ALA (Alpha-Linolenic acid)

is an essential fatty acid belonging to the Omega-3 family. It’s mostly found in oily fish and linseed, hemp and rapeseed oils.

ALA helps stave off cardiovascular ill-health and is also converted by the body into two other Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA

Alpha-Linolenic acid is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid from the Omega-3 family, in other words, it cannot be synthesized by the human body and therefore, if the body is to function correctly, this Omega-3 must be obtained through the individual’s diet.
Whereas other Omega-3 fatty acids can be produced by the body by converting ALA, the only way of obtaining Alpha-Linolenic acid is to absorb it from certain foodstuffs.

ALA Omega-3 is most commonly found in:
– Oily fish (salmon, mackerel and tuna);
– Linseed and linseed oil;
– Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil (the sale of both are illegal in France);
– Oilseed rape seeds, soybean seeds, Clary sage seeds and walnuts.

The problem is that most of these seeds and oils also have a very high Omega-6 fatty acid content (the right balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids must be obtained for them to be really effective). Moreover, Alpha-Linolenic acid enables the body to synthesize two other Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. Ingesting ALA therefore enables you to indirectly benefit from all the health benefits of these other two Omega-3 fatty acids.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) Omega-3 fatty acid

is a non-essential Omega 3 fatty acid because it can be produced by the human body from Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid.
However, it is not produced in sufficient quantities and needs to be supplemented in your diet.

This Omega-3 is a non-essential polyunsaturated fatty acid.

It can be produced by the human body from ALA (Alpha-Linolenic acid), but the conversion rate is not very high. This means that the process of converting ALA into EPA isn’t very efficient and therefore even if you have an ALA-rich diet, this may not be enough to guarantee sufficient levels of EPA.You therefore need to have a diet that includes EPA. This is important to consider if you are taking Omega-3 dietary supplements (fish oil in capsule form) – you should check to see if your product contains EPA Omega-3 fatty acids in addition to a good dose of ALA.The main way of obtaining EPA Omega-3 fatty acids is to eat oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and cod liver oil). Breast milk is also rich in EPA Omega-3 fatty acids.

This Omega-3 helps protect your arteries and promotes cardiac health, thus helping ward off cardiovascular illnesses. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and can provide relief from allergic symptoms.

DHA Omega-3 (Docosahexaenoic acid)

can be synthesized by the human body from another fatty acid: Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA). However, this doesn’t create enough DHA for the body’s needs and additional DHA needs to be obtained from our food. DHA helps reduce the likelihood of falling prey to cardiovascular illnesses and also combats depression. DHA belongs to the Omega-3 family of fatty acids which can be synthesized by the human body using ALA (Alpha-Linolenic acid).

Once again, it’s important to note that, as with EPA, the process of converting ALA to DHA is not that efficient. As a result, the body is not able to produce enough DHA by itself and it’s important to supplement this intake through your diet. The main source of DHA in food is oily fish (e.g. salmon). It may also be found in eggs and dairy products, with Omega-3 levels varying in line with the feedstuffs given to the animals in question. Docosahexaenoic acid’s main role is to be a major component of the brain and the retina. It also plays a part in sperm motility and cuts the risk of heart disease (by reducing triglyceride levels in blood). Lastly, it is possible that taking DHA might help combat Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

the french lab has created a formula that has just the right balance of omega 3, 6 and 9

In addition to its Omega 3-6-9 dietary supplement,‘The French Lab’ has also come up with a ‘DIABETES’ formula aimed at helping people regulate their blood sugar levels.

Find out more