Thie article explains why there is such a critical need for most people to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids, and the health consequences of omega-3 deficiency.
More and more it is becoming apparent how important omega-3 fatty acids are to health. But is it really necessary to supplement?
First you have to understand that supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids does not give you “extra” of these beneficial fats. In fact, most supplementation recommendations probably give most people the minimum they need to balance the other fats in their diets. Studies of different indigenous societies (with low rates of chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease) typically consume omega-6 and omega-3 fats in about a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio:1 to 2:1. Currently in the United States, that ratio ranges from 20:1 to more than 30:1!