Three-quarters of the world not getting enough omega-3s, research shows

Study finds 76% of people worldwide fall short on omega-3 intake, a ‘significant public health gap’

More than three-quarters of the global population aren’t getting enough omega-3, according to a recent study from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland and Barrett.

The review found that 76 percent of people fall short of recommended EPA and DHA intake, marking what the researchers describe as a “significant global public health gap.” The study is the first global review of national and international omega-3 intake recommendations across all life stages for generally healthy people.

“Our research looks at recommendations for omega-3 fats and how they compare to what people are actually eating,” said Anne Marie Minihane, professor at UEA’s Norwich Medical School. “We found big gaps between what’s advised and what most of us consume. To close that gap, we need easier, sustainable ways to get these important nutrients – like foods enriched with omega-3s or supplements. These changes could help more people enjoy the health benefits linked to higher intakes.”

Omega-3s play a role in health across the human lifespan, from reducing the risk of pre-term birth and supporting early visual and cognitive development to improving cardiovascular and immune function later in life. Higher intake has also been linked to lower rates of depression and reduced risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The review points to a gap between the scientific evidence, existing public health guidance and what populations actually consume. By examining recommendations across all life stages – not just pregnancy, infancy or older age – the authors aim to clarify how omega-3s benefit generally healthy people and to make guidance more accessible.

“The omega-3s EPA and DHA are essential for health throughout the life course,” said Philip Calder, professor at the University of Southampton. “But to benefit from these nutrients, people first need to understand how much they should be consuming.”

Global omega-3 fatty acid shortage puts public health at risk, study warns

The researchers noted that recommendations vary widely by country, contributing to confusion and underscoring the need for more consistent, evidence-based global guidance. The paper aims to inform public health efforts globally, offering a framework for countries with limited omega-3 guidance, including parts of Latin America and Asia, to develop recommendations on safe intake levels and supplementation.

“In this review, we brought together all the recommendations for EPA and DHA intake in healthy populations from authorities around the world to help answer the important question: ‘How much do I need?’” said Calder. “What is clear is that most people are not meeting these recommendations.”

The review reports that the most common target for adults is 250 milligrams per day of combined EPA and DHA, with an additional 100 to 200 milligrams of DHA advised for pregnant women. These levels can be reached through greater consumption of oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, or through supplements when needed.

“Our review highlights that supplementation is often required to meet recommended intakes, especially in pregnancy and those with low fish intakes,” said Dr. Abbie Cawood, science director at Holland and Barrett and visiting research fellow at the University of Southampton. “We are hopeful that this publication can act as an enabler to inform omega-3 dietary guidelines and shape future nutrition policy and public health strategies.”

The researchers also identified that many populations face barriers to meeting current omega-3 recommendations, including low seafood consumption, sustainability concerns and limited access to supplementation advice. The findings may serve as a resource for nutrition, medical and industry professionals, and could help guide future product development.

“Achieving recommended intakes from diet alone can be challenging, highlighting the need for accessible, sustainable sources of EPA and DHA,” said Cawood. “Omega-3s play such a vital role in health, ensuring people can meet their needs either through diet or with the support of supplementation is essential at every life stage.”

Read the full study here.