Nutrition professor says 'read the label' when buying this supplement

Nutrition professor says 'read the label' when buying this supplementMany people don't get enough of the key nutrientCommentsNewsNicholas Dawson02:30, 21 Apr 2026View ImageA nutrition expert has recommended a supplement(Image: Getty)You may want to think about adding a supplement to your diet, to boost your brain and heart health. A nutrition expert has listed the benefits of the essential nutrient, as only specific foods contain sufficient amounts for your requirements.‌Philip Calder, a professor of Nutritional Immunology, discussed the significance of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. He said: "EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two most biologically active omega-3 fatty acids and are key structural components throughout the body.‌"As a result, they have benefits for our body functions such as visual, brain and heart health, where omega-3s are recognised to support these functions. We cannot easily produce omega-3 from scratch, so we should try to get them through diet."‌However, only a limited number of foods deliver these vital fatty acids. The expert said: "The main dietary source of EPA and DHA is oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines."The UK Government actually recommends an intake of at least two portions of fish per week, including one portion oily fish to make sure people are getting enough EPA and DHA." He noted that no other foods contain substantial quantities of omega-3.‌Supplements are availableFortunately, you can get supplements to help meet your essential needs. Professor Calder explained: "Fish oil supplements are a good source of EPA and DHA, and can be used for those who do not eat enough oily fish. Regarding the best time to eat foods that contain omega-3 (that is oily fish) it does not matter, but it is important to take fish oil supplements with a meal to top-up if needed."The academic said that extensive research shows these supplements work. He...