# Questions about the conversion of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) into DHA and EPA

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-conversion-of-alpha-linolenic-acid-ala-into-dha-and-epa/305771>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 27, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-conversion-of-alpha-linolenic-acid-ala-into-dha-and-epa/305771 "2005-05-27T16:01:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-conversion-of-alpha-linolenic-acid-ala-into-dha-and-epa/305771/1 "2005-05-27T16:01:53Z")

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My understanding of the necessary omega 3 fats you can either eat DHA and EPA straight by eating things like fish or you can eat ALA by eating things like flaxseed, which is then converted by the body into DHA and EPA. What percentage of ALA is converted into DHA and EPA? is taking ALA as effective as taking DHA and EPA, more effective, less effective, or does it not really matter?