Facts about ALA

• ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid) is a short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid belonging to the group of omega-3 fatty acids and found in eg. flaxseed oil
   
• Normally the body is able to make a minor amount of other omega-3 fatty acids from ALA
   
• Research seems to indicate that ALA has better health benefits for women than for men

 

What is ALA?

ALA stands for “alpha-linolenic acid” and is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is found in plants. ALA is an essential fatty acid meaning that it can't be produced by the body but must be obtained through the diet.

ALA is similar to the omega-3 in fish oil, which consists of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The body has a minor capacity to convert ALA into EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is particularly rich in ALA. Other sources include canola, soy, and walnuts.

ALA is effective for maintaining normal cholesterol levels. Dietary ALA decreases circulating cholesterol, and increases cholesterol efflux in foam cells. ALA prevents cholesterol to be integrated in plaque/atherosclerosis through the foam cells and into the arterial wall.