Dec 2, 2025 06:05 AM
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1108019
INTRO: More than three-quarters of the global population aren’t getting enough Omega-3, according to new research from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett.
The collaborative review highlights that 76 per cent of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of EPA and DHA, revealing a significant global public health gap. The study is the first global review of national and international omega-3 intake recommendations across all life stages for generally healthy people.
Prof Anne Marie Minihane, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “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. These changes could help more people enjoy the health benefits linked to higher intakes."
“We hope this work will help inform nutritional scientists, clinicians, food and supplement industries, policy makers and consumer communities,” she added.
Dr Abbie Cawood, Science Director at Holland & Barrett and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, said: “The health benefits of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are too important to ignore.
“Achieving recommended intakes from diet alone can be challenging, highlighting the need for accessible, sustainable sources of EPA and DHA. Omega-3s play such a vital role in health, ensuring people can meet their needs either through diet or with the support of supplementation is essential at every life stage.
“In fact, our review highlights that supplementation is often required to meet recommended intakes especially in pregnancy and those with low fish intakes. We are hopeful that this publication can act as an enabler to inform omega-3 dietary guidelines and shape future nutrition policy and public health strategies.”
Prof Philip Calder from University of Southampton added: “The omega-3s EPA and DHA are essential for health throughout the lifecourse. But to benefit from these nutrients, people first need to understand how much they should be consuming.
“In this review, we brought together all the recommendations for EPA and DHA intake in healthy populations from authorities around the world to help answer the important question: ‘how much do I need?’ What is clear is that most people are not meeting these recommendations.”
Omega-3 consumption supports a healthy lifestyle throughout all stages of life - from reducing the chance of pre-term birth and supporting visual and cognitive development in infants, right through to improving cardiovascular health and immune function. It is also associated with reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease... (MORE - details, no ads)
INTRO: More than three-quarters of the global population aren’t getting enough Omega-3, according to new research from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett.
The collaborative review highlights that 76 per cent of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of EPA and DHA, revealing a significant global public health gap. The study is the first global review of national and international omega-3 intake recommendations across all life stages for generally healthy people.
Prof Anne Marie Minihane, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “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. These changes could help more people enjoy the health benefits linked to higher intakes."
“We hope this work will help inform nutritional scientists, clinicians, food and supplement industries, policy makers and consumer communities,” she added.
Dr Abbie Cawood, Science Director at Holland & Barrett and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, said: “The health benefits of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are too important to ignore.
“Achieving recommended intakes from diet alone can be challenging, highlighting the need for accessible, sustainable sources of EPA and DHA. Omega-3s play such a vital role in health, ensuring people can meet their needs either through diet or with the support of supplementation is essential at every life stage.
“In fact, our review highlights that supplementation is often required to meet recommended intakes especially in pregnancy and those with low fish intakes. We are hopeful that this publication can act as an enabler to inform omega-3 dietary guidelines and shape future nutrition policy and public health strategies.”
Prof Philip Calder from University of Southampton added: “The omega-3s EPA and DHA are essential for health throughout the lifecourse. But to benefit from these nutrients, people first need to understand how much they should be consuming.
“In this review, we brought together all the recommendations for EPA and DHA intake in healthy populations from authorities around the world to help answer the important question: ‘how much do I need?’ What is clear is that most people are not meeting these recommendations.”
Omega-3 consumption supports a healthy lifestyle throughout all stages of life - from reducing the chance of pre-term birth and supporting visual and cognitive development in infants, right through to improving cardiovascular health and immune function. It is also associated with reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease... (MORE - details, no ads)