What are EFAs?

Omega-3 and Omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids constitute the two families of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).

EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be produced in the human body, and therefore must be provided through the diet.

EFAs aid in the maintenance of cell membrane fluidity and stability, development and function of brain and nerve tissue, oxygen transfer and energy production, immune functions, and conversion into compounds involved in all body functions including local hormones governing inflammatory responses.

Metabolic Pathways of Essential Fatty Acids

A look at the metabolism of and interaction between Linoleic acid (LA) and Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) will provide insight for the significance of balancing EFAs.

LA of the Omega-6 family is found in most plant oils (corn, safflower, canola, sunflower), nuts, seeds, and soybeans. ALA of the Omega-3 family is found only in oil from cold water marine animals (cod liver oil, sardines, mackerel, anchovies) and flax oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish is a direct source of EPA and DHA, while flax seed oil yields ALA which then must be converted into EPA and DHA. The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is slow, only a maximum of 15% of ALA (flax seed oil) can convert to EPA and 5%, in any at all, may convert to DHA. Although flax seed has many benefits, it is not recommended as a source of Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Lifestyle and health influences that can inhibit the conversion include:

• a diet high in LA (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids, and saturated fats
  
• alcohol intake
  
• deficiency of any of the vitamin and mineral cofactors ( vitamin B3, B6, C, zinc, and magnesium)
  
• diabetes
  
• immune dysfunction

Prostaglandin Health
EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, a class of hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions, including governing cellular responses, immune function, and hormone synthesis.

Series 1 and 3 Prostaglandins (PGE-1 & PGE-3) are anti-inflammatory while Series 2 Prostaglandins (PGE-2) are pro-inflammatory. PGE-3 comes from Omega-3 essential fatty acids, PGE-1 comes from medicinal Omega-6 fatty acids, and PGE-2 comes from cooking oils.

PGE-1 and PGE-3 have the following effects:

• Reduce inflammation
  
• Dilate blood vessels
  
• Reduce blood clotting
  
• Lower harmful LDL cholesterol level
  
• Raise beneficial HDL cholesterol level

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.