Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid from plants such as flaxseed and walnuts: the body has to get it from food.
Also listed as ALA, α-linolenic acid
Does increasing ALA protect the heart?
The 2020 Cochrane review found that increasing ALA may slightly reduce cardiovascular events and probably slightly reduces arrhythmia risk. It found little or no effect on overall or cardiovascular mortality. The potential benefit is modest, not a large reduction in heart risk. 1
What about blood pressure and cholesterol?
In the same review, increasing ALA had little or no effect on blood pressure or blood lipids. The triglyceride reduction associated with long-chain omega-3 fats should not be presented as an ALA result. 1
ALA is a useful dietary nutrient, but the reviewed trials do not support a meaningful blood-pressure-lowering effect from increasing it. 1
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Hair & Skin4 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
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Cardiovascular2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
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Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.