Q. 15.18 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What are some sources of omega- $3$ and omega- $6$-fatty acids (see Chemistry Link to Health "Omega-$3$ Fatty Acids in Fish Oils")?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

• Sources of omega-$3$-fatty acids include fish, beef, milk, and yogurt.
• Sources of omega-$6$-fatty acids include vegetable oils, poultry, cereals, and grape seed oil.

Step 1: Introduction

• Fats and oils are examples of triglycerides. 
• Long, unbranched carbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end make up fatty acids. 
• Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, whereas saturated fatty acids have only single carbon-carbon bonds.

Step 2: Explanation for Fatty acids.

• Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are the two types available. 
• Unsaturated fatty acids are formed when a lengthy chain of carboxylic acids contains double or triple bonds. 
• A fatty acid chain is said to be saturated when it contains all of the single bonds in its structure.
• Omega-$3$-fatty acids have their first double bond three carbons away from the first methyl end (omega).
• Omega-$6$-fatty acids are defined by the presence of the first double bond six carbons away from the first methyl end.

Step 3: Determine the source of Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 -fatty acids.

• ALA is found in a variety of plants and fruits, including flaxseeds, walnuts, mustard seeds, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and cauliflower. EDA and DPA are abundant in seafood. 
• Other sources of omega-$3$-fatty acids include fish, beef, milk, and yogurt.
• Nuts, eggs, whole-grain bread, numerous vegetable oils, poultry, cereals, and grape seed oil are all good sources of Omega-$6$-fatty acids in the diet.