linolenic acid

noun
lin·​o·​le·​nic acid | \ ˌli-nə-ˈlē-nik- How to pronounce linolenic acid (audio) , -ˈlā-\

Definition of linolenic acid

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C18H30O2 found especially in drying oils (such as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linolenic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two PUFAs the body needs but can’t make — called essential fatty acids, omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Environmental Nutrition, sun-sentinel.com, "How to choose the best oil for you," 28 Aug. 2019 Chia seeds are chock full of heart healthy fat Speaking of heart disease, chia seeds are rich in a type of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, tied to anti-inflammation and improved circulation. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, "7 Chia Seed Benefits, According to a Nutritionist," 27 Aug. 2019 There are three types of omega-3s: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "The One Nutrient You Probably Aren't Getting Enough Of, According to a Nutritionist," 15 Apr. 2019 The third type of omega-3, ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, comes from plant sources, like flaxseed and canola oil. Carolyn Todd, Allure, "Everything You Should Know Before Taking Fish Oil Supplements," 21 Aug. 2018 Walnuts in particular may have a slight edge, thanks to their high levels of anti-inflammatory alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fat found in plant foods. Consumer Reports, Washington Post, "From oatmeal to sardines, 7 foods that really can help hearts stay healthy," 7 May 2018 Hempseeds are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other nutrients that contain trace or no THC. Christy Brissette, chicagotribune.com, "Milk, bread, hemp oil? On 4/20, a dietitian's guide to the cannabis items in your grocery store," 20 Apr. 2018 Also not firmly established is the protective value of plant sources of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid found in flax seeds, walnuts and some vegetable oils, which could be an option for vegetarians and people allergic to fish. Jane E. Brody, New York Times, "Is It Time to Give Up on Fish Oil?," 26 Mar. 2018 Chia seeds About 65 percent of the fat in chia seeds is an omega-3 fat called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Cara Rosenbloom, miamiherald, "These four foods can help control your weight, boost your brain and protect your heart.," 23 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linolenic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of linolenic acid

1887, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for linolenic acid

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from linoleic

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for linolenic acid

linolenic acid

noun
lin·​ole·​nic acid | \ -ˌlē-nik-, -ˌlā- How to pronounce linolenic acid (audio) \

Medical Definition of linolenic acid

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C18H30O2 found especially in drying oils (as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals