The truth behind five omega-3 myths

Have you seen various claims about omega-3 in the press or on social media recently? This is what you need to know!

You’ll get enough omega-3 from your diet

In theory, this should be possible, but the reality is that 90% of the global population doesn’t get enough DHA and EPA, and most Brits don’t eat fish regularly in their diet. To meet the minimum recommendations of 250mg a day, you’d need to eat oily fish at least twice a week.

So, for most people, a high-quality fish oil is a wise investment. For kids, these can be taken alongside regular kids vitamins. In fact, some Kids multivitamins may contain a full spectrum of essential nutrients.

Plant-based omega-3s are just as good

Chia seeds and plant seeds contain ALA, which your body then converts into the active DHA and EPA forms. However, this is a very inefficient process. Marine sources, such as fish, are far better at delivering the necessary omega-3s to your system.

Krill oil beats fish oil for omega-3s

This isn’t the case, despite the heavy marketing. Krill oil has lower levels of the necessary compounds than a high-quality fish oil, so you usually need to take more of these supplements and spend a lot more money in the process to match the omega-3 level that you get in regular fish oil supplements.

Omega-3 thins your blood and is dangerous

Yes, there’s a mild blood-thinning effect, but long-term research shows that these supplements are safe and desirable at recommended doses, and complications are rare, even if you’re taking heart medication.

All supplements are the same

Sadly, this isn’t true! Whether you’re weighing up kids multivitamins or adult vitamins, the quality of the formulations varies greatly. Look at active ingredients, the presence of fillers, quality standards and the origin of the supplement you’re considering. It also helps to find a reputable brand and a clinical study that proves the efficacy of the supplement.

So, whether through marine life or supplementation, remember to get plenty of omega-3 into your diet!