Omega 3 fatty acid
From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Omega 3 fatty acids or ω-3 are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning they can't be made in the body and must come from food.[1]. 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.[2]
Types[edit | edit source]
The types of omega 3 fatty acids essential for the human body are:
- 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
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which the body can make from ALA, and also found in some algal oils, and fish oils
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which the body can make from ALA, and also found in algal oils, and fish oils[3][4]
Fish oil[edit | edit source]
Algal oil[edit | edit source]
An oil made from algae containing omega 3 fatty acids.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Theory[edit | edit source]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Risks and side effects[edit | edit source]
Costs and availability[edit | edit source]
Omega 3 is easily available from dietary sources or as a nutritional supplement.[4] It is typically sold as oil in capsules, or in larger bottles of oil which are intended to be consumed cold.
See also[edit | edit source]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- 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
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution". Harvard Health. September 18, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ↑ Marine Oils. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. 2006. PMID 30000958.
- ↑ British Dietetic Association. "Omega-3". bda.uk.com. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Omega-3 Fatty Acids". Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
