Men vs. Women: Who Has More Omega-3s in Their Blood?
This meta-analysis pooled data from 67 studies and 85 comparisons to see whether men and women differ in their levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, measured in blood and tissue samples. The researchers focused on healthy adults under age 50.
The clearest pattern involved two related omega-3 fats: men consistently had higher levels of DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) and lower levels of DHA compared to women, both in red blood cells and in total plasma. Men also had somewhat lower linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat) and higher levels of two other omega-6 fats, gamma-linolenic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid.
The authors note that these differences may reflect how sex hormones influence the pathway the body uses to convert shorter-chain fatty acids into longer ones like DHA. However, they rated the overall certainty of this evidence as low to very low, and some differences (like DHA) appeared to depend on where the study was conducted (stronger in North America and Europe).
What this means for you
If you’re comparing omega-3 test results or research between men and women, this study suggests biological sex may be one factor influencing natural DHA and DPA levels, independent of diet. This doesn’t mean one sex needs more or less omega-3, but it highlights sex as a variable worth considering when interpreting individual omega-3 status or research findings.
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Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) · 2026-07-01 · DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100670
Read the original source ↗This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.