Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, that they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Therefore, the dietary intake of Omega-3 is necessary to maintain sufficient amounts in the body.
EPA is obtained in the diet by eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines or through fish oil supplements.
DHA is commonly found alongside EPA in fatty fish and fish oil, or in alga oil supplements. It is essential to brain and eye development, heart health and cognitive function.
Small fish are safer to consume?
Large fish that are higher in the food chain — such as shark, tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel. They tend to have higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. Larger fish eat the smaller fish, gaining higher concentrations of the toxin. The longer a fish lives, the larger it grows and the more mercury it can collect. Mercury occurs naturally in small amounts in the environment. Sardines and anchovies are far down on the food chain, therefore they are safer alternative compare to larger fish.
