Omega-3 ALA - overlooked and misunderstood?

With marine omega-3 EPA and DHA often stealing the spotlight, ALA from plants - such as flaxseed and canola - has been somewhat ignored, but a new review reinforces ALA's unique and valuable benefits.

The health benefits associated with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), consumption include cardiovascular effects, neuro-protection, a counter to the inflammation response, and benefits against autoimmune disease.

However, the longer-chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have received more study from scientists and more attention from the consumers.

"For many years, the importance of the only member of the omega 3 family considered to be essential, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked,"states a special article published in this month's Nutrition Reviews.

The review, by Aliza Stark and Ram Reifen from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Michael Crawford from the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at London Metropolitan University, is concise, timely and necessary as consumer awareness and interest in omega-3 grows.