Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Description

Alpha-Linolenic Acid is an essential Omega-3 Fatty Acid, from plant oils and some nuts. compring less than 0.2% of total fasting Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids. Alpha-Linolenic Acid consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease and other inflammatory diseases.

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Health Benefits

Alpha-Linolenic Acid may Enhance the Function of these Substances

Hormones

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid may increase Adiponectin levels.  ^[1]

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid may increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone (hGH).  ^[2]

 Alpha-Linolenic Acidmay enhance the activity of Insulin.  ^[3]

Lipids

 Approximately 0.13% of the body’s LNA content is converted (after several intermediate conversions) to form Clupanodonic Acid.

 Supplemental Alpha-Linolenic Acid causes an increase in plasma Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) levels:  ^[4]

 The percentage of LNA that is eventually metabolized to form DHA is presently unclear.  Earlier studies indicate that 1.0% to 3.8% of LNA is converted to DHA.  More recent studies indicate that 0.2% of LNA is metabolized to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and of this 0.2%, 63% of EPA is converted to Clupanodonic Acid (EPA), and of this 63%, 37% of Clupanodonic Acid is converted to DHA.  This would imply a conversion rate of LNA to DHA of only 0.046%.

 Supplemental Alpha-Linolenic Acid causes an increase in plasma Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) levels - 2.7% to 6% of dietary LNA is metabolized to EPA:  ^[5]

 The percentage of Alpha-Linolenic Acid that is eventually metabolized to form EPA is presently unclear.  Earlier studies indicate that 2.7% to 6.0% of dietary LNA is converted to EPA.  More recent studies indicate that 0.2% of LNA is metabolized to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid is a component (although Linoleic Acid can substitute for LNA) of Phospholipids:

 Phosphatidylcholine

 Phosphatidylethanolamine

 Phosphatidylinositol

 Phosphatidylserine

Alpha-Linolenic Acid may Inhibit these Toxic Substances