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<\/p>\nGP Dr Amir Khan, a regular feature on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, has shared the importance of an essential supplement many of us are deficient in – and there could be serious health consequences<\/p>\n
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter<\/p>\n
12:27, 20 Jan 2026Updated 16:00, 20 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
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Dr Amir Khan, pictured here at the Ridge Medical Centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has said there’s an essential component of our diets that’s lacking(Image: Daily Mirror)<\/p>\n
Dr Amir Khan has urged people to take one important supplement each day because many of us are \u201cdeficient\u201d in it – and it could lead to some serious health consequences later down the line. A balanced diet is rich in nutrients<\/a>, vitamins and minerals as well as the correct amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water each day.<\/p>\n Daily life is busy, hectic and demanding which can leave many people falling short when it comes to their diets<\/a>. Lots of us opt for a quick fix to maximise as much free time as possible while juggling work and a never ending stream of life admin.<\/p>\n Now Dr Amir Khan<\/a>, known and loved for his appearances on daytime favourites Lorraine and Good Morning Britain<\/a>, has shared a video to TikTok stressing the importance of essential \u201chealthy fats\u201d our bodies need each day.<\/p>\n Speaking directly to the camera, he said: \u201cCan we talk about omega-3 fatty acids? Because they\u2019re one of those nutrients everyone\u2019s heard of but most people aren\u2019t actually getting enough of.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, yes, that includes a lot of us who believe we eat relatively healthily. Now, omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats.<\/p>\n \u201cYour body can\u2019t make them so you have to get them from food and they\u2019re especially important for our brains but also, our heart, our eyes, reducing inflammation and even improving our mood.\u201d<\/p>\n He continued: \u201cHere\u2019s the problem. Modern diets are really low in the most important types of omega-3s because there are a few different types of omega-3s.\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor went on to say the two that \u201creally matter\u201d in terms of \u201cbrain health\u201d are called \u201cEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)\u201d.<\/p>\n According to the Cleveland Clinic, the three main types of omega-3 fatty acids include these two, as well as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).<\/p>\n Content cannot be displayed without consent<\/p>\n EPA and DHA are marine omega-3s found in fish whereas ALA is \u201cthe form of omega-3 found in plants\u201d.<\/p>\n Dr Khan then said: \u201cDHA is a major building block for the brain. It literally helps your brain cells communicate properly. So, if you\u2019re not getting enough over time, that can affect things like your concentration, your memory, your mood and even your long-term brain health.\u201d<\/p>\n The GP explained most people don\u2019t eat enough oily fish, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel. Plant-based sources of ALA include flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts. ALA will convert to EPA\/DHA slowly.<\/p>\n The doctor went on: \u201cAt the same time, we eat loads of ultra processed foods that are high in omega-6 fats which kind of crowd out the omega-3s.<\/p>\n \u201cSo even if you\u2019re eating okay, your omega-3 intake can still be low – and this bit always surprises people; fish don\u2019t actually make their own omega-3s, they get them from algae in the ocean.<\/p>\n \u201cOmega-3s start with algae – the fish just pass them on. That\u2019s why algae based omega-3 supplements also exist and, yes, they work great – I take them.<\/p>\n \u201cThey give you DHA and EPA directly, just like fish oil but they\u2019re plant based – great for vegetarians like me.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Khan continued: \u201cPlant foods like flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts are still great, they contain a different omega-3 that your body has to convert into EPA\/DHA and that does take some effort but do include these in your diet.\u201d<\/p>\n