Linolenic and linoleic fatty acids are known as essential fatty
acids because humans cannot produce them themselves, and must
obtain them in their diet. Alpha-linolenic (ALA, 18:3 n-3) and
linoleic (LA, 18:2 n-6) acids are the main essential unsaturated
fatty acids obtained from vegetable oils. These fatty acids can
be elongated and de-saturated into their longer-chain derivates,
arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) [3]. Several studies have strongly
suggested that these fatty acids are important in relation to the
pathogenesis (and prevention) of coronary heart disease and hypertension
and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, besides showinga hypocholesterolemic effect when used as food supplements