ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3)) is a dietary supplement with 22 published peer-reviewed studies involving 102,806 participants, researched for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
StrongSystematic reviews
WeakClinical trials
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
To assess the association between ALA intake or biomarker status and cardiovascular disease risk.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess the association between ALA intake or biomarker status and cardiovascular disease risk.
Dose
Dietary and supplemental ALA (0.5–3 g/day)
Participants
Pooled from multiple prospective cohorts (>100,000 participants)
Duration
Various
Results
Higher ALA intake or circulating levels associated with modest but significant reduction in CVD risk (RR ~0.90 per increment). Benefits more apparent for cardiovascular mortality than non-fatal events.
How They Measured It
Pooled relative risk for CVD outcomes from cohort studies and RCTs
To review ALA mechanisms of cardiovascular action and clinical evidence beyond its role as EPA/DHA precursor.
Study Type
Review — cardiovascular mechanisms and clinical data
Purpose
To review ALA mechanisms of cardiovascular action and clinical evidence beyond its role as EPA/DHA precursor.
Dose
Various dietary sources and supplements (1–3 g/day)
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
ALA exerts cardiovascular effects via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiarrhythmic mechanisms partly independent of EPA/DHA conversion. Dietary ALA is associated with lower CVD risk in large epidemiological studies.
How They Measured It
Narrative review of mechanistic and clinical studies
To assess the dose-response relationship between dietary ALA intake and coronary heart disease risk.
Study Type
Systematic review of cohort studies
Purpose
To assess the dose-response relationship between dietary ALA intake and coronary heart disease risk.
Dose
Increasing dietary ALA intake (g/day increments)
Participants
9 cohort studies (~250,000 participants)
Duration
4–20 years follow-up
Results
Each additional 1 g/day dietary ALA was associated with 10% lower CHD death risk. Greatest benefit between 0.5 and 2 g/day. Results consistent across populations.
How They Measured It
Dose-response meta-analysis from cohort studies
To evaluate ALA supplementation on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in patients with high-normal or stage I hypertension.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate ALA supplementation on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in patients with high-normal or stage I hypertension.
Dose
3 g/day ALA (flaxseed-derived)
Participants
82 subjects with high-normal or stage I hypertension
Duration
12 weeks
Results
ALA supplementation significantly reduced 24-hour mean SBP (−3.5 mmHg, p=0.012) and DBP (−2.1 mmHg, p=0.024) vs placebo. Blood pressure effects most pronounced during daytime measurements.
How They Measured It
24-hour ambulatory SBP and DBP, heart rate
To review the effect of ALA supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in clinical trials.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the effect of ALA supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in clinical trials.
Dose
Various (1–10 g/day ALA)
Participants
Multiple clinical trials reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
ALA may reduce fibrinogen concentrations and fasting plasma glucose. Effects on TC, TG, and LDL-C were modest and inconsistent. Blood pressure reductions observed in some but not all studies. Larger trials needed.
How They Measured It
Synthesis of fibrinogen, blood pressure, TG, TC, glucose from controlled trials
To evaluate ALA impact on cardiovascular disease and cognition given its distinct metabolic role from EPA/DHA.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To evaluate ALA impact on cardiovascular disease and cognition given its distinct metabolic role from EPA/DHA.
Dose
ALA from plant sources and supplements
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
ALA has modest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties independent of EPA/DHA conversion. ALA provides a plant-based option with clinically meaningful but smaller effects than direct EPA/DHA supplementation.
How They Measured It
Synthesis of epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical trial data
To assess flaxseed oil (ALA-rich) vs safflower oil on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, crossover trial
Purpose
To assess flaxseed oil (ALA-rich) vs safflower oil on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women.
Dose
30 mL/day flaxseed oil (~18 g ALA)
Participants
45 postmenopausal women
Duration
4 weeks per arm
Results
Flaxseed oil (ALA) significantly reduced oxidised LDL and LDL particle number vs safflower oil. TC and LDL-C were modestly reduced. ALA-rich oils may offer cardioprotection via antioxidant pathways.
How They Measured It
Serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, oxidised LDL, CRP
To compare clinical cardiovascular evidence for plant-based ALA vs marine-derived EPA/DHA.
Study Type
Review — ALA, EPA, DHA and cardiovascular health
Purpose
To compare clinical cardiovascular evidence for plant-based ALA vs marine-derived EPA/DHA.
Dose
ALA 2–3 g/day vs EPA/DHA 1–4 g/day
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
ALA conversion to EPA and DHA is limited (<5–10%). Despite this, ALA exerts cardiovascular benefits particularly on blood pressure, antioxidant status, and arterial function. ALA provides a viable plant-based option with smaller but clinically meaningful effects vs direct EPA/DHA.
