Dr Federica Amati, the leading nutrition expert at Zoe Health, has issued a strong caution to individuals who depend on omega-3 supplements. She recently appeared on Davina McCall’s Begin Again podcast, where she pointed out common errors people make when taking vitamins and nutrients in pill form.
During the podcast, Dr Amati expressed her concerns, stating that relying solely on supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. She emphasized that many individuals take supplements and then continue with unhealthy habits like poor eating patterns, excessive drinking, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle.
She highlighted that in the bigger picture, the impact of a supplement on one’s health is minimal. Recent data has shown that almost half of adults in the UK regularly take supplements.
Dr Amati recommended obtaining nutrients from food rather than relying solely on tablets, particularly emphasizing the importance of obtaining omega-3 from natural sources. She referenced a comprehensive clinical trial that examined the effectiveness of omega-3 supplements in meeting health claims related to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and mortality.
Conclusively, she stated, “Supplements do not provide the same benefits as consuming fish directly.” Omega-3 fatty acids offer various advantages such as promoting heart health, improving skin and eye health, and reducing inflammation in the body.
The NHS underscores the significance of omega-3 for pregnant and breastfeeding women as it aids in the development of a baby’s nervous system. Health experts recommend including at least two servings of fish in the diet each week, with one serving being oily fish.
For individuals who prefer non-seafood options, alternative sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, and spinach.