@Eddie... flax contains the basic precursor to formation of EPA and DHA... it is the basic ESSENTIAL fatty acid Omega -3. Females convert in a higher percentage than males, because they carry fetuses who need those two long chain Omega-3's for developing their nervous systems. So females do well on flax oil if they choose not to use fish oil. Males less so.

The ratio suggested of omega-3 to 6 intake is 1:5.

In studies measuring US patients, the ratio is about 1:20.
When that second number is so high... then the benefits of the omega-3 are very low. A high omega-6 intake leads to inflammation and other unpleasant effects.

Taking a product with Omega-6 in it therefore is not necessary. Because we consume so much omega-6 in our foods, we get plenty without taking more in a capsule. Omega-6's are sunflower, soybean, peanut, cottonseed oils and many others.

This is my essential fatty acids thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread6092.html

This chemistry is very complex, and that is why doctor's don't tell about it. They don't understand, for the most part. Over the past 10 yrs I have seen the food industry now incorporated "smart foods" into our choices. So read the labels and see if you can find some to use. We even get Costco's chicken nuggets, which have Omega-3's in them! Some eggs, peanut butter, butter substitute spreads, and mayo's have omega-3's in them now.

They are ESSENTIAL meaning you cannot live without them. If you consume less than your body needs, you will start to deteriorate and eventually die sooner than planned.