| Linolenic acid | |||||
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Linolenic acid (or alpha-linolenic acid - ALA) is an essential omega 3 fatty acid. It is found predominantly in fish sources.
Foods with the highest source of alpha-linolenic acid are:
- Salmon (especially deep ocean or wild varieties)
- Trout (especially wild varieties)
- Mackerel (especially wild varieties)
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) must be obtained in the diet, as the body cannot produce this essential fatty acid.
Important linolenic acid facts
- Linolenic acid is also known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Alpha-linolenic acid is a omega 3 essential fatty acid
- Reserach indicates that alpha-linolenic acid may posess anti-inflammatory effects
- Research also shows that alpha-linolenic acid may also have anti-thrombotic (anti-clotting) actions
Why linolenic acid is important
Alpha-linolenic acid's anti-inflammatory properties may be a reason why research has shown that it is useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Other research shows that alpha-linolenic acid may be useful for treating other inflammatory disorders, such as ulcerative colitis.
The ratio of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6 fatty acids is recommended to be around 3:1 to 1:1. Most people's diet has this ratio in the order of abotu 15:1 which could be a reason why there is a prevalence of so many inflammatory conditions, which a higher intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids would reduce.
There is a recommendation to eat oily fish at least twice a week to provide the amounts of omega 3 essential fatty acids that are required for good health.
references
- Nestel PJ. Cardiovascular disease prevention - adulthood. MJA 2002; 176 (11 Suppl): S118-S119, accessed 30 Sep 07
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
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