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α-Linolenic acid, also known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (from Greek alpha meaning "first" and linon meaning flax), is an n−3, or omega-3, essential fatty acid. ALA is found in many seeds and oils, including flaxseed , walnuts , chia , hemp , and many common vegetable oils .
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that are required by humans and other animals for normal physiological function that cannot be synthesized in the body. [1] [2] As they are not synthesized in the body, the essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid – must be obtained from food or from a dietary supplement.
Chemical structure of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) Chemical structure of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) An omega−3 fatty acid is a fatty acid with multiple double bonds, where the first double bond is between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the carbon atom chain. "Short-chain" omega−3 fatty acids have a chain of 18 carbon atoms ...
If that weren’t enough, walnuts are an excellent source of heart-healthy alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This plant-based omega-3 fat has been shown to favorably regulate LDL cholesterol and ...
For example, α-linolenic acid is classified as a n−3 or omega−3 fatty acid, and so it is likely to share a biosynthetic pathway with other compounds of this type. The ω− x , omega− x , or "omega" notation is common in popular nutritional literature, but IUPAC has deprecated it in favor of n − x notation in technical documents. [ 13 ]
Desaturases convert oleic acid into linoleic acid the precursor to alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. [6] Industrial PUFAs are generally obtained by hydrolysis of fats that contain PUFAs. The process is complicated by the sensitive nature of PUFAs, leading to side reactions and colorization.
Most vegetable oils are rich in linoleic acid (safflower, sunflower, and corn oils). Alpha-linolenic acid is found in the green leaves of plants and in some seeds, nuts, and legumes (in particular flax, rapeseed, walnut, and soy). [92] Fish oils are particularly rich in the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and ...
The human body converts a portion of absorbed alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA. ALA is itself an essential fatty acid, and humans need an appropriate supply of it. The efficiency of the conversion of ALA to EPA, however, is much lower than the absorption of EPA from food containing it.