Snips about SNPs: Omega-3’s from plants
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for you in several ways, but one big thing we gain from omega 3’s is DHA and EPA for brain health. These two fatty acids are linked to lower heart disease and better brains.
The body can convert plant-based omega 3’s from flaxseed and chia seeds into DHA and EPA. But for some people, this conversion process is extremely limited. Instead, they may need to get DHA and EPA directly through fish or algal oil.
Check your genetic data for rs174546 (23andMe v4, v5; AncestryDNA)
- T/T: low FADS1 enzyme activity; decreased risk of coronary artery disease due to lower arachidonic acid; benefits more from EPA/DHA intake for lower triglycerides[ref][ref][ref][ref]
- C/T: lower FADS1 enzyme activity, decreased risk of coronary artery disease, benefits more from EPA/DHA intake for lowering high triglycerides
- C/C: normal FADS1 activity
Curious to learn more about Omega-3’s and the FADS1 gene? Check out the full-length article.
*SNP stands for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, which is when one of the nucleotide bases (the A, C, G, or Ts) is replaced by a different nucleotide base in a gene.
Want to know more about your genes? Read through all the Snips about SNPs.