Updated: May 2026 · Zuckerschmuck Team · Original article: 10.07.2025
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and are essential for numerous bodily functions. Current scientific discussions focus particularly on their connection with inflammation-related processes, cognitive development, and metabolism. In this article, we summarize the available studies without making a specific claim about the effects of any particular product.
🩹 At a glance: authorized EU health claims for omega-3
In short: In the EU, there are specific authorized claims for DHA and EPA. Other health-related claims are not permitted outside this whitelist.
- DHA: “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.” (with at least 250 mg of DHA per day) [5]
- DHA for infants and during pregnancy: claims regarding the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age are authorized (with 100 mg of DHA per day), as are claims regarding the normal development of the eyes and brain in the fetus and breastfed infant through maternal DHA intake (with 200 mg of DHA per day in addition to 250 mg of DHA and EPA) [4]
- DHA + EPA: “EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal heart function.” (with at least 250 mg of DHA + EPA per day) [5]
- Not authorized: disease-related claims such as “influences the course of diabetes,” “alleviates diabetic complications,” or similar claims
Other health-related claims for omega-3 are not permitted in the EU outside the authorized claims under Regulations 432/2012 and 440/2011 [4,5].
🧬 What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that mainly include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are building blocks of cell membranes and are involved in various metabolic processes. Although the body can produce EPA and DHA from the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA, according to the BfR it generally produces smaller amounts than a serving of fish provides [9].
According to the BfR, fatty marine fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines are rich in EPA and DHA, as are marine algae; the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA is found, for example, in walnuts, flaxseeds, and rapeseed oil [9]. People who eat little fish or follow a plant-based diet can ensure adequate intake through suitable foods or dietary supplements such as fish oil or algae oil capsules. However, for healthy people who regularly eat fish, the BfR considers these supplements unnecessary [9].
🔬 What studies have examined about omega-3 status
In short: Several studies have examined the association between omega-3 status and immune, metabolic, and cognitive parameters. Such research does not lead to blanket treatment recommendations.
Immune and inflammatory parameters
A review described immunomodulatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids in model and clinical studies [1]. Such research is foundational work on the substance; it does not provide a specific treatment recommendation for people with a particular condition.
Observational study on omega-3 intake in kids at increased risk of type 1 diabetes
The DAISY study followed 1,770 kids at increased risk of type 1 diabetes, meaning they had risk genes or a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes. It observed an association between higher omega-3 intake and a lower likelihood of autoantibodies against the pancreatic islet cells [2]. The study says nothing about kids who already have type 1 diabetes. Observational studies show associations, not cause-and-effect relationships. Specific recommendations on supplementation strategies should be discussed with the diabetes care team.
Cognitive parameters in kids
The DOLAB study used a randomized controlled design to investigate how 600 mg of DHA per day affects reading, working memory, and behavior in healthy kids aged 7 to 9 years with weaker reading performance [3]. In the overall group, no effect on reading was found, only in the preplanned subgroup of the weakest readers. Parent-rated behavior improved, while little or no effect was seen on working memory or teacher assessments. The study was funded by a DHA manufacturer [3]. There is no approved EU claim regarding brain development in older kids [4].
Endothelial function in meta-analysis
A meta-analysis summarized the effect of omega-3 supplementation on endothelial parameters in randomized studies [6]. Such data constitutes basic research and, on its own, does not result in a therapeutic recommendation for a specific patient group.
🧠 DHA and cognitive development in kids
In short: There are approved EU claims regarding DHA for infants and pregnancy, but none regarding the brain development of older kids.
DHA is a major component of neuronal cell membranes. Regulation (EU) 440/2011 allows two types of claims regarding the development of kids for DHA [4]:
- DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age, with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA.
- Maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal development of the eyes and brain in the fetus and the breastfed infant, at 200 mg of DHA per day in addition to the 250 mg of DHA and EPA recommended for adults.
The claim that DHA, together with arachidonic acid, contributes to the optimal brain development of infants and young kids was rejected by the EU under the same regulation [4].
🛒 Zinzino BalanceOil at Zuckerschmuck
In short: Zinzino BalanceOil is a food supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids. It is available in several flavors and can also determine your individual Omega-6/Omega-3 balance through a self-test.
With the Zinzino Balance Test, you can have your current Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio analyzed using a drop of blood. You place a drop of blood on the test, register online, and are notified by email or SMS as soon as your result is available; according to Zinzino, the test data is anonymized. The analysis includes information on how you can adjust the composition of your blood fats.
