So it's not just about how much fat we eat.
It's about which fats our cells are made of.
Omega-3 is not really a dietary supplement in the traditional sense.
It is building material.
Every cell in the body is surrounded by a cell membrane.
And a large part of that membrane consists of fatty acids.
The fatty acids you consume therefore affect which fatty acids are incorporated into the body's cells.
Two of the most important are EPA and DHA – the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids naturally found in fatty fish like herring, mackerel, and sprat.
DHA is an important structural component of the brain's and eye's cell membranes.
That is also why the European Food Safety Authority has approved the following health claims:
“DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.”
“DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.”
with a daily intake of at least 250 mg of DHA.
For EPA and DHA together, the following also applies:
“EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.”
with a daily intake of at least 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
These are not phrases created by marketing departments.
They are health claims that have been scientifically reviewed and approved according to EU regulations.
This is a level of documentation that relatively few nutrients achieve.
Just as the body is not rebuilt in a day, the composition of cells does not change overnight either.
New cells are continuously formed, and their membranes are built from the fatty acids available.
Therefore, an Omega-3 Index does not reflect what you ate yesterday.
It reflects your eating habits over the past few months.