Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
For the health condition: Triglycerides (high)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in plant sources such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Its use for supporting or lowering high triglyceride levels is primarily justified by scientific rationale, though the strength of evidence is modest compared to marine-derived omega-3s (EPA and DHA).

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated ALA’s effects on lipid profiles. ALA is converted in the body to EPA and DHA, but this conversion is inefficient in humans (often less than 10%). While EPA and DHA from fish oil are well-established to reduce triglycerides, ALA’s impact is less pronounced.

Some studies have reported modest reductions in triglyceride levels when ALA intake is increased, particularly as a replacement for saturated fats. However, a 2012 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that while ALA may have favorable effects on cardiovascular risk markers, its direct effect on triglycerides is small and inconsistent across studies. Clinical guidelines generally recommend marine omega-3s for hypertriglyceridemia, not ALA specifically.

In conclusion, there is scientific evidence suggesting a possible modest benefit of ALA on triglycerides, but it is weaker and less consistent than for EPA/DHA. ALA may be used as part of a heart-healthy diet, but it is not a primary intervention for high triglycerides.

More about alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
More about Triglycerides (high)

Other ingredients used for Triglycerides (high)

akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
arjun tree
artichoke
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
banaba
beet
berberine
bergamot
Beta-Glucan
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
canola oil
catechins
chia seed
chokeberry
choline
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
daidzin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flaxseed
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
genistein
genistin
glucomannan
grape
grapefruit
green tea
guar gum
guggul
hawthorn
hesperetin
hibiscus
inulin
knotweed
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-carnitine
l-taurine
lecithin
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
lycopene
mackerel
magnesium
maqui berry
matcha
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
oat
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
pantethine
perilla
phospholipids
pine bark
plant sterols
pomegranate
pomelo
quercetin
quinoa
red yeast rice
resveratrol
safflower oil
sardines
silymarin
black ginger
soybean
spirulina
sterols
stevia
strawberry
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
trimethylglycine (TMG)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
lingzhi
sunflower
yerba mate
goji berry
amaranth
kidney beans
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
4-hydroxyisoleucine
Arjuna
Aronia melanocarpa
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arjunic Acid
Algalin
Alliin
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Buglossoides arvensis
Brutieridin
Brassica
Brazil nut
Buckwheat
Bottle gourd
California chia
Cardarine
Chitosan
Camelina Oil
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Cashew
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Daidzein
Dragon Fruit
Diosgenin
Eriocitrin
Emblicanin
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Echium
Ecklonia
Flammulina velutipes
Isoflavones
Pistachio
Soy Protein
walnut