.
C18H30O2
.
*aka ‘ALA’*
.
*from greek ‘linon’*
(meaning ‘flax’)
.
α-Linolenic acid is a…
n−3,
or omega-3
.
‘essential fatty acid’
ALA is found in many seeds and oils, including flaxseed, walnuts, chia, hemp, and many common vegetable oils.
In terms of its structure, it is named all-cis-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid.[2]
In physiological literature, it is listed by its lipid number, 18:3, and (n−3).
It is a carboxylic acid with an 18-carbon chain and three cis double bonds.
The first double bond is located at the third carbon from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain, known as the n end.
Thus, α-linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated n−3 (omega-3) fatty acid.
It is an isomer of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an 18:3 (n−6) fatty acid (i.e., a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid with three double bonds)
.
Etymology
The word linolenic is an irregular derivation from linoleic, which itself is derived from the Greek word linon (flax).
Oleic means “of or relating to oleic acid” because saturating linoleic acid’s omega-6 double bond produces oleic acid.
Dietary sources
Seed oils are the richest sources of α-linolenic acid, notably those of
hempseed,
chia,
perilla,
flaxseed (linseed oil),
rapeseed (canola),
and soybeans
.
α-Linolenic acid is also obtained from the thylakoid membranes in the leaves of Pisum sativum (pea leaves).[3]
Plant chloroplasts consisting of more than 95 percent of photosynthetic thylakoid membranes are highly fluid due to the large abundance of linolenic acid, that shows up as sharp resonances in high-resolution carbon-13 NMR spectra, invariably.[4]
Some studies state that ALA remains stable during processing and cooking.[5]
However, other studies state that ALA might not be suitable for baking, as it will polymerize with itself, a feature exploited in paint with transition metal catalysts.
Some ALA may also oxidize at baking temperatures.[6]
ALA percentages in the table below refer to the oils extracted from each item.
Common name Alternate name Linnaean name % ALA†(of oil) ref.
Chia chia sage Salvia hispanica 64% [7]
Kiwifruit seeds Chinese gooseberry Actinidia chinensis 62% [7]
Perilla shiso Perilla frutescens 58% [7]
Flax linseed Linum usitatissimum 55% [7]
Lingonberry cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea 49% [7]
Camelina camelina Camelina sativa 35-45%
Purslane portulaca Portulaca oleracea 35% [7]
Sea buckthorn seaberry Hippophae rhamnoides L. 32% [8]
Hemp cannabis Cannabis sativa 20% [7]
Walnut English walnut / Persian walnut Juglans regia 10.4% [9]
Rapeseed canola Brassica napus 10% [2]
Soybean soya Glycine max 8% [2]
†average value
Potential role in nutrition and health[edit]
Flax is a rich source of α-linolenic acid.
Although the best source of ALA is seeds, most seeds and seed oils are much richer in an n−6 fatty acid, linoleic acid.
Exceptions include flaxseed (must be ground for proper nutrient absorption) and chia seeds.
Linoleic acid is the other essential fatty acid, but it, and the other n−6 fatty acids, compete with n−3s for positions in cell membranes and have very different effects on human health.
There is a complex set of essential fatty acid interactions.
α-Linolenic acid can only be obtained by humans through their diets because the absence of the required 12- and 15-desaturase enzymes makes de novo synthesis from stearic acid impossible.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5, n−3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6, n−3) are readily available from fish and algae oil and play a vital role in many metabolic processes.
