualify for FREE shipping, or anything else.
Disclaimer: Get clearance from your physician before consuming any natural health supplements.
