[daniella]

I bought Bob's Red Mills Chai Seeds. It states it has Omega-3 2900 mg Omega-6 1100mg Whole Chia Seed this is for a tablespoon. So my question is how much of my omega 3 needs daily does this fill? I do eat fish such as salmon,some walnuts,etc but I am trying to get more omega 3 and not through more pills. Also if I get wild salmon is there still a concern about mercury and the amount weekly should be limited?Thank you

[mrsD]

Chia seeds have ALA (alpha linolenic acid Omega -3 in them). This is the starting essential Omega-3 that we process --some of which goes to EPA and DHA.

Fish oils, fish, have only EPA and DHA in them, no ALA. There are 2 major types of Omega-3.

If you don't convert well the ALA type to the anti-inflammatory type EPA and DHA, you won't see much anti-inflammatory response from the Chia seeds. This is more typical in males, than females, as females convert more..because of reproductive needs for the fetus.

Some people find them laxative, so take care about that.

[daniella]

Thank you. So then it is important to also have omega 3 from oil or fish? I am really trying to push more healthy fats and change my diet for the better though it tastes not as good that is for sure plus more expensive. Just came from Whole Foods and oh my it was expensive trip but if it helps in any way so worth it.

[mrsD]

Omega -3s from plants (ALA for short) is essential. We must have it. Other fatty acids and compounds are derived from it.

SOME of them are EPA and ALA.

So we need both types, ALA and fish oil. People with a heavy inflammatory burden and males who don't convert well, need more fish oil perhaps. But we all need both.

[daniella]

Thank you so much for your help. Happy Mothers Day and to all the other moms as well.