Omega 3 EPA DHA - Discussion

Omega 3 EPA DHA are two types of omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for good health and many functions of the human body.

Omega 3 fatty acids belong to a family of unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n-3 position; the n-3 position refers to the third bond from the fatty acid's methyl end.

EPA, long name eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, long name docosahexaenoic acid, are polyunsaturated fatty acids. EPA has 5 double bonds in a carbon chain of 20 carbon atoms, while DHA has 6 double bonds in a carbon chain of 22 carbon atoms.

Both DHA and EPA are important for various healthful purposes, and both cannot be made or synthesized by the human body. Thus, these omega 3 fatty acids need to be consumed as part of one's diet.

It is possible, however, for omega 3 EPA DHA to be formed using alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another type of omega 3 fatty acid which has a shorter molecular structure. It must be noted, though, that such conversion only takes place on a limited basis, and omega 6 fatty acids can also interfere with it. ALA, too, must be consumed as part of one's diet.

Omega 3 EPA DHA are associated with many different health benefits, in particular on heart and cardiovascular health, brain health, joint health, skin health, as well as hair health. They have potent anti-inflammatory properties and help to ward off serious illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer's disease, too.

DHA, specifically, seems to be critical for the normal development of vision and the nervous system in infants. It also helps to lower blood levels of triglycerides. In addition, laboratory studies have suggested that DHA can kill cancer cells, while animal studies suggest that it can help to inhibit cancer. Further, research has indicated that children who suffer from attention deficit disorder, or ADD, appear to have low levels of DHA.

(Many people nowadays consume omega 3 supplements, which usually come in the form of capsules / pills or a liquid.)