If the first double bond in a fatty acid is located three carbons away from the terminal methyl (omega) carbon, which omega designation applies and which common dietary fatty acid fits that category?

• A. Omega-6; linoleic acid (LA) found in most vegetable oils such as soybean and corn oil
• B. Omega-9; oleic acid found primarily in beef tallow and animal fats
• C. Omega-3; alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a classic example found in flaxseed and walnuts
• D. Omega-2; uncommon in diet and primarily synthesized de novo in humans

Answer: (C)