Other products do indeed contain the omega-3, DHA, though usually in small quantities. Breyer's Smart with DHA omega-3 is an example, with 32 mg DHA per container.
I find products with DHA (from algae) a more credible claim. This form does indeed provide the benefits of real omega-3 fatty acids.
However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has looked at the actual contents of DHA in some of these products and found some discrepancies, including amounts of DHA less than the labeled amount. Other products claim to contain omega-3s without specifying whether it is DHA or linolenic acid. In my experience, and in agreement with the CSPI advice, if it's not specified it's probably linolenic acid. CSPI takes this issue seriously and has asked the FDA to take action against Country Hen and six other egg producers that boast omega-3 heart health claims based on linolenic acid content.
All in all, the addition of DHA to food products is a nice way to boost your intake of this healthy omega-3. However, keep in mind that these are processed, often highly processed, foods and you will likely pay a premium for the little boost. For now, if you want to obtain the full benefits of omega-3 fatty acids like reduction of triglycerides, accelerated clearance of dietary by-products from the blood, reduction of stroke, and dramatic reduction of heart attack risk, then stick to fish oil, the real thing.
For a brief summary of the CSPI report and a link to their Nutrition Action Newsletter, see Omega-3 Madness: Fish Oil or Snake Oil.
Related Information:
Information on Low Cholesterol Diet
Heart Disease Causes and Risk Factors
