If you did a consumer survey regarding their intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the levels would likely be low due to lack of awareness. However, when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, the picture is different. This group of PUFAs is associated with cardiovascular and nervous system health and is well known among the general population, initially for consumption in capsule form, and in recent years for incorporation into different food products.
Omega-3 fatty acids (also abbreviated as n-3) are a very important group of compounds within the PUFA family (with more than one double bonds between carbon atoms). In a general sense, the term "omega" refers to the position of first double bond when counting from the far end of the molecule, that is in the "3," "6" and "9" positions of the carbon chain. The following table summarizes the main members of the PUFA group of nutrients with their sources.