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alpha-linolenic acid

Alpha-linolenic acid (NLA) is an omega-3 fatty acid in plants. First discovered in 1942, alpha-linolenic acid is found in many seeds and oils, including flaxseed, walnuts, chia, hemp, and many common vegetable oils.

Although research conducted during the early 2000s suggests that increasing dietary levels of alpha-linolenic acid may reduce the risk of ischemia, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, the body can only limitedly convert alpha-linolenic acid into other essential fatty acids as compared to the omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish. Structurally, the alpha-linolenic acid molecule is an 18-carbon carboxylic acid with three double bonds, making it a polyunsaturated heavy acid chain. Due to increasing awareness of the negative impact of trans-fats on human health, attempts are being made to develop new strains of soybean that are low in alpha-linolenic acid.

Acquiring therapeutically active levels of NLA directly from seeds and seed oils is difficult. Even the seeds of the chia and kiwi fruit plants, the richest natural sources of alpha-linolenic acid, also contain significant amounts of common omega-6 fatty acids.

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