Alpha-linolenic acid

Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is an essential fatty acid that can be obtained from plant-based food such as flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts. The role of alpha-linolenic acid in human has been underestimated for a long time and was thought to be a precursor to longer polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both of which have fundamental roles in brain development, neural network, and cardiovascular diseases. However, in the recent years, alpha-linolenic acid has been linked to providing similar health benefits to EPA and DHA and has gained increased interest as a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acid among nonmeat eaters. This chapter provides an overview of the role of alpha-linolenic acid as a nutraceutical.