Our bodies require essential fatty acids for cell membrane functions and to improve our circulation and heart health. Omega-3 oils only come from our diet because our body cannot synthesize or manufacture these essential oils. The omega-3 from flaxseed (ALA) is different from the two omega-3 oils from fish (EPA and DHA).
The good news is that these two sources of omega-3 provide very similar health benefits for your heart, circulation and to decrease inflammation. Most scientific studies have been done using the fish oils (EPA and DHA) and many of these studies show that these oils work faster than ALA from flaxseed. One reason is that flaxseed ALA is the parent compound of the omega-3 family and needs to be processed by enzymes in your body to produce EPA and DHA however, the rate of conversion may vary from person to person and dietary habits (excessive alcohol, fried foods, and vitamin B or C deficiency decrease conversion).
I would recommend review of the article by Dr. Frank Sacks on the Harvard web site: “The Nutrition Source: Ask the Expert: Omega-3 Fatty Acids” or the Mayo Clinic review on omega-3 fatty acids. Both reviews are well-balanced and discuss the beneficial effects of both sources of omega-3, flaxseed and fish-oils.
Dr. Tony