Flaxseed oil is an important source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another omega-3 essential fatty acid that is the "parent" for EPA and DHA. While ALA can be converted in the body to EPA and DHA, this process is relatively slow and unreliable in humans—and typically yields only minimal amounts of either EPA or DHA. To achieve similar amounts of EPA and DHA as found in supplements from marine sources (that have already converted ALA to EPA and DHA), an exponentially larger amount of plant-derived ALA would have to be consumed. ALA, EPA, and DHA have each demonstrated unique health support applications. Therefore, substituting flaxseed oil where concentrated EPA or DHA is recommended may not produce expected clinical outcomes.