Does ALA offer any potential health benefits independent of its conversion to EPA/DHA and can one attain target intakes of DHA/EPA?

There are some clinical studies showing an improvement in elasticity of the arteries (arterial compliance) following the consumption of ALA (which appear to be independent of ALA conversion to EPA/DHA) from flaxseed oil or EPA/DHA from fish oil. Target intakes of DHA/EPA approaching 900mg/day as recommended by the American Heart Association for people with coronary heart disease can be attained by consuming 3-4 servings of mackerel or herring per week or 5 servings per week various types of salmon.