Essential Fatty Acids
Both Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) and Omega 6 fatty acids (GLA) play crucial roles in maintaining optimal health. While EPA is generally recognized for its cardiovascular applications, and DHA is known to support brain development and learning, EPA and DHA occur together in fish oil, and should always be taken in tandem for their synergistic benefits. GLA (from borage oil) is a good complement to fish oils because they help reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Why are essential fatty acids important? A proper balance of fatty acids is as important as vitamins and minerals. In their polyunsaturated forms, they are indispensable for many physiological processes and are integral components of nerve cells, cell membranes, and vital hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate numerous body functions including normal immune response during inflammation. Unsaturated fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Unfortunately, diets typically consumed in the US and other developed countries do not provide sufficient amounts of the richest sources of these beneficial fatty acids. Consumption of saturated fats from meat and dairy intake is often too high while intake of unsaturated fats from fish is too low. Modern food processing techniques frequently remove or alter the levels of important fatty acids. Thus, maintaining a healthy balance of dietary fatty acids can be a very challenging task.
The signs and symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency may be overt or chronically nagging symptoms and they range from mild fatigue to a fatal heart attack. In general, the consequences of a deficiency in essential fatty acids can be so vague and broad that symptoms are typically written off as being caused by something else. Surveys suggest that up to 90 percent of Americans are deficient in essential fatty acids. That is why we strongly recommend supplementing with EFAs regardless of your conditionrmal immune response during inflammation. Unsaturated fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails
