Farmed salmon is still an excellent source of omega-3

Although the content of marine omega-3 in farmed salmon has been halved over the last decade, it is still an excellent source of these healthy fatty acids. Moreover, salmon and other seafood continue to provide a unique combination of other nutrients that are essential for consumers health.

If you eat a portion of 150 grams of cod, you will get the internationally recommended daily intake* of 0.5 grams of marine omega-3 fatty acids. These marine omega-3 fatty acids consist of EPA and DHA, and the recommended daily intake is set at the level needed to provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that positive effects on the heart and blood vessels become apparent when the diet includes seafood 1-3 times a month, whether the fish is low or high in fat. Today’s farmed salmon is one of the richest sources of marine omega-3. On average, it contains around 4-5 grams of fatty acids in a 150 gram portion, roughly ten times more than cod. So even if the amount of omega-3 in salmon is halved in the last decade, it is still one of the most important sources of dietary omega-3.

Marine omega-3 in farmed salmon

A meal of 150 grams of farmed salmon fed commercial fish feed will provide between 1.4 and 7.4 grams of marine omega-3. The variation in the amount of omega-3 is due to the limited amount of marine raw material available for fish feed and consequently the varying use of plant ingredients in the feed. In addition, the market-size of salmon varies which affects the amount of fat in the fillets.

Nutrients in seafood

Omega-3 is healthy, and seafood in general is a good source of omega-3,.but it is much more than omega-3. It contains many other nutrients essential for the body which are difficult to get in sufficient quantities. Salmon is a good source of selenium, iodine, vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin D, as well as complete fish proteins. These nutrients are also important contributors to health benefits achieved by including fish and other seafood in the diet.

Farmed salmon - one of the best sources

Since the average meal of farmed salmon provides approximately ten times the internationally recommended daily intake of omega-3, farmed salmon remains one of the best food sources of marine omega-3 available.

* Recommended by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)

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Farmed salmon is still an excellent source of omega-3