Significance and recommended dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

A consensus statement of the omega-3 working group

In recent years the polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in what we eat have received special attention of scientists and industry. Over 5,000 scientific publications providing information about the health-promoting effects of omega-3 fatty acids are available.

Omega-3 fatty acids – and especially the long-chain derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – are essential for growth and development and for body functions and health maintenance. Hence, adequate quantities should be contained in everybody’s food. Questions concerning adequate fat supply, in terms of quantity and quality, are of immense practical significance (e.g. choice of cooking oils, consumption of fish, enriched food/functional food and dietary supplements).

In countries with a relatively low consumption of fish (Germany, USA) the daily intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) tends to be below 0.1 gram. The omega-3 working group recommends a daily intake of at least 0.3 gram (EPA/DHA). This would be in line with the nutritional recommendations of the American Heart Association and corresponds to eating fish twice a week. Another way of ensuring a sufficiently high intake is to adopt a mixed feeding pattern, e.g. at least one portion of fatty saltwater fish per week plus a daily intake of food enriched with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and fish oil supplements as capsules when appropriate. In addition it is recommended to prefer vegetable oils containing alpha-linolenic acid (e.g. rapeseed oil). EU03/02

Keywords: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids / significance / recommended dietary intake / consensus statement / omega-3 working group