Biochem/physiol Actions An ω-3 fatty acid that serves as a precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but not docosahexaenoic acid. Conversion is greater in women than men, and conversely, β-oxidation metabolism is greater in men than women.1 Other Notes Review: Essential fatty acid requirements of different species2; The balance between α-linolenic and linoleic acid3; Dietary linolenic acid in man4