International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Fitness Nutrition Practice Test

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce by itself, making it important to obtain them through diet. Fish oil is a well-known and rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. These fatty acids are predominantly found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, and are concentrated in fish oil supplements.

While other foods, such as nuts and seeds, can contain omega-3s (specifically ALA or alpha-linolenic acid), they do not provide the same types or concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids that fish oil does. Olive oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats and does not serve as a source of omega-3s, and avocado, while nutritious and containing some healthy fats, has a negligible omega-3 content compared to fish oil. Thus, fish oil stands out as a common and highly effective source of omega-3 fatty acids.