Omega-3 fatty acids, or essential fatty acids, are vital to the human body because our bodies cannot produce them themselves or do so only to a small extent. Essential omega-3 fatty acids include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, all of which play an important role in supporting our bodies. EPA supports heart function and helps reduce inflammatory processes; DHA is important for brain and eye function and skin; ALA can reduce the risk of stroke. Essential omega-3 fatty acids must be derived from food, mainly fish or some plant source.