there are three different fatty acids, called respectively: alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Tags:
vinegar-balsamic joints toxicity-and-toxicology
Shutterstock
These nutrients are defined as essential, since the organism is not able to produce them autonomously and must therefore obtain them from food. However, to be precise, the only one of the three that is totally essential is ALA; the body is able to obtain EPA and DHA, however this is a capacity that can be scarce or compromised, which is why the diet should contain all 3 in adequate quantities.