Alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid found in chia, flax, canola, shiso, hemp, and sea buckthorn plants. However, the body’s ability to convert LNA into other essential fatty acids is limited compared to omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish. Manufacturers often convert LNA-containing oils to trans fat, removing any health benefits it may have provided. Attempts are being made to develop new soybean strains that are low in alpha-linolenic acid. Extracts of alpha-linolenic acid may need to be used as a dietary supplement to achieve levels large enough to be effective.
First discovered in 1942, alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) is found naturally in the seed oils of chia, flax, canola, shiso, hemp, and sea buckthorn plants. Not to be confused with alpha-lipoic acid, an organic sulfo compound also used in alternative medicine, alpha-linolenic acid is a member of a class of nutrients known as omega-3 essential fatty acids. Although research conducted in the early 2000s suggests that increasing dietary levels of alpha-linolenic acid may reduce the risk of ischemia, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, the body’s ability to convert LNA into other essential fatty acids is limited. limited compared to 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 fatty acid chain. Since polyunsaturated oils have a considerably shorter shelf life than saturated fats, manufacturers who want to use NLA-containing oils in their products often choose to convert them to trans fat. Soybean oil, which naturally contains up to eight percent NLA, is often partially hydrogenated for this reason. The process of hydrogenating this omega-3 fatty acid removes any health benefits it may have provided, and may actually cause the fat to become harmful. Due to the growing awareness of the negative impact of trans fats on human health, attempts are being made to develop new soybean strains 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 plants, the richest natural sources of alpha-linolenic acid, also contain significant amounts of common omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids compete with NLA at sites within the intestine, interfering with its absorption.
While some research suggests that small to moderate amounts of NLA in the diet may convey cardioprotective benefits, other studies indicate that extracts of alpha-linolenic acid may need to be used as a dietary supplement to achieve levels large enough to be effective. While the most positive studies on the use of alpha-linolenic acid have found only modest benefits, some have found no benefit at all. However, Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential nutrients, because the body cannot synthesize them and must instead derive them from dietary sources. Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids can cause mood swings, depression, dry skin, fatigue, and cognitive impairments, as well as increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
