[ Omega-3_Fatty_Acid ]
Any polyunsaturated fatty acid of the alpha-omega class in which there is a double bond, three carbon atoms from the methyl (omega) end of the molecule. Examples include ALA, DHA and EPA.
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of the eicosanoid complex. There is a delicate balance maintained largely through the dietary consumption of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids have been dwindling due in part to the replacement of commercial fishing being replaced by fish farming. As such, dietary_supplementing of DHA and EPA has become essential to good health.