Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats that perform important functions in the body. They are essential nutrients, meaning that the body cannot produce the amount of omega-3s it needs to survive, so they must be obtained from the foods we eat. The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are:

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): Found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils.
• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): Found mainly in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Also found mainly in cold-water fatty fish, and is especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells.

Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in the body, and they provide calories to give the body energy. They have many functions in the heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system. Some foods that are high in omega-3s include fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s are also available as dietary supplements, such as fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, and algal oil[[2]](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyA...