FUNCTIONS & IMPORTANCE OF ALA :

1. Reduces the triglycerides levels in the blood ^{(2) (7)}
2. It lowers the LDL level ⁽⁷⁾
3. Increases the blood fluidity ⁽⁷⁾
4. It decreases the blood pressure level ⁽⁷⁾
5. It regulates the heart beat rhythm ⁽⁷⁾
6. Maintains membrane fluidity
7. proven to have prospective effect on ischemic heart diseases ⁽⁷⁾
8. clinical importance for ALA supplementation in prevention of Myocardial infarct ⁽³⁾
9. Can reduce colonic damage and ALA efficiency in controlling intestinal inflammation is superior to EPA & DHA ^{(3) (5)}
10. Consumption of dietary Linolenic acid is associated with lower prevalence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque CAC in a dose response fashion in white men & women ^{(1) (6)}.

REFERENCES:

1. Harper CR, Jacobson TA. The fats of life: the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161(18):2185-2192.
2. Okamoto M, Misunobu F, Ashida K, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids compared with n-6 fatty acids on bronchial asthma. Int Med. 2000; 39(2):107-111.
3. Shoda R, Matsueda K, Yamato S, Umeda N. Therapeutic efficacy of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in experimental Crohn's disease. J Gastroenterol. 1995;30(Suppl 8):98-101.
4. Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70(30 Suppl):560S-569S. Simopoulos AP. Human requirement for N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Poult Sci. 2000;79(7):961-970.
5. Tsujikawa T, Satoh J, Uda K, Ihara T, Okamoto T, Araki Y, et al. Clinical importance of n-3 fatty acid-rich diet and nutritional education for the maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease. J Gastroenterol. 2000;35(2):99-104.
6. Voskuil DW, Feskens EJM, Katan MB, Kromhout D. Intake and sources of alpha-linolenic acid in Dutch elderly men. Euro J Clin Nutr. 1996;50(12):784-787.
7. AFSSA, 2003. Acides Gras de la Famille Omega 3 et System Cordiovasculaire : intérét nutritionnel et allégations.