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Fatty acid

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids is an umbrella term for unsaturated fatty acids grouped by the position of their first double bond, such as omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9.

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The useful numbers are EPA and DHA

Fish-oil products vary in their EPA and DHA content; the total oil weight is not the same as the amount of those fats. Algal oils can provide DHA, and some also EPA, offering a non-fish source. The product’s actual composition is more informative than a broad omega label. 1

Is the omega-3-to-6 ratio the main goal?

EFSA did not set a specific omega-3-to-6 ratio because evidence was insufficient to recommend one independently of absolute intake. It also did not set a single reference value for all polyunsaturated fats. A tidy ratio therefore cannot replace checking which fats and amounts the diet supplies. 2

Sources