There are three main omega-3s – EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are the primary omega-3s you need to support heart health and can be found in fatty fish and omega-3 supplements. Differences between EPA, DHA and ALA. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is a true “essential” omega-3 because our bodies can’t make it on its own.
A discussion of the metabolic pathway by which dietary ALA can be converted by a series of sequential desaturation (D) and elongation (E) reactions into EPA and then DHA in the mammalian liver was provided in the metabolism of omega-3 and omega-3 section.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a fatty acid found in the meat of cold-water fish, including mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber. Don’t confuse DHA with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for optimal function of the human body, and they may also provide numerous powerful health benefits . Common foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, fish oils, flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil and walnuts, to name a few.