Linolenic Fatty Acid Structure - Omega-3 Essential Fat Explained #3497 (License: Personal Use)

The image displays a simplified 2D ball-and-stick representation of alpha-linolenic acid (C₁₈H₃₀O₂), highlighting its 18-carbon backbone, three cis-configured double bonds at positions Δ⁹, Δ¹², and Δ¹⁵, and the terminal carboxylic acid functional group (red spheres). White spheres represent hydrogen atoms, black spheres are carbon atoms, and the red-white cluster denotes the polar carboxyl head. This structure underpins ALA’s role as an essential nutrient that the human body cannot synthesize.

Used in educational, scientific, and nutritional content to explain lipid biochemistry, omega-3 metabolism, or dietary supplement labeling; targets students, researchers, and health-conscious consumers seeking foundational knowledge on essential fatty acids.