International recommendations for consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

As an appreciation of the cardioprotective properties of the long-chain, fish-oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) has grown, so too have official dietary guidelines. Health organizations and government agencies are typically recommending intakes that either maintain the status quo (about 100-200 mg/day in most western countries) or are intended to actively reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. The latter are around usually 400-600 mg/day, an amount likely to stimulate commercial interests to fortify foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Fortification is perhaps the best long-term solution to the chronically-low intake of omega-3 fatty acids that plagues western cultures.