Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I get a good amount of EPA and DHA from supplementing with cod liver oil, but I was wondering earlier today the importance of ALA. I haven't found that much on the subject, but surely ALA has some role in human physiology?

Although barely any of it is converted to EPA and DHA, it still IS omega-3. So should you take it into consideration for your O6:O3 ratio?

Kev

flag	asked May 12 2012 at 23:25 Kev 161●6

Mike T · Answer 1 · 2012-05-13 12:40:06Z UTC

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Many may not realize, but the omega 3 in pastured beef is ALA, not DHA/EPA:

http://paleohacks.com/questions/107432/is-n-3-fat-in-pastured-beef-ala-or-dha-epa

answered May 13 2012 at 12:40

Mike T
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Matt · Answer 2 · 2012-05-13 12:35:23Z UTC

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ALA is the essential omega-3. It's not that we only need DHA and EPA, as you mention we do make our own DHA and EPA. The poorer our diet in EPA and DHA the greater the efficiency of conversion from ALA.

answered May 13 2012 at 12:35

Matt
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Do you take into consideration ALA for your O6:O3 ratio?

2 Answers