WHAT ARE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of fats that help form cell membranes and support normal body functions.
WHAT IT MEANS
Omega-3 fatty acid types include ALA, EPA and DHA. Plant foods such as flaxseed and walnuts supply ALA; fatty fish supply EPA and DHA. Some algae-based supplements also supply DHA or EPA.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Salmon and ground flaxseed both provide omega-3s, but they provide different types.
IMPORTANT LIMITS
The body converts only a small amount of ALA into EPA and DHA, so these sources are not interchangeable. A supplement’s effects depend on its contents and the person taking it; fish oil is not a guaranteed recovery or muscle-building aid.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is every omega-3 supplement the same?
No. The amounts and types vary. High-dose products can have risks and interactions, so more is not automatically better.
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