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Omega-3 fatty acid

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n−3 fatty acids (popularly referred to as ω−3 fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids) are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon–carbon double bond in the n−3 position; that is, the third bond from the methyl end of the fatty acid.

Important nutritionally-essential n−3 fatty acids are: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which are polyunsaturated. The human body cannot synthesize n−3 fatty acids de novo, but it can form 20-carbon unsaturated n−3 fatty acids (like EPA) and 22-carbon unsaturated n−3 fatty acids (like DHA) from the eighteen-carbon n−3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid. These conversions occur competitively with n−6 fatty acids, which are essential closely related chemical analogues that are derived from linoleic acid. Both the n−3 α-linolenic acid and n−6 linoleic acid are essential nutrients which must be obtained from food. Synthesis of the longer n−3 fatty acids from linolenic acid within the body is competitively slowed by the n−6 analogues. Thus accumulation of long-chain n−3 fatty acids in tissues is more effective when they are obtained directly from food or when competing amounts of n−6 analogs do not greatly exceed the amounts of n−3.[citation needed]

For more information about Omega-3 fatty acid, read the full article at Wikipedia.
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News tagged with omega 3 fatty acids

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Roe of marine animals is best natural source of omega-3

Roe of marine animals is best natural source of omega-3

Medicine & Health / Health

created Dec 11, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (3) | comments 1

The roe of hake, lumpsucker and salmon is the best dietary source of Omega 3, according to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Almería (UAL). The scientists analysed the eggs, or ...


Nanoparticle protects oil in foods from oxidation, spoilage

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Dec 08, 2009 | popularity 3 / 5 (3) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Using a nanoparticle from corn, a Purdue University scientist has found a way to lengthen the shelf life of many food products and sustain their health benefits.


New study links DHA type of omega-3 to better nervous-system function

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

The omega-3 essential fatty acids commonly found in fatty fish and algae help animals avoid sensory overload, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. The finding connects low omega-3s to ...


Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce risk of colon cancer

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Dec 08, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish and seafood, may have a role in colorectal cancer prevention, according to results presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention ...





Search results for omega 3 fatty acids


Fish fatty acids don’t make you cleverer or happier

Medicine & Health / Health

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (3) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- A diet rich in fish fatty acids has no effect on cognitive functions such as memory and concentration in the elderly. Nor does it affect their level of wellbeing. This is the conclusion drawn by Dutch researcher ...


Understanding relationship of proteins, fatty acids could help treat diseases

Understanding relationship of proteins, fatty acids could help treat diseases

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- It's widely understood that eating a diet high in saturated fats increases the risk for a long list of chronic and deadly diseases, including diabetes and coronary heart disease. Understanding ...


Targeting brain cancer cell metabolism may provide new treatment

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Dec 15, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Inhibiting fatty acid synthesis in brain cancer cells may offer a new option to treat about 50 percent of deadly glioblastomas that are driven by amplified signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), according ...


New tool in the fight against mosquito-borne disease: A microbial 'mosquito net'

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created Dec 24, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (6) | comments 0

Earlier this year, researchers showed that they could cut the lives of disease-carrying mosquitoes in half by infecting them with a bacterium they took from fruit flies. Now, a new report in the December 24th issue of Cell, ...


Muscling in on a mystery protein: Study of brawny pigs reveals key player in the genome

Muscling in on a mystery protein: Study of brawny pigs reveals key player in the genome

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Dec 15, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- For thousands of years, humans have bred pigs for desirable traits, such as more muscle and less fat in the meat. Domestication makes animals ideal models for studying how genes control physical ...



List of search results for omega 3 fatty acids