A vital omega-3 fatty acid from fatty fish, EPA is a building block for prostaglandins, lipid-based chemical messengers that regulate inflammation, hormone balance, circulation, pain signals, and injury healing. EPA benefits cardiovascular health, and it is effective against depression, anxiety, joint pain, and menopause. As an anti-inflammatory, it also combats all types of chronic disease.

DHA and EPA are both found in fish, and they work synergistically as powerful anti-inflammatories. While both EPA and DHA cross the blood-brain barrier, DHA is found in the brain in significantly higher quantities. Further studies will show whether this is because it crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently or because EPA is metabolized more rapidly in the brain. Like EPA, DHA boosts cardiovascular health, regulates prostaglandins, and plays a crucial role in the development of the brain, nerves, and eyes in babies and toddlers.

ALA, EPA, and DHA are the three most important omega-3 fatty acids, and ALA is most common in our diets. Most ALA is used as an energy source, but a small portion is converted into EPA and DHA (which are particularly beneficial for reasons mentioned above).  This fatty acid decreases inflammation and supports brain and heart health.

This plant-based omega-6 fatty acid comes from walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, and is also found in vegetable, canola, and soybean oils. Linoleic acid is particularly important for brain health because it influences flexibility and permeability of cell membranes. This impacts the way cells communicate with each other and affects transportation of nutrients, hormones, and toxins. When in proper balance with omega-3 fatty acids, LA can balance and strengthen the immune system and can benefit heart health. LA also serves as a building block for chemicals that play a big role in inflammation, immune function, bone health, reproductive health, and menopausal symptoms.

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils like borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. When balanced with omega-3 fatty acids, it reduces inflammation, supports skin barrier function, and improves conditions associated with dryness and inflammation. By supporting hormones, GLA can ease symptoms of menopause and PMS. It may also support metabolism and weight loss by providing necessary nutrients for turning fats into energy.

This long-chain omega-3 fatty acid is converted to DHA and EPA more efficiently than ALA, although it has a smaller range of dietary sources. SDA is found in fish, echium oil, black currant oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.