Human survival depends on continuous energy supply through oral food intake. However, nutrients can only be properly digested and assimilated when the stomach and intestines function normally. Most nutrients are typically absorbed in the upper small intestine. Incomplete digestion allowing undigested particles to reach deeper intestinal regions disrupts systemic equilibrium.
Mitochondria: The Powerhouse of Digestion
As cellular "power plants," mitochondria are essential for digestive function by providing cellular energy. Their optimal operation requires micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements), alongside proper gastrointestinal pH maintained by adequate fiber, proteins, and essential fatty acids like omega-3. A third regulatory factor involves enterohormones (over 20 GI tract messengers) that govern nutrient absorption - with EPA and DHA serving as critical building blocks for these hormones.
Anti-inflammatory Regulation by EPA/DHA
Beyond digestion, EPA and DHA modulate inflammation through dual mechanisms: as eicosanoid precursors regulating immune/neuro/cardiovascular systems, and as innate immune system modulators preventing chronic inflammatory cascades. Given intestinal diseases' inflammatory nature, omega-3 constitutes a therapeutic cornerstone. Emerging research reveals omega-3's ability to influence colonic microbiome composition, potentially promoting beneficial microbiota restoration.
Marine Omega-3 Deficiency Epidemic
Western populations show widespread marine omega-3 deficiency (optimal omega-3 index: 8-11% vs. Europe's 4-6%). While daily 2000mg EPA+DHA supplementation is recommended, absorption efficiency depends on digestive competence. Thus omega-3, though indispensable, cannot singularly address complex intestinal pathologies.
Clinical Considerations
Existing intestinal inflammation markedly impairs fat absorption. Adrenal fatigue (from chronic stress) exacerbates this through gastric acid insufficiency, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and bile acid imbalance - leading to mucosal barrier breakdown (reduced mucin, antimicrobial peptides) that increases intestinal permeability and antibody formation risks (e.g., non-celiac gluten sensitivity with 80+ comorbidities). Administration guidelines:
Consume with meals to ensure bile salt/lipase availability
Non-invasive stool tests can assess mucosal status
Optimize absorption through comprehensive digestive support