Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Alpha-Linolenic Acid, a lipid. 18-carbon plant-derived ω-3 PUFA. Converted to EPA + DHA by Δ6/Δ5 desaturase + elongase — but conversion is inefficient in humans…
18-carbon plant-derived ω-3 PUFA. Converted to EPA + DHA by Δ6/Δ5 desaturase + elongase — but conversion is inefficient in humans (5–10% to EPA, <1% to DHA). ALA has independent cardiovascular benefit (Nurses' Health, PREDIMED) partly via membrane incorporation + resolving lipid mediators, though magnitude smaller than direct EPA/DHA.
Related compounds
- EPA/DHA — synergistic
Sources: PMID:10072479