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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2024

Contrary to expectations, supplement use was less common among those who consumed less fish, putting that group at even higher risk for insufficient omega-3 fatty acid intake.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2024

Figure 3.18 Alpha-linolenic acid is an example of an omega-3 fatty acid.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

"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

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