What is Omega-3?

Fat and Fatty Acids

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A polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) has more than one double bond in the chain. Two to six double bonds can be found in common edible oils. Vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, and the oils from fish contain high levels of polyunsaturates.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are further divided into two sub-groups called Omega-6 and Omega-3 (sometimes referred to as w-6 or w-3 or n-6 and n-3).

Both of these groups are essential for good health and normal growth. Since they cannot be manufactured by the human body, they must be supplied in the diet. For this reason, they are often referred to as 'essential fatty acids' (EFAs).