How to Find Information on What Foods Contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish have a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats which must enter the human body by consumption, since humans do not naturally make this dietary supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids promote normal growth and development, and aid in vision. They are different from Omega-6 and Omega-9, as other omega acids come from different fat sources. Omega-3s come from foods such as oily fish, canola and soybean oils, flax seed and fish oils.

Instructions

1. Browse websites such as eggs.ca or seek a nutritionist to find foods with high omega-3 fatty acids. Lists can be obtained from these sources to discover the levels and types of omegas included in different foods.

2. Read ingredient lists. While reading the list, look for polyunsaturated fats. Food with these fats have a higher chance of containing omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrition labels list ingredients from the highest concentration to lowest, so foods with more polyunsaturated fats will list this ingredient closer to the top of the list.

3. Read nutrition labels. If the food contains omega-3 fatty acids, it may be listed on the nutrition label with the percentage of daily allowance. If the nutrition label does not break down the polyunsaturated fats, refer to the ingredient list to find if ingredients high in omega-3 fatty acids may be contained in the product.

References

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids FAQs
• Nutrition Data: You Can Learn a Lot From a Label
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Reading the Ingredient List
• Find a Nutritionist