Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA found in fish oil, soon are likely to be seen as one of the biggest nutrients for fortification of food products in the U.S., second only to calcium. According to research summarized by Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd. (Dartmouth, N.S.) 25% of the U.S. population does not eat fish, American diets are too high in omega-6 fatty acids, and there is a lack of physician recommendations, all resulting in a serious deficiency of omega-3 in the U.S. diet.

Dr. Bruce Holub, professor in the department of human biology and nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph (Ontario), explained that the average American consumes approximately 130mg EPA and DHA per day, when most scientists recommend between 500mg and 1,000mg per day. He added that omega-3 is physiologically necessary for the brain and eyes and that the chemistry is such that the plant source of omega-3 (ALA) does not provide the same benefits to the brain as the EPA and DHA found in fish oil.