Omega 3 fatty acid

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning they can't be made in the body and must come from food. . Omega 3 is necessary for a healthy metabolism. Dietary sources of omega 3 fatty acids include certain plant oils, marine oils such as algal (algae) and fish oils.

Types
The types of omega 3 fatty acids essential for the human body are:
 * 1) Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found mainly in plants including flaxseed oil (linseed oil), rapeseed oil, certain nuts, pumpkin seeds, soybean products, and green leafy vegetables
 * 2) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which the body can make from ALA, and also found in algal oil and fish oils
 * 3) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which the body can make from ALA, and also found in algal oil and fish oils

Algal oil
An oil made from algae containing omega 3 fatty acids.

Costs and availability
Omega 3 is easily available from dietary sources or as a nutritional supplement. It is typically sold as oil in capsules, or in larger bottles of oil which are intended to be consumed cold.

Learn more

 * Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Consumers - National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements
 * Omega 3 - British Dietetic Association
 * Omega 3 fatty acids - WebMD