Final answer:
The actual percentage conversion rate of ALA to EPA is not directly provided in the information. However, due to low conversion efficiency, dietary intake of EPA through foods like fish, shellfish, and algae is recommended for health benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conversion efficiency of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a biologically available form, is quite low for humans. Although both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important for health benefits such as reducing inflammation and promoting normal growth, they can be synthesized from ALA in the human body. However, it is recommended to consume these fatty acids through the diet as the conversion process from ALA to EPA and DHA is not highly efficient.
Specifically, the conversion of ALA to EPA happens through a series of enzymatic reactions, but the actual percentage of ALA that converts to EPA is not directly mentioned in the provided information. To ensure adequate intake of these important omega-3 fatty acids, sources such as fish, shellfish, and algae are considered beneficial additions to the diet. This is especially true in the American diet, where the sources of omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid are prevalent, but ALA and other omega-3 fatty acids are consumed in lower amounts.