There are 3 main essential fatty acids that are considered to be beneficial to our bodies. Aalpha-linolenic acid (ALA) may be obtained from flaxseed oil. Eicosapentaenoid acid (EPA) and docosathexaenoic acid (DHA) may be obtained from fish oil. These 3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids because our bodies cannot make them. Therefore, it is important that we get these fatty acids from our diets.

It is important to know that ALA can be converted in the body to EPA and DHA in the body but only in very small amounts. Therefore, it would not be recommended to use flax seed as a substitute for fish oil in the diet. Further, studies are now showing that using flaxseed oil alone (as opposed to using it in combination with fish oil or using fish oil alone) does not lower triglycerides. 

Although flax seed may not decrease triglycerides like fish oil does, it may have other benefits. For example, there are conflicting studies showing flax seed oil may help decrease the symptoms of menopause, however, further study is needed to confirm or deny this.

The Bottom Line

Remember, fish oil and flaxseed oil each contain different fatty acids so one should not substitute flax seed oil for fish oil. It is recommended that one consider ingesting 1gm of fish oil daily and 1.5 to 3 gm of ALA daily.