# Omega 3 **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 2, 2018, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omega-3/808004 "2018-02-02T05:04:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sara20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@sara20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sara20)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omega-3/808004/1 "2018-02-02T05:04:36Z")
I read that omega 3 can help dry eyes, which I have, especially the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Since I hate fish which is the only real source of DHA and EPA, I was reading up on this. There are other supplements of DHA but not alot for EPA, and on wikipedia it appears to say that EPA is converted to DHA, so does this mean EPA is not needed? But it also says that ALA another omega 3 fatty acid is converted to EPA and DHA, so I am confused as to if EPA itself is necessary as a nutrient. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omega-3/808004/2 "2018-02-02T05:26:02Z")
> [@sara20](#): > > There are other supplements of DHA but not alot for EPA Other supplements? I use this one: [https://www.nowfoods.com/supplements/ultra-omega-3-softgels](https://www.nowfoods.com/supplements/ultra-omega-3-softgels) Each capsule contains 500 EPA / 250 DHA. > [@](#): > > and on wikipedia it appears to say that EPA is converted to DHA, so does this mean EPA is not needed? Some of it is. But since you’re looking to maximize EPA for a medical issue, it makes sense to directly consume EPA. Here is a study that showed some results for dry eyes syndrome (which isn’t necessarily your issue) and the dosages consumed: > **[A randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3874521/)** > > To evaluate the role of dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome.A prospective, interventional, placebo controlled, double blind randomized trial was done at two referral eye centers. Two hundred and sixty-four eyes of... > [@](#): > > But it also says that ALA another omega 3 fatty acid is converted to EPA and DHA Little conversion.