Omega-3 fatty acids, also called ω−3 fatty acids or n−3 fatty acids,[1] are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega−3 fatty acids are important for normal metabolism.[2]
Mammals are unable to synthesize omega−3 fatty acids, but can obtain the shorter-chain omega−3 fatty acid ALA (18 carbons and 3 double bonds) through diet and use it to form the more important long-chain omega−3 fatty acids, EPA (20 carbons and 5 double bonds) and then from EPA, the most crucial, DHA (22 carbons and 6 double bonds).[2]
List of omega-3 fatty acids
Common name
|
Lipid name
|
Chemical name
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α-Linolenic acid (ALA)
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18:3 (n−3)
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octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid
|
Stearidonic acid (SDA)
|
18:4 (n−3)
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octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraenoic acid
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Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA)
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20:4 (n−3)
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eicosa-8,11,14,17-tetraenoic acid
|
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
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20:5 (n−3)
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eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid
|
Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
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22:5 (n−3)
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docosa-7,10,13,16,19-pentaenoic acid
|
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
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22:6 (n−3)
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docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid
|
Tetracosahexaenoic acid (Nisinic acid)
|
24:6 (n−3)
|
tetracosa-6,9,12,15,18,21-hexaenoic acid
|
List of foods with omega-3 fatty acids
List of omega-3 oils
See also
References
- ^ "Omega−3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid: Related terms". Omega−3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
- ^ a b "Omega−3 Fatty Acids and Health: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals". US National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- ^ "Fish, Levels of Mercury and Omega−3 Fatty Acids". American Heart Association. Archived from the original on July 9, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
- ^
Kris-Etherton, PM; Harris, WS; Appel, LJ (2002). "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega−3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease". Circulation. 106 (21): 2747–57. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000038493.65177.94. PMID 12438303. S2CID 6547417.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Omega−3 Centre". Omega−3 sources. Omega−3 Centre. Archived from the original on 2008-07-18. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
- ^ "Lamb, grass-fed". www.whfoods.com.
- ^ Murkovic, M.; Hillebrand, A.; Winkler, J.; Leitner, E.; Pfannhauser, W. (1 September 1996). "Variability of fatty acid content in pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.)". Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung. 203 (3): 216–219. doi:10.1007/BF01192866. PMID 8873459. S2CID 158751.