Which statement about linolenic (n-3) is true?

• A. Linolenic (n-3) is not essential
• B. Linolenic (n-3) is an omega-9 fatty acid
• C. Linolenic (n-3) is not used by humans
• D. Linolenic (n-3) is an essential fatty acid

Answer: (D)

Must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize it. Linolenic acid, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is the primary omega-3 essential fatty acid. It has 18 carbons and three double bonds (18:3 n-3), and humans lack the enzymes to create this double-bond arrangement on their own, so dietary intake is required. This is why the statement that it is an essential fatty acid is true. It is not an omega-9 fatty acid—those are different fats the body can produce with less dietary reliance. It is used by humans and deficiency is avoidable with diet through sources like flaxseeds, chia, and walnuts, making the notion that it isn’t used by humans inaccurate.