Do you think it makes sense to take Omega 3 supplements if a diet generally follows WHO recommendations but does not contain oily fish? I mean especially with regard to CVD. I never eat fish, except when I am forced into a sushi restaurant and my omega-3 sources come from nuts, seeds (which I eat in small amounts every day) and vegetables? I have read some meta-analyzes here and there (such as on examine.com), but they are not necessarily positive about the usefulness of supplementing.
I do not think fish oil supplementation is a good idea, no. I do not think there is good evidence to support their use for the vast majority of people.
Who is there good evidence for? I’m vegan, get next to zero omega-3 and have ADHD. I’d be interested in any of the benefits that are claimed for Omega-3 such as CVD risk reduction and increased cognition. If I were to supplement with omega-3 it would be an algae derived supplement not a fish derived supplement, if that changes anything.
I don’t think the evidence is good for ADHD or vegans, as the majority of adults in America exceed the current recommendation of n-3 fatty acid intake (1.6g/day for men, 1.1 for women). There does not appear to be any benefit for “cognition”, but there may be reduced risk of a second major adverse cardiac event with fish oil…maybe. The algae origins doesn’t change my recommendation.
Hi Jordan,
Hope it’s OK if I jump on this old thread to ask about this!
You say above that most “adults in America exceed the current recommendation of n-3 fatty acid intake.” Very well, and I’d much prefer not to worry about this!
But according to my nutrition app, I consume an average <1g/day of omega 3 (all three types combined) and 3g/day of omega 6. These numbers are well below recommendations, no? Assuming the nutrition app is giving me accurate info, should I be concerned? Should I take action and deliberately eat more flax, salmon, etc.? Or even supplement?
My thanks, as usual, for your thoughts on this.
I do think eating more fish is a good idea for most folks, regardless of their n-3 intake. While I suspect the nutrition app isn’t accurately accounting for your n-3 intake, I think trying to get some more via the steps you listed here are all consistent with a health promoting dietary pattern. I’d be in favor!
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