Mammals are unable to synthesize omega−3 fatty acids, but can obtain the shorter-chain omega−3 fatty acid ALA (18 carbons and 3 double bonds) through diet and use it to form the more important long-chain omega−3 fatty acids, EPA (20 carbons and 5 double bonds) and then from EPA, the most crucial, DHA (22 carbons and 6 double bonds).[2]
^Murkovic, M.; Hillebrand, A.; Winkler, J.; Leitner, E.; Pfannhauser, W. (1 September 1996). "Variability of fatty acid content in pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.)". Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung. 203 (3): 216–219. doi:10.1007/BF01192866. PMID8873459. S2CID158751.