Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid.
Flaxseed oil is derived from the hard, tiny seeds of the flax plant.
It has been proposed as a less smelly alternative to fish oil. Like fish oil, flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat your body needs as much as it needs vitamins. However, it's important to realize that the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil aren't identical to what you get from fish oil. The effects and potential benefits may not be the same. Lignans are being studied for use in preventing cancer.