INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — More than 80% of Americans do not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients the body cannot produce on its own. The shortfall comes as health experts prepare to observe Omega-3 Day on March 3.

Nutrition specialists say busy lifestyles and declining seafood intake contribute to low omega-3 levels, often without obvious warning signs. While omega-3s are widely associated with heart health, they also support brain function, immune system performance, and skin health.

Most Americans fail to meet the recommended daily intake of 1,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA, the omega-3s found in cold-water fatty fish and algae. Achieving this through diet alone would require eating three ounces of salmon every day or roughly 76,000 chia seeds.

Omega-3s impact every cell ...