What is the Difference Between Omega 3 and Vitamin D3

The main difference between omega 3 and vitamin D3 is that omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that benefits heart health, whereas vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a subtype of vitamin D and it is beneficial for strong bones.

Omega 3 and vitamin D3 are two types of nutrients required by the body for maintaining health. Both of them have an animal origin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Omega 3
   • Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Vitamin D3
   • Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Omega 3 and Vitamin D3
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Omega 3 and Vitamin D3
   • Comparison with Key Differences

Key Terms

Nutrients, Omega 3, Vitamin D3

What is Omega 3

Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is beneficial for heart health. It is characterized by the presence of a double-bond, three atoms away from the terminal methyl group in their chemical structure. As a component of animal lipid metabolism, omega 3 plays an important role in human physiology. Moreover, there are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA comes from plant sources such as vegetable oils (canola, soybean oil, etc.) and walnuts. But, both EPA and DHA mainly come from fish and they are more powerful than ALA. The current recommendation of omega 3 by WHO is 0.3-0.5 g of EPA and DHA and 0.8-1.1 g ALA per day.

Figure 1: EPA

Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acid reduces the amounts of triglycerides in the body, lowering the risk of death, heart attack, and stroke. It also helps in regulating the heart rhythm, lowering the risk of arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. Omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory effect as well. However, the human body does not synthesize omega 3; hence, it has to be taken into the body through the diet or as supplements.

What is Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is a type of vitamin D produced upon exposure to the sun; can occur in some food and is an ingredient of dietary supplements. Exposure to UVB sunlight produces vitamin D3 in the skin cells. Sensible sun exposure (without getting sunburnt) for 5-10 minutes and 2-3 times per week is sufficient for the production of the required amounts of this vitamin in the body. However, Vitamin D3 occurs in animal sources as well. In addition to that, the dietary sources of vitamin D3 are egg yolk, oily fish, yogurt, margarine, unpasteurized milk, etc.

Figure 2: Cholecalciferol

Moreover, the main health benefits of vitamin D3 supplements include strong bones and muscles, boosting immunity, improving mood, reducing inflammation, improving heart function, etc. On the other hand, oral dietary supplements reduce vitamin D deficiency well.  

Similarities Between Omega 3 and Vitamin D3

• Omega 3 and vitamin D3 are two types of nutrients essential for health.
• Moreover, both are important as dietary supplements.

Difference Between Omega 3 and Vitamin D3

Definition

Omega 3 refers to a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is beneficial for heart health while vitamin D3 refers to a type of vitamin D produced upon sun exposure, and can occur in some food, and is an ingredient of dietary supplements.

Type of Nutrients

Usually, Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid while vitamin D3 is a type of vitamin D.

Types

The three types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA, DHA, and EPA while the five types of vitamin D are vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5.

Health Benefits

Omega 3 reduces the amounts of triglycerides in the body and thus, lowers the risk of death, heart attack, and stroke while vitamin D3 is beneficial for strong bones and muscles and it boosts immunity, improves mood, reduces inflammation, etc.

Conclusion

In brief, omega 3 and vitamin D3 are two types of nutrients with essential health benefits to the body. Significantly, omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, good for heart health. ALA, DHA, and EPA are the three types of omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, vitamin D3 is a type of vitamin D good for strong bones. Therefore, the main difference between omega 3 and vitamin D3 is their health benefits.   

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, August 1). Omega-3 fatty acid. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, July 11). Cholecalciferol. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 11, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “EPAnumbering ” By Edgar181 – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cholecalciferol ” By Calvero (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia