On the Street - 'Pointless' Omega-3s?

February 26/London/The Mirror -- Foods claiming to be enriched with superfood omega-3 are "pretty pointless," it was claimed.

The fatty acid found in oily fish has been hailed as a way to protect the heart and immune system and aid concentration.

Experts recommend eating 450mg a day. However, to reach that amount, watchdog Which? found consumers would have to eat six tins of omega-3 Heinz Baked Beans, 24 slices of enriched Kingsmill bread or three Goldenlay eggs.

Alternatively, one salmon fillet a week would do the job.

Which? said, "Functional foods can be useful, but it's hard to see the point of omega-3 products."

Heinz said its beans "can make a useful contribution to healthy diet," while Kingsmill said its omega-3 loaf provided a fatty acid "top up."

Goldenlay Eggs added, "For anyone who doesn't like oily fish, eggs are a good way to get the majority of your daily omega-3 requirement."  

From the February 16, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition