How Alpha-Linolenic Acid Works: Heart Benefits, Controversies, and Scientific Evidence
What Is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)?
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 lipid. Because it is essential, it must be introduced with meals since the human body cannot generate it on its own.
What Exactly Is Alpha-Linolenic Acid Used For?
Alpha-linolenic acid has been proposed to prevent and treat cardiovascular issues, namely heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.
Its purported effects are associated with maintaining a normal heart rate and capacity; it also appears to aid in the prevention of blood clot development.
There is still no conclusive evidence of its efficacy in the treatment of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Diabetes
- Kidney disorders
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Migraines
- Skin tumors and other forms of cancer
- Depression
- Allergic and inflammatory disorders like psoriasis and eczema
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the claim that alpha-linolenic acid helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, but only if consumers are informed that the benefits can be obtained with a daily intake of 2 grams of ALA.
Supplements that simultaneously provide alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid may report the claim that essential fatty acids are required for the normal growth and development of children, as long as it is associated with the information that the beneficial effects can be obtained with a daily intake of 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid and 10 grams of linoleic acid.
Warnings and Possible Contraindications
Alpha-linolenic acid has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer; as a result, its intake is not suggested in the presence of risk factors or after a tumor diagnosis.
Furthermore, ALA-based supplements should be avoided in cases with high triglycerides, since they may aggravate the condition.
There are no known interactions between alpha-linolenic acid intake and medicines or other substances.
If in doubt, consult your doctor.
