Omega-3 Intake
Recommendations vs. Reality
There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), SDA (stearidonic acid), and ALA (alpha linolenic acid).
Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reference Dietary Intake (RDI) for long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA). However, the U.S. FDA has authorized a qualified health claim to the effect that there is “supportive but not conclusive evidence” that consumption of EPA and DHA “may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has also concluded that there is convincing evidence showing a relationship between the intake of fish and fish oils, containing EPA and DHA, and heart health. Additionally, the new 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes that consumption of about eight ounces of fatty fish per week is also associated with heart health.
Several well-regarded organizations have issued specific intake recommendations, ranging from 250–500 mg of EPA plus DHA per day. For example, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that healthy individuals consume two fatty fish meals per week, which is equivalent to about 350 mg of EPA and DHA per day, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends 500 mg per day. Additionally, the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming two portions of fish per week, providing on average 250 mg EPA/DHA per day.
Despite the reported health benefits of long-chain omega-3s, the majority of American diets are well below the recommendations of well-regarded organizations like those of the American Dietetic Association, leading to a gap between recommendations and intake. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2008), the average consumption of long-chain omega-3s is 100–150 mg per day, which is only about 25% of the amount recommended by ADA.
