How Much EPA and DHA Are Adequate in a Healthy Diet?
EPA and DHA are two of the long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) known as omega-3s. The only dietary source that provides both of them is fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel and anchovies. Some types of marine algae contain DHA. Some types of kelp contain EPA. All other dietary sources of omega-3s provide only ALA. ALA is the shortest of the long-chained PUFAs. In cases of a strict vegan diet or severe deficiencies, the human body will convert some ALA to EPA and then to DHA. Because of that, some researchers still maintain that only ALA is “essential” in the human diet. Many health experts are tired of hearing about what’s essential and what’s not. They are tired of hearing about minimum daily intakes. Because, if a person is only getting the minimum amount of nutrients needed to prevent nutritional deficiency, they are only enjoying minimally good health. Wouldn’t it be nice, for a change, to get recommendations that would allow you to enjoy “optimal” good health? When it co
