Types of Omega 3 Vitamins

There are four main varieties of Omega 3s. These varieties each serve a different part of the body and have a slightly different chemical makeup. Different foods and oils provide each of these Omega 3 fatty acids. Some of them can be found in ordinary foods while some are only found in exotic items such as seal oil.

DHA

DHA is one of the best known and most important of the Omega 3 vitamins. Also known as docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is an important part of the tissue that makes up the nerves, the brain and the eyes. It is found in human breast milk and is now added to some types of infant formula to aid in the development of that tissue. It is also found in harp seal oil.

EPA

EPA is another type of Omega 3 vitamin. Also known as eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA is helpful in reducing blood clots that can occur in the human cardiovascular system. It is also good for reducing inflammation in the joints. It can help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, Crohn's disease and skin diseases. It is primarily found in seal oil but is also present in breast milk and some fish oils.

DPA

Another type of Omega 3 that is found in breast milk is DPA. Also known as docosapentaenoic acid, this Omega 3 vitamin is also found in seal oil. It is considered to be almost as high in importance as DHA in human development. Many of the Omega 3s that are present in human blood can be attributed to DPA. It is also present in the walls of the blood vessels.

ALA

While the other types of Omega 3 vitamins are mainly found in fish oils and breast milk, alpha linolenic acid, also known as ALA, can be found in abundance in other food sources. Flax seed oil has a high composition of ALA, and smaller amounts can be found in walnut oil, canola oil and soy. It's important to consume ALA because it is converted by the body into DHA and EPA. In those forms, it is readily used to build tissue and keeps tissue from becoming inflamed.

Considerations

There are several ways to get essential Omega 3 vitamins, but one of the easiest is to take Omega 3 supplements. These often come in gel capsules that contain either a fish oil that contains Omega 3s or a pressed flax seed oil. Both of these components have a high level of Omega 3 vitamins present and can help to prevent disease and build healthy nerve and eye tissue.