Get a Grip on Fatty Acids

Lisa,  This article is great, very simple to understand.  However, I wanted to point out that there has been a lot of research that shows that our bodies convert ALA very poorly.  The statistics show that a very, very, small percent <1% actually gets converted into EPA and DHA - therefore the very best source of Omega-3 DHA & EPA is eating an oily fish (salmon, herring, sardines) or taking a good fish oil supplement in the natural TG form.  Thanks for letting me put my two cents in!

Hi Tie,

I replied to your comment at the eNutritionServices blog, but will post my response here also, so that healthcentral visitors can read it too!

I have read the studies on ALA conversion also and there appears to be some vairance on what percent is actually converted. From the data I have read, the general conversion from ALA to EPA is ~15% and then on to DHA ~5%.

This conversion rate is further slowed by diets high in omega 6 fatty acids. All the more reason to attain a ratio of at least 4:1 between omega 6 and omega 3! I agree, fish is the best bet for increasing EPA and DHA levels.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

Lower Cholesterol, Control Blood Pressure, Lose Weight

Thanks Lisa - Great information for us to review.  It's so good to have folsk like you who can research this material for our members and provide a simple and direct presentation of the information.

For more information on eating healthy read our material on a low cholesterol diet, the DASH Diet - for reducing blood pressure, and the Heart Healthy Diet.

Hope this helps and all the best, sue