Omega-3 fatty acids fall into a category of long-chain unsaturated fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Within this family of omega-3s are three main types––EPA, DHA, and ALA––and each have different biological actions. While your body needs these omega-3s to survive, it can’t make ALA on its own and it can’t make EPA or DHA without ALA. Even if you do consume adequate amounts of ALA, research shows that the conversion rate to EPA and DHA is typically low.
You get EPA and DHA by consuming fish with higher fat content (think salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel), but many find supplementation to be a more convenient approach. Consuming enough omega-3s through diet alone can be daunting, not to mention, you may not enjoy the taste of these health-packed fish. But with a supplement like Nordic Naturals’ Ultimate Omega, made from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies, you get 1100 mg of omega-3s EPA and DHA per serving (two softgels).
