Omega-3s and Your Health

Where the 3s Are
Some have argued that, in humans, ALA is converted into EPA and DHA too slowly, and have suggested supplements as the answer. However, the rate of conversion may depend on how many other fats are competing for the enzymes that lengthen the molecule. So if you are eating lots of grease, it may impair your ability to build the healthful fats you need.

What really matters, though, is not so much the amount of omega-3s in your diet. The key is balance. If someone's diet is loaded with competing fats -- from hamburgers, cheese, and fried onion rings -- these not-so-healthful fats enter their cell membranes, forcing out the healthful omega-3s. People who take omega-3 supplements may be doing the reverse -- flooding their bodies with omega-3s to try to force out the "bad" fats. A more sensible approach is to have healthful vegetables, fruits, and beans in your diet. If you like, you can add walnuts, soy products, flax oil, or ground flaxseeds. This gives you the omega-3s you need. At the same time, if you avoid animal products and added oils, the healthful omega-3s can stay in your cells where they belong.

If you are looking to supplement, vegan EPA and DHA supplements, produced from algae, are available. You will find them online and in health food stores.