Omega-3-acid ethyl esters

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Omega-3-acid ethyl esters

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (pronunciation: oh-MAY-guh three AS-id ETH-ul ES-turz) are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is derived from fish oil. They are used as a dietary supplement and as a medication to lower high levels of triglycerides — a type of fat in the blood.

Etymology

The term "Omega-3-acid ethyl esters" is derived from the chemical structure of these compounds. The "Omega-3" refers to the position of the final double bond in the chemical structure, while "acid" refers to the presence of a carboxylic acid group. The "ethyl esters" part of the name refers to the ethyl group that is attached to the acid group.

Usage

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are used to lower high levels of triglycerides in the blood. They are often prescribed to individuals who have a high risk of developing pancreatitis due to very high triglyceride levels. They are also used to supplement diets that are low in omega-3 fatty acids.

Related Terms

  • Polyunsaturated fat: A type of fat that includes omega-3-acid ethyl esters.
  • Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood that can be lowered by omega-3-acid ethyl esters.
  • Pancreatitis: A condition that can develop due to high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: A type of polyunsaturated fat that includes omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

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