Ingredient Information: Omega-3 fatty acids, rich in DHA, of plant origin
Key points:
- Omega-3s are fatty acids
- They therefore belong to the category of lipids.
- They are essential for the proper functioning of our body
What is DHA? What are Omega-3s?
We hear a lot about omega-3s and how important they are. Our Omega supplement contains, among other things, docosahexaenoic acid, also known as DHA. What is it? Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA (acronym for DocosaHexaenoic Acid), is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Omega-3 with the formula C22H32O2, belonging to the large family of omega-3s.
So, what exactly is an omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as ω3, are polyunsaturated fatty acids considered essential because the human body absolutely needs them and cannot produce them itself; therefore, they must be obtained through diet. Their name comes from their chemical structure, and we'll help you understand it!
Omega-3 fatty acids have a long chain made of carbon atoms. This long chain contains unsaturates , which are double bonds between two carbon atoms. The first unsaturation occurs at the third carbon atom, located at the end of this chain, and is denoted ω (omega), which is how these molecules got their name.
These unsaturations are the origin of three-dimensional curvature of the molecule's structure, which will give liquid oils at room temperature, as opposed to solid fats at room temperature like butter.
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the main building blocks of cell membranes. Indeed, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are incorporated into membrane phospholipids . They play an important structural role in membranes and participate in the modulation of membrane fluidity. (1)
What are the biological properties of Omega 3?
In addition to their structural role in membranes, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids also act as precursors to several signaling molecules . These are important molecules that act as powerful activators of a number of communication pathways in our body. Their role in our metabolism is therefore crucial.
Dysfunctions in cellular information processing can be responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes.(2)
There are different types of omega-3 fatty acids, but the best known are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid), which are also the most abundant in our bodies. (3)
Why are omega-3s so important?
These lipids are synthesized in very small quantities by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation . EPA and DHA are precursors to a group of molecules: eicosanoids. These include leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which play an important role in inflammation (fever and pain, for example), the contraction of smooth muscles (intestine, blood vessels, uterus, bronchi), and the regulation of general metabolism. (3)(4)
Various studies ( in vitro , in vivo , clinical studies) have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are cardioprotective . They also exert antiarrhythmic effects (regulating heart rhythm) as well as antithrombotic properties (preventing platelet aggregation and therefore the obstruction of blood vessels).
Finally, omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA are important components of the retina . They contribute to maintaining the cell membranes of the retina, protecting the eyes from retinopathy and reducing the risk of AMD (age-related macular degeneration). (5) (6)
DHA is considered strictly essential and must be obtained through diet.
What are the sources of DHA?
The human body can convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into EPA and DHA through several enzymatic reactions involving elongases and desaturases. However, the conversion rate is very low, ranging from 0 to 9% for DHA, for example. This enzymatic conversion process is therefore negligible compared to the required daily intake! This is why it is essential to obtain DHA through diet (EPA is less problematic and considered conditionally essential).
Where can I find omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish and certain plants. ALA, which can be converted into DHA and EPA, is mainly found in nuts and plant seeds, such as flax seeds , perilla (shiso) seeds , chia seeds , walnuts , and hemp seeds . In the animal diet, significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish living in cold waters: salmon, herring, halibut, and anchovies . (7)
Finally, some microalgae and marine bacteria directly synthesize long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Oceanic microalgae can produce oil with a high omega-3 content. This is notably the case for Aurantiochytrium (omega-3 DHA), red algae (omega-3 EPA), and Schizochytrium sp . (omega-3 DHA). (8)
This is the same one you can find in our OMEga food supplement, rich in plant-based omega-3, which contributes to maintaining normal vision as well as the normal functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system.
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Sources
Calder PC. Docosahexaenoic Acid. Ann Nutr Metab. 2016;69 Suppl 1:7-21. doi:10.1159/000448262
