Omega-3 fatty acid

A type of fat that is important for cell function. Also, see DHA.

Omega-3 fatty acids are types of fat that are important for cell processes. The term "omega" refers to the specific configuration of chemical "double-bonds" and thus predicts the shape of the fat. There are many types of omega-3 fats that can be obtained from a number of food sources, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; found in cold water fish and algae) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid; found in cold water fish and algae) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid; found in some vegetable oils and nuts). AREDS II, sponsored by the Federal government's National Eye Institute, is a clinical trial which started in October 2006 that is testing whether supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein and zeaxanthin can enhance the clinical effect of the already-proven AREDS supplementation (a specific combination of antioxidants and minerals). If you use nutritional supplementation, please consult with your personal physician and ophthalmologist as your personal health situation may require monitoring or a non-typical approach and nutritional supplements may interfere with prescribed medicines.