Ask the doctor: Is flaxseed oil a good source of omega-3 fats?

Ask the doctor

Is flaxseed oil a good source of omega-3 fats?

Q. Are the omega-3 fats in flaxseed oil as good for the heart as those in fish or fish oil? Do they have the same side effects? The American Heart Association warns about getting more than 3 grams of omega-3 fats a day without a doctor's supervision, but one teaspoon of my concentrated flaxseed oil — the recommended dose — contains 6.2 grams. Should I be worried?

A. There are three main types of omega-3 fats. Their names are a mouthful (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid) so I'll use their abbreviations: EPA, DHA, and ALA.

To continue reading this article, you must login.
  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »