 |
Give examples of omega-3 fatty acids. Why are they called omega-3 fatty acids? |
[Edit] |
A step-by-step "how-to" instruction.
Answer
Examples of omega-3 fatty acids are long chemical names but here they are:
ALA -- alpha linolenic acid (found in flax seed, for example)
EPA -- eicosapentanoic acid (found in tuna, salmon, other foods for example)
DHA -- docosahexanoic acid (found in tuna, salmon, other foods for example)
The "omega-3" in omega-3 fatty acids has to do with its chemical structure. What makes these fatty acids so different is that structurally, they have double bonds in between two carbons found on the fatty acid chain. "Omega" tells us that when we start to count the double bond, we start from the end (the right hand side). The "3" indicates where the first double bond occurs along the chain.
These double bonds and other structural differences cause omega-3s to behave differently in the body compared to other fatty acids.
First answer by Pavonne. Last edit by Pavonne. Contributor trust: 194 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 22 [recommend question]
Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Health > Alternative Medicine > Vitamins and Supplements > Give examples of omega-3 fatty acids. Why are they called omega-3 fatty acids?
Our contributors said this page should be displayed for the questions below. (Where do these come from ) |
| If any of these are not a genuine rephrasing of the question, please help out and edit these alternates. |
