The likelihood of an inadequate supply of PUFA is greatest in people whose need is increased, for example in the case of infections, chronic diseases or in growth phases. https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/282107
Thus, PUFAs and their metabolites have broad antimicrobial effects
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123218300018
ALA can act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent for inflammation of the surface of the eye. The anti-inflammatory effects of ALA are comparable to those of corticosteroids and are mediated by NF-κB signal transduction
https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2168117
The results of many of the studies described here show that ALA is not only essential, but also has therapeutic properties.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/66/6/326/1840653
Epidemiological studies and human nutrition studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid is an important cardioprotective nutrient.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475304800371