How They Measured It
Narrative review of RCTs, meta-analyses, and guideline recommendations
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effect of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk profile in individuals with obesity or overweight: a systematic review a
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effect of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk profile in individuals with obesity or overweight: a systematic review a
Dose
0.38 mg
Participants
1183 participants
Duration
12 weeks
Results
interleukin-6, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P ≥ 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that ALA supplementation at a dose of ≥3 g/d from flaxseed and flaxseed oil had a more prominent effect on improving CVD risk profiles, particularly where the intervention duration was ≥12 wk and where the baseline CVD profile was poor.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effects of supplementation with vegetable sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ala) on inflammatory markers and lipid profile in individuals with chronic
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effects of supplementation with vegetable sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ala) on inflammatory markers and lipid profile in individuals with chronic
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
bidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid mainly found in vegetable sources, has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects and improving lipid profile. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the effects of supplementation with vegetable sources of ALA on inflammatory marker and lipid profile in individuals with CKD.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in association of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake on inflammatory gene expression and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in association of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake on inflammatory gene expression and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
1353 participants
Duration
144 weeks
Results
(p > 0.05). In this meta-analysis of cohort studies, blood omega-3 FA concentrations were inversely related to inflammatory gene expression (IGE) and EDSS score, which indicates that they may hold great potential markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of MS. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm the potential effects of the omega-3 FAs on MS disease management.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in can omega-3 fatty acids serve as a preventive strategy for age-related macular degeneration? a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in can omega-3 fatty acids serve as a preventive strategy for age-related macular degeneration? a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
anti-VEGF) therapies are available for neovascular AMD (nAMD), effective preventive strategies remain limited. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have biological plausibility for retinal protection through structural roles in photoreceptor membranes and anti-inflammatory lipid mediator pathways.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effect of plant-derived low-ratio linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid on markers of glucose controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effect of plant-derived low-ratio linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid on markers of glucose controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
rding to the Begg and Egger tests. Furthermore, the conducted sensitivity analyses indicated stability, as the effects of the low-ratio LA/ALA diet on various glycemic and related metrics remained unchanged even after removing individual studies. Overall, based on the available studies, it can be concluded that the low-ratio LA/ALA diet has limited impact on blood glucose-related biomarker levels.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effects of α-linolenic acid intake on skin and blood vessel health and subjective fatigue in middle-aged japanese females: a randomized, double-bl
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effects of α-linolenic acid intake on skin and blood vessel health and subjective fatigue in middle-aged japanese females: a randomized, double-bl
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have shown its effects on skin, blood vessels, and subjective fatigue; however, most were conducted in populations with low n-3 fatty acid intake.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in red blood cell polyunsaturated fatty acids and mortality following breast cancer.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in red blood cell polyunsaturated fatty acids and mortality following breast cancer.
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may affect mortality following breast cancer; however, epidemiological studies have relied on the self-reported assessment of PUFA intake. Herein, we examined the associations between red blood cell (RBC) PUFAs and mortality.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effects of concurrent alpha-linolenic acid, l-carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, and quality of life in women with mig
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in the effects of concurrent alpha-linolenic acid, l-carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, and quality of life in women with mig
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Migraine, as a widespread neurological condition, substantially impacts quality of life, particularly among women. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and L-carnitine co-supplementation on migraine symptoms, mental health, and life quality in women with migraine.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in dietary n-3 alpha-linolenic and n-6 linoleic acids modestly lower serum lipoprotein(a) concentration but differentially influence other atherogenic li
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in dietary n-3 alpha-linolenic and n-6 linoleic acids modestly lower serum lipoprotein(a) concentration but differentially influence other atherogenic li
Dose
174550 g
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
5 %. Linoleic acid may increase Lp(a) concentration through its endogenous conversion to arachidonic acid, a process regulated by the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster. We aimed to compare the Lp(a) and other lipoprotein trait-modulating effects of dietary alpha-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acids (LA). Additionally, we examined whether FADS1 rs174550 genotype modifies Lp(a) responses.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in nut consumption, linoleic and α-linolenic acid intakes, and genetics: how fatty acid desaturase 1 impacts plasma fatty acids and type 2 diabetes risk
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in nut consumption, linoleic and α-linolenic acid intakes, and genetics: how fatty acid desaturase 1 impacts plasma fatty acids and type 2 diabetes risk
Dose
1 g
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
diabetes. However, genetic variants in the fatty acid desaturase 1 gene (FADS1) may influence individual responses to plant-based fats. We explored whether FADS1 variants influence the relationships of LA and α-linolenic acid (ALA) intakes and nut consumption with plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles and type 2 diabetes risk in a large-scale cohort study and a randomized controlled trial.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids during treatment of malnourished children may be insufficient to reach required essential fatty acid levels - a
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids during treatment of malnourished children may be insufficient to reach required essential fatty acid levels - a
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a global concern. Studies on the impact of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are almost non-existent. The aim was to investigate the change in whole-blood PUFA and nutrition and health markers among Cambodian children with SAM after treatment with RUTFs.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effects of varied omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on postpartum mental health and the association between prenatal erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid l
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in effects of varied omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on postpartum mental health and the association between prenatal erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid l
Dose
2.0 g/day
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Results
ved from the MIBS results. In the case-control study of the historical control, high levels of α-linolenic acid in maternal erythrocytes were associated with an EPDS score of <9 (odds ratio of 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.84, p = 0.018 for trend). The results of this study suggest that consumption of α-linolenic acid during pregnancy may stabilize postpartum mental health.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in fatty acid correlations with homa-ir and homa-% β are differentially dictated by their serum free and total pools and flaxseed oil supplementation.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in fatty acid correlations with homa-ir and homa-% β are differentially dictated by their serum free and total pools and flaxseed oil supplementation.
Dose
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The SIFFA and SITFA pools have different relationships with HOMA-IR and HOMA-% β for each of pre- and post-intervention. It is concluded that the data support both the primary and the secondary hypotheses indicating that they are correct.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in evaluation of influencing factors on metabolism of land-based n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids-the koala study.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) in evaluation of influencing factors on metabolism of land-based n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids-the koala study.
Dose
16 g
Participants
134 participants
Duration
12 weeks
Results
( p < 0.01). The conversion into EPA was higher in men than in women (69 vs. 39%, p = 0.043) and in subjects with low EPA status compared to participants with high EPA status (79 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). A high LA status attenuates the conversion rate. In line with the literature, no clear effects on blood lipids and parameters of glucose metabolism were found in relation to ALA supplementation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) research
There are currently 22 peer-reviewed studies on ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) (Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3)), involving 102,806 total participants. Research covers Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies), and reported outcomes.
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) has been researched for: Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 22 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
