Supplement · Fatty acids & lipids
Flaxseed oil
Also known as: Linseed oil, ALA
A plant omega-3 (ALA) that converts only poorly to the active EPA and DHA.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant omega-3. ALA is genuinely essential, but the body converts only a small percentage of it into the more active long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA.
So while flax is a worthwhile part of a healthy diet, it is an inefficient way to raise EPA/DHA compared with oily fish or algae oil. Vegans wanting reliable EPA/DHA are usually better served by algae oil; flax remains a useful ALA and fibre source.