Are all Omega-3’s equal?

NO.  There are 2 sources of Omega-3 (see Plant v Fish) and they are not equal.  Fish source Omega-3 such as Cod Liver Oil is deemed to be more effective as it can be used more readily by the body.   Again, not all providers of Omega-3 i.e. foods, fortified foods or food supplements contain the same levels.

The majority of consumers are aware of the positive effects of Omega-3 as found in Cod Liver Oil for example, but are unclear as to how much Omega-3 is needed to make an impact on their health.  Sources of Omega-3 vary widely in the levels they contain. Supermarket shelves are filled with products fortified with health-enriching Omega-3. Yet in reality these products often contain tiny quantities of the vital Omega-3 needed, leaving many consumers shortchanged.

International Cod Liver Omega-3 Foundation wants to clarify this situation by endorsing a new Healthy Daily Intake (HDI) for fish oil Omega-3 as found in Cod Liver Oil. The advisory panel recommends that the HDI for fish oil Omega-3 as found in Cod Liver Oil should be 450 milligrams (mg) for adults and 200 mg for children.