Omega-3 fatty acids fall into two major categories:
- Plant-derived (flaxseed)
- Marine-derived (fish)
This is often confusing for physicians and patients, and many think the two are interchangeable. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be partially converted to EPA and DHA, but that conversion is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by lifestyle and health factors. Research shows that approximately 5% of ALA converts to EPA, and just 1% converts to DHA, under optimal conditions. While flaxseed and flaxseed oil may contain many health-promoting benefits, they do not provide the necessary amounts of EPA and DHA.