There have been some significant health discoveries over the last few decades but arguably one of the most important is the fact that virtually all of us are deficient in the essential fatty acids known as Omega 3 fatty acids. There’s a number of these including ALA (alpha linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), though there are more.

The 2 most important of these are DHA and EPA, and in particular DHA. DHA makes up a good proportion of our brain and is essential to good health.

Our diets have changed dramatically over the last century and as a result we are now eating much less seafood and particularly fish, and because DHA and EPA come primarily from oily fish most of us are now deficient in these essential fatty acids. By increasing our dietary intake of DHA and EPA we can protect our health by lowering the risks of some potentially serious health problems.

But how about ALA

What is ALA omega 3 fat? ALA is an Omega 3 essential fatty acid found in plants but not in seafood. So if you are taking fish oil capsules you are not getting any ALA in your diet. You are however getting plenty of DHA and EPA which come from fish.

But even so many people are taking vegetarian Omega 3 supplements and in particular flaxseed oil capsules. Because these supplements source their omega 3 fats from plants they are getting ALA Omega 3 fat in their diet. So are people taking these supplements getting sufficient of the omega 3 fatty acids?

Sadly the answer is in the negative. DHA and EPA are the most important Omega 3 fats. ALA, whilst being important, is primarily so because the body can convert it into DHA and EPA, but the evidence shows that it is converted at a very low rate. And in particular those of us who are less healthy convert it at a poorer rate.

So taking fish oil supplements provides far higher levels of DHA and EPA, and anyone taking flax seed oil capsules is only getting limited benefits.

So if this is the case why are people taking flax seed oil supplements containing ALA? It’s because, as vegetarians, they are reluctant to take any form of nutrients coming from a fish-based source, so are unable to take fish oil capsules.

But many people taking flax seed oil supplements are unaware that taking the supplements does not provide them with sufficient Omega3 essential fatty acids and does little to increase their store of DHA and EPA.

Ultimately, sad to say, almost all of us are deficient in our levels of DHA and EPA, and whilst this is now commonly known, those of us who are taking vegetarian Omega 3 supplements are not reversing the problem.

Check out the Acai berry weight loss supplements for more Omega 3 information.