What is the difference between DHA from fish oil vs. flaxseed?
Dear M, All fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids including some DHA in varying amounts depending upon the specific source/type. Most fish oils contain very little to trace amounts of the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). In contrast, flaxseed and flaxseed oil contains approximately 50-60% of the total fatty acids as LNA while being devoid of DHA. Some varieties of flaxseed oil contain up to approximately 75% of the total fatty acid content as LNA (again without the concomitant presence of DHA omega-3). During the pre-natal period/development, there is very strong evidence that an ample supply of nutrients which includes DHA omega-3 fatty acid is very important for the provision of DHA for brain development and optimal functioning. DHA omega-3 is a physiologically-essential nutrient for the brain. In view of the very limited metabolic conversion of dietary/nutritional sources of LNA to DHA in the human body (including infants), a supply of pre-formed D