These can also be synthesized by humans from dietary α-linolenic acid: ALA → stearidonic acid → eicosatetraeonic acid → eicosapentaenoic acid → docosapentaenoic acid → 9,12,15,18,21-tetracosapentaenoic acid → 6,9,12,15,18,21-yetracosahexaenoic acid → docosahexaenoic acid, but with an efficiency of only a few percent
Because the efficacy of n−3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) synthesis decreases down the cascade of α-linolenic acid conversion, DHA synthesis from α-linolenic acid is even more restricted than that of EPA.[11][12] Conversion of ALA to DHA is higher in women than in men.[13]
Multiple studies[14][15] have shown a relationship between α-linolenic acid and an increased risk of prostate cancer. This risk was found to be irrespective of source of origin (e.g., meat, vegetable oil).[16] However, a large 2006 study found no association between total α-linolenic acid intake and overall risk of prostate cancer;[17] and a 2009 meta-analysis found evidence of publication bias in earlier studies, and concluded that if ALA contributes to increased prostate cancer risk, the increase in risk is quite small.[18]
Stability and hydrogenation[edit]
α-Linolenic acid is relatively more susceptible to oxidation and will become rancid more quickly than many other oils. Oxidative instability of α-linolenic acid is one reason why producers choose to partially hydrogenate oils containing α-linolenic acid, such as soybean oil.[19] Soybeans are the largest source of edible oils in the U.S., and, as of a 2007 study, 40% of soy oil production was partially hydrogenated.[20]
However, when partially hydrogenated, part of the unsaturated fatty acids become unhealthy trans fats. Consumers are increasingly avoiding products that contain trans fats, and governments have begun to ban trans fats in food products. These regulations and market pressures have spurred the development of low-α-linolenic acid soybeans. These new soybean varieties yield a more stable oil that doesn’t require hydrogenation for many applications, thus providing trans fat-free products, such as frying oil.[21]
Several consortia are bringing low-α-linolenic acid soy to market. DuPont’s effort involves silencing the FAD2 gene that codes for Δ6-desaturase, giving a soy oil with very low levels of both α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.[22] Monsanto Company has introduced to the market Vistive, their brand of low α-linolenic acid soybeans, which is less controversial than GMO offerings, as it was created via conventional breeding techniques.[citation needed]
Cardiovascular[edit]
According to one scientific review, higher ALA consumption is associated with a moderately lower risk of cardiovascular disease, but wide variation in results across multiple studies highlights the need for additional research before drawing firm conclusions. [23]
History[edit]
In 1887, linolenic acid was discovered and named by the Austrian chemist Karl Hazura of the Imperial Technical Institute at Vienna (although he didn’t separate its optical isomers).[24] α-Linolenic acid was first isolated in pure form in 1909 by Ernst Erdmann and F. Bedford of the University of Halle an der Saale, Germany,[25] and by Adolf Rollett of the Universität Berlin, Germany,[26] working independently, as cited in J. W. McCutcheon’s synthesis in 1942,[27] and referred to in Green and Hilditch’s 1930s survey.[28] It was first artificially synthesized in 1995 from C6 homologating agents. A Wittig reaction of the phosphonium salt of [(Z-Z)-nona-3,6-dien-1-yl]triphenylphosphonium bromide with methyl 9-oxononanoate, followed by saponification, completed the synthesis.[29]
See also[edit]
Gamma-Linolenic acid
Drying oil
Essential fatty acid
List of n−3 fatty acids
Essential nutrient
Wheat germ oil
References[edit]
^ Loreau, O; Maret, A; Poullain, D; Chardigny, JM; Sébédio, JL; Beaufrère, B; Noël, JP (2000). “Large-scale preparation of (9Z,12E)-1-(13)C-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid, (9Z,12Z,15E)-1-(13)C-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid and their 1-(13)C all-cis isomers”. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids. 106 (1): 65–78. doi:10.1016/S0009-3084(00)00137-7. PMID 10878236.
^ Jump up to: a b c Beare-Rogers (2001). “IUPAC Lexicon of Lipid Nutrition” (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 February 2006. Retrieved 22 February 2006.
^ Chapman, David J.; De-Felice, John; Barber, James (May 1983). “Growth temperature effects on thylakoid membrane lipid and protein content of pea chloroplasts 1”. Plant Physiol. 72 (1): 225–228. doi:10.1104/pp.72.1.225. PMC 1066200. PMID 16662966.
