alpha-linolenic acid
noun
al·pha-lin·o·le·nic acid
ˌal-fə-ˌli-nə-ˌlē-nik-, -ˌlā- 
: an isomer of linolenic acid that is an omega-3 fatty acid found especially in seeds (such as flaxseed and soybean) and the oil prepared from them
… the body does convert alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil into the same type of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil in a somewhat slow and inefficient process.—
Pat Kendall, The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
—abbreviation ALA
Pat Kendall, The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colorado)Dictionary Entries Near alpha-linolenic acid
Cite this Entry
“Alpha-linolenic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/alpha-linolenic%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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