Camelina or Fish oil

Just today I had a question about Camelina and was asked to compare it to Fish oil.

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is a plant native to Northern Europe and Central Asia. It is a fairly good source of ALA, the plant form omega-3. Camelina has traditionally been used for animal feed crop, and there is new interest in this plant for its ALA content. It grows well in Northern US climates, such as Montana.

Fish oil is a source of EPA and DHA. While Camelina contains the plant form of omega-3, this form offers limited benefit in humans, when compared to the proven health benefits of EPA and DHA from fish oil.

It would be a great idea to use camelina in feedstock, as it would help offset the dietary imbalance of fats we have in industrialized nations today. The abundant use of corn and soy in feedstock has lead to our dietary imbalance. Soy and corn are rich sources of omega-6 fats. These major contributors of omega-6 fats through our meat supply have lead to an increased need for omega-3s. Confused yet?

Bottom line: Reducing the amount of omega-6 in our diet would help re-establish our fat balance. This applies to man and animals. We are what we eat.