^ YashRoy R.C. (1987) 13-C NMR studies of lipid fatty acyl chains of chloroplast membranes. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics vol. 24(6), pp. 177–178.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230822408_13-C_NMR_studies_of_lipid_fatty_acyl_chains_of_chloroplast_membranes?ev=prf_pub
^ Manthey, F. A.; Lee, R. E.; Hall Ca, 3rd (2002). “Processing and cooking effects on lipid content and stability of alpha-linolenic acid in spaghetti containing ground flaxseed”. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50 (6): 1668–71. doi:10.1021/jf011147s. PMID 11879055.
^ “OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF FLAXSEED LIPIDS DURING BAKING”.
^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Seed Oil Fatty Acids – SOFA Database Retrieval
^ Li, Thomas S. C. (1999). “Sea buckthorn: New crop opportunity”. Perspectives on new crops and new uses. Alexandria, VA: ASHS Press. pp. 335–337. Archived from the original on 22 September 2006. Retrieved 28 October 2006.
^ “Omega-3 fatty acids”. University of Maryland Medical Center.
^ Breanne M Anderson; David WL Ma (2009). “Are all n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids created equal?”. Lipids in Health and Disease. 8 (33): 33. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-8-33. PMC 3224740. PMID 19664246.
^ Shiels M. Innis (2007). “Fatty acids and early human development”. Early Human Development. 83 (12): 761–766. doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2007.09.004. PMID 17920214.
^ Burdge, GC; Calder, PC (2005). “Conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults” (PDF). Reproduction, Nutrition, Development. 45 (5): 581–97. doi:10.1051/rnd:2005047. PMID 16188209.
^ “Conversion of $\alpha$-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults”.
^ Ramon, JM; Bou, R; Romea, S; Alkiza, ME; Jacas, M; Ribes, J; Oromi, J (2000). “Dietary fat intake and prostate cancer risk: a case-control study in Spain”. Cancer Causes & Control. 11 (8): 679–85. doi:10.1023/A:1008924116552. PMID 11065004. S2CID 23228672.
^ Brouwer, IA; Katan, MB; Zock, PL (2004). “Dietary alpha-linolenic acid is associated with reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease, but increased prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis”. The Journal of Nutrition. 134 (4): 919–22. doi:10.1093/jn/134.4.919. PMID 15051847.
^ De Stéfani, E; Deneo-Pellegrini, H; Boffetta, P; Ronco, A; Mendilaharsu, M (2000). “Alpha-linolenic acid and risk of prostate cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay”. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 9 (3): 335–8. PMID 10750674.
^ Koralek DO, Peters U, Andriole G, et al. (2006). “A prospective study of dietary α-linolenic acid and the risk of prostate cancer (United States)”. Cancer Causes & Control. 17 (6): 783–791. doi:10.1007/s10552-006-0014-x. PMID 16783606. S2CID 25746287.
^ Simon, JA; Chen, YH; Bent, S (May 2009). “The relation of alpha-linolenic acid to the risk of prostate cancer”. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 89 (5): 1558S–1564S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736E. PMID 19321563.
^ Kinney, Tony. “Metabolism in plants to produce healthier food oils (slide #4)” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
^ Fitzgerald, Anne; Brasher, Philip. “Ban on trans fat could benefit Iowa”. Truth About Trade and Technology. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2007.
^ Monsanto. “ADM to process Monsanto’s Vistive low linolenic soybeans at Indiana facility”. Archived from the original on 11 December 2006. Retrieved 6 January 2007.
^ Kinney, Tony. “Metabolism in plants to produce healthier food oils” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
^ Pan A, Chen M, Chowdhury R, et al. (December 2012). “α-Linolenic acid and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. (Systematic review). 96 (6): 1262–73. doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.044040. PMC 3497923. PMID 23076616.
