No binding D-A-CH or RDA reference values for an intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are yet available from either the German Nutrition Society (DGE) or the European Union (EU). The daily requirement of healthy adults for DHA and EPA is assumed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be 250 mg in total. In addition, different amounts apply for different target groups and health purposes, please refer to the table below.
Recommended daily intake
| Target group | DHA | EPA or DHA or EPA and DHA in sum. |
| Infants | ||
| Development of vision1 | 0,3 % | – |
| Man and woman | ||
| Function of the heart2 | – | 250 mg |
| Normal blood pressure3 | – | 3 g |
| Normal blood triglyceride concentration4 | – | 2 g |
| Function of the brain | 250 mg | – |
| Normal vision | 250 mg | – |
| Pregnant woman5 | 200 mg | – |
| Breastfeeding5 | 200 mg | – |
| 1 For the contribution to the development of vision in infants (up to 12 months), a minimum percentage of 0.3% DHA in the total fatty acids of the food is applicable. |
| 2 For contribution to normal heart function, 250 mg DHA or EPA or both in total per day applies. |
| 3 For maintenance of normal blood pressure, a total daily intake from all sources of 3 g DHA or EPA or both in sum per day applies. |
| 4 For maintenance of normal triglyceride concentrations, a total daily intake from all sources of 2 g EPA or DHA or both in sum per day applies. |
| 5 The DGE recommends a daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA for pregnant women for normal brain maturation of the unborn. Furthermore, the breastfeeding woman is recommended the same dose of DHA to fortify the breast milk also to support the brain maturation of the newborn. |
