Startling truth: the majority of the world isn’t getting enough omega-3s, and that gap has real health implications. A collaborative analysis from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of Southampton, and Holland & Barrett shows that about 76% of people globally fail to meet recommended intakes of EPA and DHA. This is the first global assessment comparing official omega-3 guidance across all life stages with what people actually consume, revealing a sizable public health shortfall.
Researchers led by Prof. Anne Marie Minihane at UEA’s Norwich Medical School explain that the study maps recommendations for omega-3 fats and contrasts them with typical diets. The takeaway is clear: there’s a substantial mismatch between advised intakes and everyday eating patterns. To bridge this gap, simpler, more sustainable ways to boost omega-3 intake are needed—whether through foods enriched with omega-3s or accessible supplements. Such changes could help more individuals access the health benefits associated with higher intake levels. The researchers hope their work informs scientists, clinicians, the food and supplement sectors, policy makers, and consumer communities alike.
Why EPA and DHA matter for health
Dr. Abbie Cawood, Science Director at Holland & Barrett and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, emphasizes that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids—especially EPA and DHA—are too important to overlook. Reaching recommended levels through diet alone can be challenging, underscoring the need for reliable, sustainable sources of EPA and DHA. Omega-3s play a crucial role in health across all ages, so meeting needs through diet or supplementation matters at every life stage. In many cases, supplementation is necessary, particularly during pregnancy and for individuals with low fish intake. The study suggests that guiding nutrition policy and public health strategies with these findings could help shape future dietary guidelines and practical recommendations.
How much omega-3 is needed?
Prof. Philip Calder of the University of Southampton notes that EPA and DHA are essential for health throughout life. Yet the key question remains: how much should people actually consume? This review consolidates recommended intake levels for healthy populations from authorities worldwide, helping answer, “What is enough?” The consistent message across sources is that most people do not reach those targets.
Lifelong benefits of omega-3 intake
Omega-3s support health across the lifespan—from reducing risks associated with preterm birth and aiding visual and cognitive development in infants to promoting cardiovascular health and supporting immune function. They’re also linked to lower risks of depression and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. This global analysis highlights misalignment between current evidence, public guidelines, and real-world consumption, aiming to cut through confusion about omega-3 recommendations and to emphasize benefits across all life stages in healthy populations.
A broad, life-stage approach to guidelines
Unlike past guidance that centered on pregnancy, birth, or age-related diseases, this publication covers omega-3 recommendations for all life stages, making guidance more accessible to the general population.
Global variation fuels confusion
The study points out that omega-3 guidance varies by country, contributing to widespread confusion. It argues for consistent, evidence-based recommendations and offers a framework to support public health policy beyond Europe and North America, including regions like Latin America and parts of Asia (e.g., India), to establish safe intake levels and supplementation guidance.
Intake targets vs. real-world barriers
Across adults, the most common recommendation is 250 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA, with an additional 100–200 mg for pregnant individuals. Achieving these targets typically involves consuming oily fish (such as salmon or mackerel) or relying on supplementation when dietary intake is insufficient. Barriers identified include low overall seafood consumption, sustainability concerns, and limited access to clear supplementation guidance, varying by population and region.
Guiding future nutrition policy and product development
Holland & Barrett and its collaborators hope this study becomes a valuable resource for nutrition scientists, clinicians, and industry players, informing future product development and public health strategies. The research team includes Prof. Philip Calder (University of Southampton), Prof. Minihane (UEA), nutritionists Fionna Page and Claire James from First Page Nutrition Ltd, Dr. Abbie Cawood, and Dr. Sophie Putnam of Holland & Barrett.
Publication details
“An overview of national and international long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations for healthy populations” appears in Nutrition Research Reviews.
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