Study Reveals 76 Percent Of People In The World Lack Omega-3
JAKARTA - Omega-3 is a type of unsaturated essential fat, which is very important for the health of the body, especially the brain, heart, and eyes. Omega-3 cannot be produced by the body alone, so it must be obtained from food.
However, recent research from a joint team of researchers at the University of East Anglia (UAE), Holland & Barret, and University of Southampton showed that more than 76 percent of the world's population did not get enough EPA and DHA (omega-3) intake.
These findings reflect an imbalance between scientific recommendations and what people really consume. In various regions, consumption of low-fat fish, limited supplement access, or concerns regarding the sustainability of marine sources makes the need for omega-3 difficult to meet.
"We found a big gap between what is recommended and what we mostly consume," said Prof Anne Marie Minihane, quoted by Scitechdaily, on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Padahal EPA dan DHA merupakan bentuk aktif omega-3 yang langsung digunakan tubuh. Ini berperan dalam banyak aspek kesehatan, mulai dari perkembangan visual bayang, kesehatan cardiac, dan fungsi immunitas.
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In certain groups such as pregnant women or individuals who rarely eat fish, supplements are often needed to reach the recommended EPA and DHA levels.
Therefore, the global shortage of omega-3 intake is a public health problem that must be addressed immediately. The Omega-3 intake that is fulfilled is one of the determinants of a person's health in the future.
"Omega-3 plays an important role in health, ensuring people meet their needs either through a diet or with the support of supplementation very important at every stage of life," said director of Science at Holland & Barret, Dr. Abbie Cawood.
Prof. Anne said that currently the world needs easier access to omega-3 for each country. Making these changes is considered to help more people to meet the intake of omega-3.
To close that gap, we need an easier and more sustainable way to get this important nutrition. Such as food enriched with omega-3 or supplements, "concluded Prof Anne.