FAQ: Hey Barr, I liked the Recovery Supplements article, but can't I just get my EFA's from flax oil?

A. Flax oil is a great way to increase the amount of good fat in your diet, but it's not ideal for getting the specific EFA you're after. Called DHA, the production of this key fat requires several biochemical steps, and they're not all efficient. So for every gram of omega-3's you're getting, there's not a direct 100% conversion to DHA. Worse yet, this conversion process is even less efficient in males, meaning that you're getting even less bang for your buck.

Fortunately DHA is a pretty hot nutrient these days and it's being added to just about everything you can think of (including recovery supplements). Better still, much of this is algal-derived, making it perfect for vegetarians and those who are concerned about potential marine-based contaminants.

That said, don't throw away your flax oil; it's still an excellent source of good fat, especially for those on high Calorie, or low carb, diets.

Thanks for the question,and until next time, Raise The Barr!