Linolenic Acid

Other names: Linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, octadeca-9,12,15-trienic acid

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Linolenic acid, also known as alpha-linolenic acid or octadeca-9,12,15-trienic acid, is an essential fatty unsaturated acid. This name comes from the Latin "linum usitatissimum", meaning "the commonest flax". Linolenic acid is an important component of certain fats that the human body is unable to produce itself and must therefore obtain from food. Its influence on human health is great, it is involved in many biochemical reactions and, above all, it is an important component of cell membranes.

In food, alpha-linolenic acid is mainly found in the oils of certain plants, such as linseed oil, soybean oil, hemp oil and nut oils. Animal products with a high content of this acid are mainly cold-water fish. Furthermore, linolenic acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is a component of certain drugs and dietary supplements. It is also an important ingredient in some cosmetic products, as it has the ability to moisturise and regenerate the skin and hair fibre, while promoting the healing of scars and inflammation. Last but not least, linolenic acid is used in the production of certain plastics and paints.