Is there a dietary reference intake (DRI) for alpha linolenic acid?
A. Although the ideal intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are unclear at this time, the acceptable range of alpha linolenic acid (the plant based source of omega-3 fatty acids) is estimated to be 1.3 to 2.7 grams per day on the basis of a 2000 calorie diet, according to the Dietary reference Intake report by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine (IOM). As of 2007, the FDA currently recognizes the recommendation of 1.6 grams of ALA per day for the purposes of nutrient content claims. Therefore, one ounce of walnuts is an excellent source of alpha linolenic acid, providing 2.5 grams of ALA.
