Omega3 comes in several types and we have a requirement for all of them, but some are more important than others. We need them in our diet regularly as the the body is not able to produce them. We can get them through our normal diet or through supplements.
The various types of omega3 have different molecular structures making them more or less bio-available. This is an indication of how hard the body has to work to make use of them. You have to look at how much of them a food contains as well as how easy it is to use it.
DHA is is vital type of omega3. It is essential to the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system among other things. It is the largest single component of the mass of the brain. It occurs in large amounts in some types of oily fish and to a lesser extent in red meat and eggs.
EPA is another important essential fatty acid. It is another major factor in brain health, though less so than DHA. The body can convert it into DHA but this is not an efficient process. It is found in similar sources that DHA comes from.
ALA is found in things such as some nuts and seeds and their oils. A common supplement type is one made from flax seed. Some people claim that this can meet all your dietary needs. I don't agree, since the conversion process from ALA to DHA is very difficult for the body to accomplish.
DHA is the most important omega3 fatty acid and it is most easily available from the right type of fish of fish oil. Flaxseed oil does not provide any of it and the body has to work hard to manufacture it from ALA. Vegetarians are advised by some authorities to use flax seed oil but it is not the best option.
If you are a vegetarian and not able to take fish oil, the best thing is to find a supplement made from algae. This contains a good amount of DHA. It is in fact the way that DHA gets into the food chain of fish. For vegetarians this is the best omega3 source.
Visit my website at www.omega3fishoilbuyer.com to find out what questions you should be asking if you want to make an informed choice about which fish oil supplements provide the best omega3 source.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_A_Russell
Platinum Author