The report, published in Nutrition Research Reviews is a collaboration with prominent researchers Professor Philip Calder from the University of Southampton and Professor Anne-Marie Minihane from the University of East Anglia, and highlights the retailer’s increasing focus on research.
Dr. Abbie Cawood, science director at Holland & Barrett and visiting research fellow at the University of Southampton, told NutraIngredients that although many countries have introduced dietary recommendations to encourage adequate intake of omega-3, this is the first comprehensive review to map these recommendations across countries and life stages.
“Likewise, although low omega-3 intakes have been reported in many regions, no global assessment had quantified how widespread this issue is or how many countries fall short of their own targets,” she said.
Omega-3s play a vital role in health, and helping people to meet their needs is essential at every life stage, Dr. Cawood added.
“In fact, our review highlights that supplementation is often required to meet recommended intakes especially in pregnancy and those with low fish intakes,” she said. “We are hopeful that this publication can act as an enabler to inform omega-3 dietary guidelines and shape future nutrition policy and public health strategies.”
The paper also identified challenges that different populations face in achieving current omega-3 recommendations, such as difficulties in meeting oily fish recommendations due to low seafood consumption, sustainability concerns and limited access to supplementation advice.
Professor Minihane noted that the widespread deficiencies illustrate the need for “easier, sustainable ways to get these important nutrients—like foods enriched with omega-3s or supplements.”
“These changes could help more people enjoy the health benefits linked to higher intakes,” she said. “We hope this work will help inform nutritional scientists, clinicians, food and supplement industries, policy makers and consumer communities.”
The review found that the most frequently recommended intake for adults is 250 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA, with an additional 100–200 mg of DHA advised for pregnant women. However it highlights that guidance around omega-3 intake varies by country, creating a significant amount of confusion across the globe.
Consumer perception
Holland & Barrett’s shopper insights reveal that consumers associate omega-3s with immune system support, energy and the overall heart, joint and bone health. In practice, consumers most frequently select omega-3 supplements for heart health, underscoring recognition of their link to cardiovascular benefits.
“Brain health is a particularly important area where awareness remains low,” Cawood said. “The brain is a fat-rich organ, and DHA is a fundamental component of its structure. Extensive research demonstrates that DHA supports brain development in early life and helps maintain normal cognitive function throughout adulthood.
“Despite this, consumers rarely see omega-3s as a ‘brain nutrient’, which presents a significant opportunity to educate consumers on their role in cognitive performance and healthy aging.”
Source: Nutrition Research Reviews. doi: 10.1017/S0954422425100279. “An overview of national and international long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations for healthy populations”. Authors: Calder, P.C., et al.