More about Zinzino's Balance concept
Zinzino BalanceOil is available in two varieties:
- Tutti Frutti for kids: with Tutti Frutti flavor, dosage according to the manufacturer's instructions. Zinzino BalanceOil for kids
- Orange Lemon Mint for adults: Zinzino BalanceOil Orange Lemon Mint
At Zuckerschmuck, we stock Zinzino BalanceOil Orange Lemon Mint and ship it without an ongoing subscription commitment; you can find it in our supplements category. If you want a cheaper monthly delivery option, Zinzino offers a subscription plan directly.
Note: Zinzino BalanceOil is a dietary supplement and not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Store out of reach of young children.
❓ Frequently asked questions about omega-3
How much omega-3 is recommended daily?
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends an adequate supply of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids through regular fish consumption (1 to 2 portions per week) [7]. The EU health claims for DHA and EPA require minimum amounts (see box above). As an upper limit, the BfR recommends consuming no more than 1.5 g of DHA and EPA per day in total from all sources [9]. Please discuss personal recommendations with your doctor or nutrition therapy practice.
What side effects can omega-3 have?
The BfR identifies one main risk: In people with existing or impending heart disease, omega-3 supplements may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. This was most evident at around 4 g per day and was already indicated at around 2 g per day over two years. These amounts are not reached through normal fish consumption [9].
When should you not take omega-3?
According to the BfR, anyone with heart disease or risk factors for it should take omega-3 supplements such as fish oil capsules only in consultation with a doctor, especially over a longer period [9]. This also applies to dietary supplements.
Should people with diabetes take omega-3 supplements?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For diabetes, an individual assessment of the overall diet in a diabetology practice is advisable. Supplementation may be appropriate if there is a nutritional gap, but it is not a substitute for established diabetes treatment [8].
Can omega-3 prevent type 1 diabetes?
No. There are observational studies on omega-3 intake and autoantibodies against the islet cells in children at increased risk [2], but no valid data that would permit omega-3 to be used as a preventive measure against type 1 diabetes. Such an advertising claim is not approved in the EU.
Can omega-3 support the cognitive development of kids?
There is no approved EU claim for this for older children. Only claims about visual development in infants up to 12 months and, through the mother's intake, about the development of the eyes and brain in the fetus and breastfed infant are approved [4]. In the DOLAB study of schoolchildren, no effect on reading was found in the overall group [3].
What is the Zinzino Balance Test?
The test analyzes the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the blood using a small drop of blood. The manufacturer provides the results, which can serve as a basis for individual dietary adjustments. The test does not replace medical advice.
Are omega-3 supplements also suitable for kids?
There are omega-3 products with special flavor formulations for kids. Suitability and dosage should be discussed with a pediatric practice.
Related to the topic
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📚 Sources
- Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017;45(5):1105–1115. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900017 [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Norris JM, Yin X, Lamb MM, Barriga K, Seifert J, Hoffman M, et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. JAMA. 2007;298(12):1420–1428. DOI: 10.1001/jama.298.12.1420
- Richardson AJ, Burton JR, Sewell RP, Spreckelsen TF, Montgomery P. Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7–9 years: a randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB Study). PLoS ONE. 2012;7(9):e43909. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043909
- Regulation (EU) No 440/2011 on the authorization or refusal of authorization of certain health claims made on foods concerning the development and health of kids, Annexes I and II. Available at: legislation.gov.uk (Annex I) and legislation.gov.uk (Annex II) [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Wang Q, Liang X, Wang L, Lu X, Huang J, Cao J, et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on endothelial function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Atherosclerosis. 2012;221(2):536–543. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22317966 [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- German Nutrition Society (DGE). DGE Nutrition Circle, food quantities. Available at: dge.de [Zugriff: 14.09.2026].
- German Diabetes Association (DDG). S3 Guideline on the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. AWMF Register No. 057-013. Version 5.1, dated 02/09/2023. Available at: register.awmf.org [Zugriff: 14.09.2026].
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Omega-3 fatty acids: Important, but in moderation. Questions and answers. Available at: bfr.bund.de [Zugriff: 14.09.2026].
Legal notice and disclaimer
This post is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical, nutritional therapy, or medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet. If you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, supplementation should be discussed with your diabetology or general practitioner’s practice. Links to Zinzino products are identified as advertising with an affiliate connection (Partner ID 2020271409). No liability is assumed for the completeness or currency of the scientific sources.
Kind regards,
your Zuckerschmuck team
