Description: Scientists inserted alga l genes into oilseed rape, commonly used in animal feed. Fatty acids are normally created by marine algae and passed into the human food chain through fish. Photograph: David Levene


Genetically modified plants which produce essential omega-3 fish oils could be the only way to ensure people get enough of these nutrients, according to a major EU-funded study. The plants, which would be used as feed for farm animals, could increase omega-3 in human diets without adding to pressure on rapidly declining fish stocks.

Long-chain fatty acids called EPA and DHA, found mainly in oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, can give protection against cardiovascular diseases and slow mental decline in elderly people and are essential for the healthy development of a baby's brain in the womb.

Experts recommend that we eat about 450mg of omega-3 oils every day, but most adults manage barely half that amount. Among teenagers, the figure drops to just 100mg a day. Low-income families get about 50mg a day less than average.

To address the health problems that could result from a lack of these essential fatty acids, a five-year EU-funded project called Lipgene brought together almost 200 scientists and economists to look for ways to increase the levels of the oils in people's diets. An analysis carried out for the project found that the costs of increasing omega-3 consumption across Europe would be paid back many times over in reduced healthcare costs.

Ian Givens, of the University of Reading, one of the Lipgene scientists, said that part of the answer lay in increasing omega-3 fish oils in popular foods. Only 30% of Britons regularly eat oily fish, but 80% eat poultry. ""The target we set ourselves was for a 200g portion of meat to contain 300mg of EPA and DPA together - we've achieved that. If that strategy was adopted on a widespread basis, that poultry meat in the amounts it's currently consumed would provide the population with 120-130mg a day.""

Givens increased the omega-3 levels in his chickens by adding the oils, taken from fish, to their feed. However, this method may not be sustainable given the depletion of fish stocks around the world.

Johnathan Napier, of Rothamsted Research Institute in Hertfordshire, said that the only sustainable