18-carbon plant-derived ω-3 PUFA. Converted to EPA + DHA by Δ6/Δ5 desaturase + elongase — but conversion is inefficient in humans (5–10% to EPA, <1% to DHA). ALA has independent cardiovascular benefit (Nurses' Health, PREDIMED) partly via membrane incorporation + resolving lipid mediators, though magnitude smaller than direct EPA/DHA.
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 1.27 g (Range: 1.1–1.6 g)
Target Organ Systems
cardiovascular
Interactions
EPA/DHA (synergistic): ALA is upstream dietary ω-3; direct EPA/DHA from fish is more potent per gram.