Linolenic acid

Evidence status

Limited evidence to recommend for any consumer outcome yet.

5 papers · 1 claim · 6 outcomes scored

Outcomes

What linolenic acid actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect size Evidence Dose Weeks Rank

Improve omega-3 to omega-6 ratio Not enough research

Less raw material for inflammation, more for resolving it.

2 RCTs n=413 1–1200 g 12 wk

23209576·34728723

—

2 RCTs n=413

1–1200 g

12 wk

—

Outcome	Effect	Evidence	Dose	Weeks	Rank
Improve omega-3 to omega-6 ratio Not enough research		2 RCTs n=413	1–1200 g	12 wk	—

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

Serious adverse events

Sources

1. Biological effects of add-on eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in diabetes mellitus and co-morbid depression: a randomized controlled trial. (2012) ↑
2. Docosahexaenoic acid-rich algae oil supplementation on breast milk fatty acid profile of mothers who delivered prematurely: a randomized clinical trial. (2021) ↑
3. Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Serve as a Preventive Strategy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2026) ↑
4. Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. (2018) ↑
5. Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. (2020) ↑

Generated August 14, 2026