Laying hens fed a diet where 6% of the energy comes from alpha-linolenic acid produce eggs with nine times more omega-3 fatty acids and a much lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio than hens fed a diet with...

We analyzed the available evidence and found that feeding laying hens a diet with 6% alpha-linolenic acid leads to eggs with significantly higher omega-3 levels compared to a diet with only 0.3% [1]. The evidence we’ve reviewed suggests that this increase is about nine times greater, and the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the eggs improves substantially [1]. Alpha-linolenic acid is a plant-based omega-3 fat that hens convert into other forms of omega-3s found in eggs, like EPA and DHA. When hens eat more of it, more ends up in the egg yolk. We did not find any studies in our review that showed the opposite effect or questioned this outcome. What we’ve found so far leans toward the idea that increasing alpha-linolenic acid in hen feed strongly affects the omega-3 content of their eggs. However, we only reviewed one assertion with supporting data, and no studies directly compared other levels between 0.3% and 6%. This means we can’t say how much of a change occurs at intermediate levels, or whether the effect continues to rise beyond 6%. The practical takeaway is simple: if you want eggs with more omega-3s, look for those from hens fed a diet rich in flaxseed or other sources of alpha-linolenic acid — the numbers suggest it makes a clear difference.