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How omega-3 fats in human health, including dietary intake needs, supplements, & omega fat testing.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

ω-3 chemistry: EPA and DHA differ from plant ALA in chain length and double-bond count, making them structurally and biologically distinct — and largely irreplaceable by ALA conversion.
ALA-to-EPA/DHA conversion: A small percentage of dietary ALA converts to EPA, and conversion to DHA is even lower; vegans rely on this inefficient pathway for all long-chain omega-3s.
Cardiovascular mechanisms: ω-3s lower triglycerides, reduce platelet stickiness, improve endothelial function, and slow resting heart rate, reducing cardiovascular risk.
ω-3 Index: Defined as red blood cell EPA+DHA as a percent of total fatty acids; 8–12% is the target range, while most Americans sit around 4–5%.
Brain & dementia risk: Higher DHA blood levels are associated with significantly lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in large cohorts including the UK Biobank and Framingham.
Linoleic acid nuance: Higher blood levels of dietary linoleic acid (omega-6) associate with lower dementia and cardiovascular risk; downstream omega-6 metabolites — not linoleic acid itself — associate with adverse outcomes.
Supplementation practicalities: Most people need 1–2 g/day of EPA+DHA to reach an ω-3 Index >8%; oxidation concerns with fish oil supplements may be overstated.

ABOUT THE GUEST: Bill Harris, PhD is founder of both OmegaQuant Laboratory and the Fatty Acid Research Institute (Sioux Falls, SD), where his work centers on blood fatty acid biomarkers as predictors of disease risk in large population cohort studies.

KNOW YOURSELF:

OmegaQuant: At-home blood testing to see fatty acid profiles, including omega-3 fatty acids. Use link to see options and support M&M.

RELATED EPISODE:

M&M 134: Omega Fats, Vegetable & Seed Oils, Sugar, Processed Food, Metabolic Health & Dietary Origins of Chronic Inflammatory Di

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Omega Fats & ω-3 Supplements in Human Health | Bill Harris | Episode 292

Mind & Matter

Omega Fats & ω-3 Supplements in Human Health | Bill Harris | Episode 292