Linolenic acid

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

(Redirected from Linolenic)

Linolenic acid is a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential for human health. It is an omega-3 fatty acid, which means it is one of the "good" fats that are necessary for the body to function properly. Linolenic acid is not produced by the body and must be obtained through diet. It is found in many types of food, including flaxseed, walnuts, and soybean oil.

Structure and properties

Linolenic acid is a carboxylic acid with an 18-carbon chain and three cis double bonds. The first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end of the fatty acid chain. This is why it is classified as an omega-3 fatty acid. Linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated fat, which means it has more than one double bond in its structure.

Health benefits

Linolenic acid has many health benefits. It is necessary for normal growth and development. It also helps to reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. Some studies have suggested that linolenic acid may also have anti-cancer properties.

Dietary sources

The best dietary sources of linolenic acid are flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybean oil. Other good sources include chia seeds, hemp seeds, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD