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- Every March 3
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Global Omega-3 Day™ champions the vital role of these fatty acids every March 3. Omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA, are crucial for heart, brain, and eye health, yet 80% of people worldwide don’t get enough. Discover how to incorporate more omega-3s into your diet and support global health initiatives.
Want to sponsor Global Omega-3 Day™? Learn how
Expected Global Omega-3 Day™ Deals
As a cause-driven observance, Global Omega-3 Day™ focuses on education and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) partner with supplement brands such as Nordic Naturals, NOW Foods, and Garden of Life to promote educational campaigns and offer discounts on high-quality omega-3 supplements. Look for health food stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market to feature omega-3-rich foods or offer special promotions on fortified products. Many health and wellness influencers also participate by sharing educational content and discount codes from their partners. We will update this page with confirmed live promotions as March 3 approaches.
Platform Guide for Global Omega-3 Day™
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GlobalOmega3Day. Share infographics on omega-3 benefits or healthy recipes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GlobalOmega3Day. Host a live Q&A with a nutritionist about omega-3s.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GlobalOmega3Day. Share quick facts and links to scientific studies on omega-3 health.
Global Omega-3 Day™ Hero
Dr. Jørn Dyerberg
History of Global Omega-3 Day™
Nutrition science and interest in nutrients for disease prevention is a relatively recent area of study originating in the early- to mid-1900s. Interest in omega-3s skyrocketed after researchers Hans Olaf Bang and Jørn Dyerberg published their landmark papers in the 1970s on the high-fat diet (mainly fish and whale blubber) of Indigenous Greenlanders and their remarkably low rates of heart attack.
Since then, more than 50,000 published research papers have discussed the topic of EPA and DHA omega-3s – the longer-chain omega-3 fats found in fatty fish most closely associated with numerous health benefits – and more than 4,500 human clinical trials have been conducted. Yet, most people are still not getting enough of these nutrients.
Global Omega-3 Day was created to highlight these vital nutrients and help people worldwide understand why they need more EPA and DHA omega-3s. Companies, health professionals, and people worldwide are encouraged to discuss the importance of omega-3s and share how to get more EPA and DHA omega-3s.
Global Omega-3 Day™ timeline
The first paper on omega-3s as a component of mammalian brains is published.
The Lancet publish a landmark study on the lower levels of heart disease among Indigenous Peoples of Greenland, who eat a very fish-centric diet.
The first study on fish oil/omega-3 supplementation and cardiovascular-related death outcomes is published.
Dr. Bill Harris and Dr. Clemens von Schacky develop the Omega-3 Index — a range of concentrations of EPA+DHA omega-3 levels in red blood cells. Omega-3 Index levels of 8% or greater are considered “desirable” for supporting heart health.
A team of doctors and researchers, led by Dr. Carol Locke, the founder of OmegaBrite, establish International Omega-3 Awareness Day, a day of symposia and science-sharing, and the campaign lasts three years.
The Global Organization for EPA+DHA Omega-3s, a trade organization of companies and organizations along the omega-3 supply chain, including supplement maker OmegaBrite, relaunches and sponsors Global Omega-3 Day as a way for the industry to come together and educate people about the importance of EPA+DHA omega-3s. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
5 Ways to Get More EPA+DHA Omega-3s
1. Think S.M.A.S.H. Fish
Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring are the richest fish sources of omega-3s. (Tilapia, shrimp, and clams are not).
2. Venture Beyond the Fish Counter
Fresh fish isn’t the only way to get your omega-3 fix. Canned salmon, frozen fish sticks, and tins of sardines are great options, too.
3. Pair Pills with Food
If you are plagued by “fish burps,” take your omega-3 supplements with food, preferably something fatty.
4. Veg Out
Are you not a fish lover? Don’t despair! There are vegetarian/vegan supplements made from marine microalgae. Fun fact —algae is what the fish in the ocean feast on to build up their omega-3 levels.
5. Link Your Habits
If you forget to take your daily omega-3 supplement, put it in a place you can’t miss, like next to your coffee pot or on your nightstand.
Global Omega-3 Day™ FAQs
When is Global Omega-3 Day™?
In 2027, Global Omega-3 Day™ will be observed on Wednesday, March 3. This day encourages a global focus on increasing awareness and intake of EPA and DHA omega-3s.
How many people are deficient in omega-3s?
The global deficiency in omega-3s remains a pressing public health concern, with estimates consistently showing that a vast majority of the population, around 80%, falls short of recommended intake levels for EPA and DHA. This underscores the importance of days like Global Omega-3 Day™.
What are the main benefits of omega-3s?
Beyond heart, brain, and eye health, omega-3s are also crucial for supporting a healthy pregnancy and have anti-inflammatory properties. Regular intake can contribute to overall well-being and disease prevention.
What is the difference between EPA and DHA?
Though both EPA and DHA are essential, their specific roles can differ slightly. DHA is particularly important for brain development in infants and maintaining cognitive function in adults, making it a key focus during pregnancy. EPA, on the other hand, is more often studied for its impact on mood and cardiovascular risk factors.
How to Observe Global Omega-3 Day™
Get your omega-3 levels measured
You can get a simple at-home test kit or ask your doctor or dietitian to measure your omega-3 blood levels. Such a test will help determine what changes you need to make to your diet.
Commit to eating more fish
EPA+DHA omega-3s come from fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies. Fish is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, too. Your goal should be to eat fish at least twice per week. Even if you regularly eat fish, you may want an omega-3 supplement to get those levels where they need to be. Find the type that works for you: fish oil pills, omega-3 chews, liquid oil, vegan algal oil — whatever will give you at least 500 mg EPA+DHA daily.
Tell everyone you know
Get the word out about the importance of EPA+DHA omega-3s. Use the hashtag #omega3day and tag @alwaysomega3s.
Why Global Omega-3 Day™ is Important
Omega-3 fats are healthy fats
EPA and DHA omega-3 fats are long-chain, highly unsaturated fats that support healthy heart, brain, and eye function and development. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, they are also critical for the developing baby and for preventing early preterm birth.
They help save healthcare $$
Nearly $4 billion in healthcare costs in the United States could be saved if adults with a history of coronary heart disease took 1,000 mg of omega-3 supplements per day as recommended by the American Heart Association (and at an average daily cost of 25 cents).
Most people aren’t getting enough
80% of people worldwide, and 95% of Americans, are not getting enough EPA+DHA omega-3s. Many health organizations worldwide recommend getting 250-500 mg EPA+DHA omega-3s daily. The average American is getting only 90-100 mg per day.
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