Fish is known to the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the relative scarcity of different varieties caused by overfishing has made this resource expensive. Furthermore, many people simply do not like fish.

A new study suggests that it may be possible to make omega-3 supplements from plant sources. Researchers reported in the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology that manufacturers can screen the omega-3s out of certain plants and to utilize this as a source of the nutrient for use in supplements.

The German researchers who conducted the study said that overfishing is a serious problem that has made it difficult for producers of supplements to get the nutrients they need for their products. It is also contributing to higher prices. Using plant materials that would otherwise be discarded could solve both these problems.

Omega-3s have been shown to support both brain health and heart health, making them an important part of everyone's diet. Yet, because they are present in so few foods, many people are deficient. Nutritional supplements are one possible way to solve this problem.