Other Omega 3 Fatty Acids

In addition to the 3 major omega 3 fatty acids - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - there are an number of other n-3 fatty acids found in nature. These include the following:

Stearidonic acid (STD)

• Alternative common name: Moroctic acid
• Chemical name: all-cis-6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid
• Chemical formula: C₁₈H₂₈O₂
• Lipid name: 18:4 (n-3)
• Natural sources: cyanobacterium spirulina, hemp seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil

Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA)

• Chemical name: all-cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid
• Chemical formula: C₂₀H₃₄O₂
• Lipid name: 20:3 (n-3)
• Natural sources: shark-liver and herring oil

Eicosatetraenoic Acid

• Chemical name: all-cis-8,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid
• Chemical formula: C₂₀H₃₂O₂
• Lipid name: 20:4 (n-3)
• Natural sources: green-lipped mussels

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

• Alternative common name: Clupanodonic acid
• Chemical name: all-cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid
• Chemical formula: C₂₂H₃₄O₂
• Lipid name: 22:5 (n-3)
• Natural sources: herring oil, seal oil, liver lipids of cattle

Tetracosahexaenoic Acid

• Alternative common name: Nisinic acid
• Chemical name: all-cis-6,9,12,15,18,21-tetracosahexaenoic acid
• Chemical formula: C₂₄H₃₆O₂
• Lipid name: 24:6 (n-3)