Generally an average intake of around 500mg of long chain omega-3s per day is recommended by health authorities.
To prevent a deficiency of long chain omega-3s, health authorities advise an adequate intake of 90mg per day for women and 160mg per day for men. However, a higher dietary target of 430mg for women and 610mg for men each day is suggested to lower chronic disease risk. Currently most Australians consume less than half of this amount
| Age/Gender Group |
Adequate Intake (mg/day) |
Suggested Dietary Target (mg/day) |
Current Intake (mg/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Children 1-3 years 4-8 years 9-13 years |
40 55 70 |
40 76 106 |
|
|
Adolescents - Girls 14-18 years - Boys 14-18 years |
85 125 |
430 610 |
117 |
| Men 19+ | 160 | 610 | 189 |
| Women 19+ | 90 | 430 | 189 |
| Pregnancy | 115 | unknown | |
| Lactating | 145 | unknown |