There is an alarming omega-3 deficiency in the world

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for brain development, mental health, vision, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, regulation of inflammation, and other functions. In most countries, the omega-3 consumption is too low, according to a large global update where scientists have measured the concentration of the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in the red blood cells. Too little omega-3 increases the risk of cognitive impairment, depression, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and early death. Also, pregnant women risk premature delivery or giving birth to a baby with lower IQ. It is important that health authorities are aware of this so they can encourage people to improve their health to reduce the huge burden of all these chronic diseases.

We have omega-3 fatty acids in our cell membranes where they support many metabolic processes in collaboration with the omega-6 fatty acids. It is important to have the right balance between these two fatty acids to ensure that these processes sun smoothly. In 2016, researchers for the first time published a map detailing the intake of omega-3 in different populations. They specifically looked at the content of the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in the membranes of the red blood cells. The purpose of this was to make an update using data from clinical studies and observational studies. The researchers analyzed 328 eligible studies with a total of 342,842 participants from 48 different countries/regions. The average age was 53 years with an even representation of both genders.
The researchers used an omega-3 index (031) that defines the content of omega-3 fatty acids in the red blood cells as:

• Very low: < 4 %
• Low: 4-6 %
• Moderate: 6-8 %
• Sufficient: > 8 %

They found that the omega-3 index in most countries was low or very low. Compared to the study from 2016, USA, Canada, Italy, Turkey, Great Britain, Ireland, and Greece had moved from the “very low” category to the “low” category. France, Spain, and New Zealand had moved from “low” to “moderate”. Even though the omega-3 index in these countries was slightly improved, it is still insufficient.
Finland and Iceland, however, had moved from “moderate” to “sufficient”, whereas Iran, Egypt, and India were in the “very low” group.
Nearly half the participants were from North America (especially the US), and 43 percent were from Europe. Many other countries were underrepresented.
It is worth noting that these are average values. There may be people in the different countries that are way above these values. It is also important to remember the important balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the fact they are found in different forms:

Omega-3 fatty acids and their different forms

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): Flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, walnuts, and chia seeds
EPA and DHA: Oily fish. There is a high concentration of EPA and DHA in the brain
Important: Many people have difficulty with converting ALA into EPA and DHA, which are the active forms in the cell membranes

Omega-6 fatty acids and their different forms

LA (linoleic acid): Most plant oils, nuts, kernels, seeds, margarine, and junk-food
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid): Borage, evening primrose
AA (arachidonic acid): Meat, fish, dairy products

More omega-3 or less omega-6?

As mentioned, some populations have a higher omega-3 index than others. This may be a result of eating more oily fish or taking fish oil supplements. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compete for the same enzyme processes that convert fatty acids into their active forms in the cell membranes. As a result of this, getting less omega-6 from the diet allows cell membranes to take up more EPA and DHA.

Conclusion

It’s widely accepted that the omega-3 index is a good biomarker of the body’s omega-3 status. It has even been documented that there is an increased risk of many diseases and early death if the index is too low.
Low intake of fish and shellfish is believed to be the fourth leading nutritional cause of cardiovascular disease in the US. This tendency is a threat to public health worldwide. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids also contributes to the development of chronic inflammation, which is the common thread of most chronic diseases.
Based on the new data, health authorities worldwide must work hard to ensure that people get enough omega-3. This may help reduce the many chronic diseases that are a global health threat, and which come with a huge price tag.

Referencer:

Jan Philipp Schuchardt et al. Omega-3 world map: 2024 update. Progress in Lipid Research. 2024