{"id":5527,"date":"2025-03-21T20:07:10","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T19:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/?page_id=5527"},"modified":"2025-02-07T17:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T16:19:06","slug":"linolenic-acid","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/linolenic-acid\/","title":{"rendered":"Linolenic Acid: Properties with Omega 3, Foods, Structure, and Formula"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>linolenic acid<\/strong> is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/omega-3-propiedades\/\">Omega 3<\/a> fatty acid closely related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/dha-epa-omega-3\/\">EPA and DHA<\/a>. It also has properties and benefits as well as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/omega-6\/\">contraindications of omega 6<\/a> since, due to its chemical structure, it adopts this molecular form. It is present in <strong>foods<\/strong> and can also be taken as dietary supplements in capsule and pill forms or in hydrolyzed powder packaging.<br \/>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Properties-of-linolenic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Properties of linolenic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Foods-rich-in-linolenic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Foods rich in linolenic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Differences-between-alpha-and-gamma-linolenic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Differences between alpha and gamma linolenic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chemical-formula-and-structure\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Chemical formula and structure<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Linolenic-Acid-Omega-3\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Linolenic Acid Omega 3<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Relationship-Between-Linoleic-and-Linolenic-Acids\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Relationship Between Linoleic and Linolenic Acids<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Oleic-Acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Oleic Acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alternative-Foods\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Alternative Foods<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><aside class=\"adsini\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_inicio_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-inicio-articulo\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"2508209597\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside>\n<h2><span id=\"Properties-of-linolenic-acid\">Properties of linolenic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is necessary for performing various functions in the body. Since it has the property of easily oxidizing, when you acquire it, it is usually included with some type of antioxidant in its composition to prevent deterioration. Generally, oils with fatty acids containing vitamin E or polyphenols.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, the <strong>properties of linolenic acid<\/strong> are due to the form of <strong>alpha-linolenic acid<\/strong>, which belongs to the Omega 3 group. In other cases, when it is <strong>gamma-linolenic acid<\/strong>, it is classified as omega 6.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Foods-rich-in-linolenic-acid\">Foods rich in linolenic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98532 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/foods-with-linolenic-acid.jpg\" alt=\"Foods rich in linolenic acid\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fish.<\/li>\n<li>Shellfish.<\/li>\n<li>Soybean oil, canola, hemp.<\/li>\n<li>Flax seeds.<\/li>\n<li>Walnuts.<\/li>\n<li>Dark green leafy vegetables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For alpha-linolenic acid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chia.<\/li>\n<li>Clams, mussels, salmon, and oysters.<\/li>\n<li>Almonds, walnuts.<\/li>\n<li>Cabbage, spinach, strawberries, lettuce.<\/li>\n<li>Flax and linseed seeds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For gamma-linolenic acid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Borage.<\/li>\n<li>Evening primrose oil, sesame, sunflower.<\/li>\n<li>Red meat, chicken.<\/li>\n<li>Eggs.<\/li>\n<li>Currants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Differences-between-alpha-and-gamma-linolenic-acid\">Differences between alpha and gamma linolenic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98533 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/linolenic-acid.jpg\" alt=\"Differences between alpha linolenic acid and gamma linolenic acid\" width=\"720\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/linolenic-acid.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/linolenic-acid-336x205.jpg 336w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" title=\"\">All the properties of linolenic acid come from its chemical structure. At the molecular level, there is a different configuration. It either becomes the \u03b1 isomer or the \u03b3 isomer.<\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><aside class=\"ads2\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"1797353553\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p>The <strong>alpha linolenic acid is essential<\/strong>, meaning you need to take it through food or supplements for the body to have it. The human body cannot produce it, so it is unavoidable to ingest it through food or supplementation if there is a significant deficiency.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, <strong>gamma linolenic acid is conditionally essential<\/strong> (it is not 100% essential). Still, it is indispensable for maintaining good health. It is necessary to have good levels of this element, which is produced by endogenous synthesis, meaning there is a chemical reaction in the body that converts it into gamma linolenic acid.