The two major classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acids) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a double bond at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. The three major types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3). All the double bonds in these Omega-3 fatty acids are in the cis-configuration. Mammals are not able to synthesize long chain omega-3 fatty acids, but can uptake the shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acid ALA through diet and use it to synthesize the more important long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and then from EPA, to DHA. The ability to make the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids from ALA may be impaired in aging.
Figure 1. Omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids have been known as essential to normal growth and health since the 1930s. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for normal metabolism, coagulation, muscle function, cellular transport, and cell growth. DHA, in particular, is especially high in the retina, brain, and sperm. Omega-3 fatty acids are also used to form eicosanoids, which are important signaling molecules that have clinically relevant biological activities.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been implicated in numerous health benefits. Fatty acids have been shown to prevent excessive drying of the skin and prevent its damage. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation greater than one gram daily for at least a year may be protective against cardiac death, sudden death, and myocardial infarction in people who have a history of cardiovascular disease. Long chain omega 3 fatty acids have also been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory activity.
The GC-MS methodology is a powerful tool for exploring differences at the metabolite level. The GC-MS method is widely used for a variety of purposes, including determining fatty acid-associated risk for cardiovascular events, screening for omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, monitoring omega-3 fatty acid intake, measuring omega-3 index and other purposes. Creative Proteomics has established sensitive, reliable, and accurate quantification of omega-3 fatty acids.
Feature and Advantage of omega-3 fatty acids analysis
- Cutting-edge facilities
- Reliable & Reproducible
- Comprehensive analysis of omega-3 fatty acids
Platform
- GC/MS
Sample Requirement
- Normal Volume: 200ul plasma; 100mg tissue; 2e7 cells
- Minimal Volume: 50uL plasma; 50mg tissue; 5e6 cells
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Quantified in This Service | |
---|---|
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) | 18:3 (n-3) |
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) | 22:6 (n-3) |
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) | 20:5 (n-3) |
Eicosatrienoic acid (ETE) | 20:3 (n-3) |
For other species in Omega-3 family, please contact us for availability.
How to place an order:
*If your organization requires signing of a confidentiality agreement, please contact us by email.