Hi Austin,
I know you guys generally don’t recommend supplementation, but as vegans don’t get much DHA/EPA, would you recommend they take an algae oil supplement to ensure adequate amounts?
I can’t seem to find a consensus online.
Thank you
The differences in omega-3 status between omnivores and vegetarians is actually much smaller than would be predicted by diet, suggesting that vegans and vegetarians efficiently convert the omega-3 fatty acids they do consume (usually ALA) to EPA. (source) Target ALA intake is 1.6g/d for men and 1.1g for women.
Currently, the National Academy of Medicine hasn’t made a recommendation for adequate intake of EPA or DHA. The European Food Safety Authority set a target of 250 mg/d for both.
Outside of pregnancy, I don’t think a supplement is likely to do much unless someone had a very restricted form of a plant-based diet.
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Thanks Jordan, appreciate it