About three-quarters of the global population are not meeting recommended intakes of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, according to a new global review led by researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett. The authors highlight large gaps between guidelines and actual consumption and call for clearer policies and more sustainable sources to address what they describe as a public health concern.
A new review published in Nutrition Research Reviews reports that most people worldwide are not consuming enough long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and the retailer Holland & Barrett found that an estimated 76% of the global population do not reach commonly recommended intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The authors say this shortfall represents a significant public health gap.
The paper, titled “An overview of national and international long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations for healthy populations,” is described by its authors as the first global review compiling national and international recommendations for EPA and DHA across all life stages in generally healthy populations.
Prof Anne Marie Minihane of the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School said the team examined how official intake recommendations compare with what people actually eat. "Our research looks at recommendations for omega-3 fats and how they compare to what people are actually eating. We found big gaps between what's advised and what most of us consume. To close that gap, we need easier, sustainable ways to get these important nutrients -- like foods enriched with omega-3s or supplements," she said, according to a summary from the University of East Anglia.
The review stresses that omega-3 fatty acids have health benefits across the life course, from before birth through older age. According to the University of East Anglia summary and related coverage, higher intakes of EPA and DHA are associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and with improved visual and cognitive development in infants, as well as with better cardiovascular and immune function in adults. Observational and clinical research has also linked adequate omega-3 status with a reduced risk of depression and age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Abbie Cawood, science director at Holland & Barrett and a visiting research fellow at the University of Southampton, said the benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are "too important to ignore." She noted that "achieving recommended intakes from diet alone can be challenging, highlighting the need for accessible, sustainable sources of EPA and DHA," and that the review indicates supplementation is often needed during pregnancy and among people who eat little fish.
One of the review’s key findings is that guidance on omega-3 intake varies considerably between countries and organizations, which the authors say contributes to public confusion. Nonetheless, the most frequently cited target for adults is around 250 milligrams per day of combined EPA and DHA, with an additional 100–200 milligrams per day of DHA often advised for pregnant women. These amounts can typically be obtained by consuming oily fish such as salmon or mackerel, or by using omega-3 supplements where appropriate.
Prof Philip Calder of the University of Southampton said the review brings together recommendations from authorities worldwide in order to help answer the basic question of how much EPA and DHA people should consume. "What is clear is that most people are not meeting these recommendations," he said in comments released by the University of East Anglia.
The authors say the review is intended to support the development of clearer, evidence-based nutrition policies and public health guidance. They note that it may be especially useful for regions outside Europe and North America, including parts of Latin America and Asia such as India, where formal guidelines on safe intake levels and supplementation advice are still emerging. The findings are also expected to inform the food and supplement industries as they work on products that could help people reach recommended omega-3 intakes in sustainable ways.
