omega-3 fatty acid

American  

[oh-mee-guh-three, oh-mey-, oh-meg-uh-] / oʊˈmi gəˈθri, oʊˈmeɪ-, oʊˈmɛg ə- /

noun

1. a polyunsaturated fatty acid, essential for normal retinal function, that influences various metabolic pathways, resulting in lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inhibited platelet clotting, and reduced inflammatory and immune reactions.

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omega-3 fatty acid British  

noun

1. an unsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in fish oil and is valuable in reducing blood-cholesterol levels

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omega-3 fatty acid Scientific  

1. Any of several polyunsaturated fatty acids found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel. These acids are capable of reducing serum cholesterol levels and have anticoagulant properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are chemically characterized by having a double bond three carbon atoms away from one end of their carbon chain.

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Etymology

Origin of omega-3 fatty acid

So named because its 1st double bond occurs after the 3rd carbon atom counting from the methyl or omega end of the molecule

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

omega-3 fatty acid

"These studies involved well-established experimental models that mimic insulin resistance in non-obese individuals. Trials in humans are needed to estimate the ideal dose and the most indicated type of omega-3 fatty acid," Curi said.

From Science Daily ● May 31, 2026

Shrimp tails aren’t particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid, iron or iodine.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 2, 2024

"Walnuts are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Animal studies in rats have shown that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can alter several neurotransmitter pathways, including that of serotonin, affecting depression, anxiety, and sleep."

From Fox News ● Feb. 27, 2022

One study found that an intensively raised chicken in 2017 contained only one- sixth of the amount of omega-3 fatty acid, an essential nutrient, that was in a chicken in 1970.

From Textbooks ● Dec. 21, 2021

It is also high in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is vital for human brain development but extremely difficult for vegans to obtain.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 25, 2018