Hey Jack I just want to point out that taking fish oil is not part of any vegan diet.

Easy solution, everyone stop eating fish.

Well, back to what I read quite a while ago. It seems we're all different in our ability to convert ALA to DHA. Here are the studies:

http://dhaomega3.org/index.php?category=overview&title=Conversion-of-ALA-to-DHA

Taking one of the algae-derived capsules per day, is equivalent to eating a can of sardines every three days. That would be 300 mcg/day of DHA. I think that's good enough.

Well Bret, I didn't have to read past the first two paragraphs of Dr. McDougall's piece to realize that he is off base. I live in Toledo, OH, and we make no vitamin D from sunlight for about 4 months per year. That's NO vitamin D. Then, in March, when the sun is finally high enough on the horizon to make some D, we have a lot of cloud cover. More cloud cover than perhaps 60 years ago, due to global warming (more warming equals more water vapor, and more clouds). I've had my 25(OH)vitamin D tested many times, since I have a mild case of cystic fibrosis, and they test for that. Supplements are the only way for me to get my level up to what is now considered protective against viruses, bacteria, and fungus, ie, 50 ng/ml. In November, testing has shown my level down to 30 ng/ml, even though I spent the entire summer and fall outside. 30 is borderline for osteoporosis. So if I were to go through the winter with no supplementation, my level would be close to zero, and I'd be in a mess of trouble. I suspect others in this area would be in similar dire straights. So Dr. McDougall should continue to read on the subject. Meanwhile, I'll follow all the studies I've read, plus my own personal experience.