EFA stands for "essential fatty acids," which refers to a group of fatty acids that the body needs to function properly, but cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of EFA, along with omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. While all omega-3 fatty acids are EFAs, not all EFAs are omega-3s. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 EFA, while linoleic acid (LA) is an omega-6 EFA, and oleic acid is an omega-9 EFA. In short, EFA is a broader term that encompasses several types of fatty acids, including omega-3s, while omega-3s specifically refer to a subgroup of EFA that are particularly important for health.