Advances in Research on α-Linolenic Acid in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Cardiovascular Injury

α-linolenic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring omega-3 (ω-3) PUFA that is essential for human health but cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Studies have demonstrated that ALA offers a variety of health benefits, particularly showing potential in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of metabolic syndrome. In terms of lipid-lowering effects, ALA suppresses the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis, while promoting the expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation. In cardiovascular protection, ALA prevents or ameliorates atherosclerosis by improving endothelial function, inhibiting thrombosis, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Although some clinical studies show that ALA can lower lipids, regulate blood glucose, and provide cardiovascular protection, other studies suggest that its effects may not be entirely consistent. Therefore, although ALA has potential value in regulating lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cellular signaling pathways, especially in metabolic diseases and cardiovascular protection, its clinical effects still exhibit certain heterogeneity.