Flax seeds and fish oil supplements differ in their omega-3 bioavailability
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 88/100
Scientific evidence confirms that flax seeds (rich in alpha-linolenic acid) and fish oil (rich in EPA and DHA) differ significantly in their metabolic conversion and overall omega-3 bioavailability in the body.
Evidence for · 3
Quantitation of alpha-linolenic acid elongation to eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid as affected by the ratio of n6/n3 fatty acids
2009 · cited by 121
Demonstrates that plant-based alpha-linolenic acid requires inefficient enzymatic elongation and conversion to yield EPA and DHA.
See more details
More for · 2
Dietary Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Are More Effective than Alpha-Linolenic Acid in Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Rats
2008 · cited by 35
Shows that marine-derived EPA and DHA exert different and more potent physiological effects than plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid.
Bioavailability of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Added to a Variety of Sausages in Healthy Individuals.
2017 · cited by 0
Observes that direct intake of EPA and DHA successfully raises the Omega-3 Index whereas alpha-linolenic acid does not perform this function equivalently.