^ Hazura, K. (1887). “Über trocknende Ölsäuren IV. Abhandlung” [On drying oily acids 4th paper]. Monatshefte für Chemie (in German). 8: 260–270. doi:10.1007/BF01510049. S2CID 197767239. Linolenic acid is named on p. 265: “Für die Säure C18H32O2 schlage ich den Namen Linolsäure, für die Säure C18H30O2 den Namen Linolensäure vor.” (For the acid C18H32O2 I suggest the name “linolic acid”; for the acid C18H30O2 [I suggest] the name “linolenic acid”.) Linolenic acid is discussed on pp. 265-268.
^ See:
Erdmann, E.; Bedford, F. (1909). “Über die im Leinöl enthaltene Linolensäure” [On linolenic acid [that’s] contained in flax oil]. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft (in German). 42: 1324–1333. doi:10.1002/cber.190904201217. On p. 1329 they distinguish one of the isomers of linolenic acid: “Wir bezeichnen diese in Leinöl vorhandene Linolensäure, welche das feste Hexabromid liefert, zum Unterschied von einer später zu erwähnenden Isomeren als α-Linolensäure.” (We designate this linolenic acid, which the solid hexabromide [of linolenic acid] provides, as α-linolenic acid in order to distinguish [it] from an isomer [that will be] mentioned later.)
Erdmann, E.; Bedford, F.; Raspe, F. (1909). “Konstitution der Linolensäure” [Structure of linolenic acid]. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft (in German). 42: 1334–1346. doi:10.1002/cber.190904201218. The structure of α-linolenic acid appears on p. 1343.
^ Rollett, A. (1909). “Zur Kenntnis der Linolensäure und des Leinöls” [[Contribution to our] knowledge of linolenic acid and flax oil]. Zeitschrift für physiologische Chemie. 62 (5–6): 422–431. doi:10.1515/bchm2.1909.62.5-6.422.
^ J. W. McCutcheon (1955). “Linolenic acid”. Organic Syntheses.; Collective Volume, 3, p. 351
^ Green, TG; Hilditch, TP (1935). “The identification of linoleic and linolenic acids”. Biochem. J. 29 (7): 1552–63. doi:10.1042/bj0291552. PMC 1266662. PMID 16745822.
^ Sandri, J.; Viala, J. (1995). “Direct preparation of (Z,Z)-1,4-dienic units with a new C6 homologating agent: synthesis of alpha-linolenic acid”. Synthesis. 1995 (3): 271–275. doi:10.1055/s-1995-3906.
en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Alpha-Linolenic_acid
Alpha-Linolenic acid
Contributors to Wikimedia projects
14-18 minutes
This article is about alpha-linolenic acid. For other uses, see Linolenic acid.
α-Linolenic acid
ALAnumbering.svg
Linolenic-acid-3D-vdW.png
Names
IUPAC name
(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid[1]
Other names
ALA; LNA; Linolenic acid; cis,cis,cis-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid; (9Z,12Z,15Z)-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid; Industrene 120
Identifiers
CAS Number
463-40-1 check
3D model (JSmol)
Interactive image
Interactive image
ChEBI
CHEBI:27432 check
ChEMBL
ChEMBL8739 check
ChemSpider
4444437 check
DrugBank
DB00132 check
ECHA InfoCard 100.006.669 Edit this at Wikidata
IUPHAR/BPS
1049
PubChem CID
5280934
UNII
0RBV727H71 check
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
DTXSID7025506 Edit this at Wikidata
InChI[show]
SMILES[show]
Properties
Chemical formula
C18H30O2
Molar mass 278.436 g·mol−1
Density 0.9164 g/cm3
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references
.
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an n−3 fatty acid
it is one of two essential fatty acids (EFAs), so called because they are necessary for health, and they cannot be produced within the human body.
They must be acquired through diet
Seed oils are the richest sources of α-linolenic acid, notably those of
chia,
perilla,
flaxseed (linseed oil),
‘rapeseed’
(canola)
‘soybeans’
.
.
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