Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

76% of People Don’t Get Enough Omega-3 - And It Affects Your Brain | Philip Calder

Mar 4, 2026
Philip Calder, a world-leading nutritional immunology professor who has studied omega-3s for decades. He explains the global shortfall in EPA/DHA, why many may need ~1g daily, and how these fats actively resolve inflammation. They discuss links to brain health, pregnancy needs, farmed vs wild fish, supplement tips, and practical ways to boost omega-3 intake.
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INSIGHT

Global Omega-3 Deficit Is Widespread

  • 76% of the world fails to meet minimum EPA and DHA intake, driving a global omega-3 deficit.
  • Professor Philip Calder's global review found most people consume <200 mg/day, often <100 mg/day, far below many national recommendations.
ADVICE

Aim For About One Gram Of EPA Plus DHA Daily

  • Aim higher than minimal guidance; the UK recommends 450 mg/day but Philip Calder suggests at least 1 g/day.
  • Recommendations vary globally (200–610 mg/day), so check label EPA+DHA and adjust toward ~1 g for broader benefits.
INSIGHT

Omega-3s Power The Fire Brigade That Resolves Inflammation

  • EPA and DHA are substrates for specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively resolve inflammation rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
  • Calder likens it to a fire brigade/dimmer switch: omega-3–derived mediators put out inflammatory 'fires' across tissues including joints, vessels, and brain.
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