<\/p>\n<p>Just like gamma, there are other elements that are also conditionally essential, such as arginine, carnitine, glycine, taurine, or glutamine. These amino acids are produced by the human body from other essential elements in nutrition.<\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><!-- ah_3_ads --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"7212672277\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Chemical-formula-and-structure\">Chemical formula and structure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-98534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/linolenic-acid-formula.jpg\" alt=\"linolenic acid formula and chemical structure\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nIt is formed by a chain of 18 carbon atoms with 3 double bonds. Since it is highly unsaturated, it has the characteristic of being oxidized when exposed to the environment. Therefore, as mentioned, it needs an antioxidant when sold.<\/p>\n<p>This way, it can be kept in perfect condition and facilitate physiological processes. Products that contain it include the following <strong>linolenic acid formula<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>CH<sub>3<\/sub>-CH<sub>2<\/sub>-CH<strong>=<\/strong>CH-CH<sub>2<\/sub>-CH<strong>=<\/strong>CH-CH<sub>2<\/sub>-CH<strong>=<\/strong>CH-(CH<sub>2<\/sub>)<sub>7<\/sub>-COOH<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Linolenic-Acid-Omega-3\">Linolenic Acid Omega 3<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are six types of omega 3 fatty acids. All of them have linolenic acid, also called LNA, as their precursor. Therefore, it is crucial for heart function, maintaining low cholesterol, the immune system, and hormone synthesis.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98535 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/ala-gda-sla.jpg\" alt=\"Omega 3 fatty acids ALA, GDA, and SLA\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>acids that belong to the Omega 3 series and are synthesized with linolenic acid<\/strong> as the base are the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).<\/li>\n<li>Stearidonic acid (SDA).<\/li>\n<li>Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA).<\/li>\n<li>Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).<\/li>\n<li>Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).<\/li>\n<li>Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The difference between these is that the first two are short-chain acids, while the last four (eicosatetraenoic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic) are long-chain.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Relationship-Between-Linoleic-and-Linolenic-Acids\">Relationship Between Linoleic and Linolenic Acids<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Both are omega series fatty acids and have some different characteristics at the molecular level.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/linolenic-acid\/\">linoleic acid<\/a> serves as a rich source of omega-6. The human body cannot synthesize it, so it must be ingested. It belongs to the category of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It consists of two double bonds.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Linolenic acid<\/strong> is also essential as we mentioned and is part of omega-3 fatty acids for the \u03b1 isomer and omega-6 for the \u03b3 isomer. It consists of three double bonds at positions 9, 12, and 15.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Oleic-Acid\">Oleic Acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This type of acid is not essential but is also very important in human nutrition. It is included as omega-9 and can be found in foods like olive oil or avocado oil.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/acido-oleico\/\">properties of oleic acid<\/a> include improving blood vessels and arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and also inhibiting the proliferation of liver disorders. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid beneficial for reducing blood cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Alternative-Foods\">Alternative Foods<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps one of the most well-known oils for its beneficial health properties. If you don&#8217;t know it yet, you should learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/cod-liver-oil\/\">what cod liver oil is used for<\/a>. It is very rich in omega-3, vitamins A, D, E, and K.<\/p>\n<p>Another product (in this case of plant origin) that contains a wide variety of essential fatty acids is castor oil and its properties. Although it is not used as food, but as a purgative and laxative, it has a close relationship with the substances necessary for the proper development of vital functions.<\/p>\n<p>Taking cod liver oil provides extra energy, ideal for athletes who maintain a high training frequency. It aids in muscle recovery. It also increases blood clotting time, reducing the incidence of thrombosis and heart-related diseases.<\/p>\n<\/p><aside class=\"ads\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_fin_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-fin-articulo\" style=\"display:inline-block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"4055871191\"><\/ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); <\/script><\/aside><aside class=\"ads-relacionado\"><center><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- mismumi_relacionado --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"2966766890\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/center><\/aside><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The linolenic acid is an Omega 3 fatty acid closely related to EPA and DHA. It also has properties and benefits as well as the contraindications of omega 6 since, due to its chemical&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":98533,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5527"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5527"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5527\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}