Definition of "alpha-linolenic acid" []

• A polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms; the only omega-3 fatty acid found in vegetable products; it is most abundant in canola oil; a fatty acid essential for nutrition (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "ALA alpha-linolenic acid is a “short-chain” form found in plant sources like walnuts, flaxseed, and canola and soybean oils, and is probably less effective because relatively little is converted to the more active EPA and DHA forms."