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Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs, Vitamin F, Fatty Acid)
EFAs are those fatty acids which
are necessary for normal nutrition and which cannot be synthesized
by the body from other substances. Linoleic (C:18:2 - an Omega-6
fatty acid) and linolenic (C180:3 - an Omega-3 fatty acid) are
essential fatty acids; both are polyunsaturated and serve as
precursors to prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes
(which are collectively known as eicosanoids), which produce
a variety of physiological effects on blood aggregation, vasodilation
and vasoconstriction.
Arachidonic acid (AA) is sometimes classified as essential but
it can be synthesized from linoleic acid. An ethanolamide of
AA is anandamide which has demonstrated analgesic qualities
along with PAEA (Palmitylethanolamide), an aceylethanolamide
found in neural and non-neural tissues which acts to inhibit
mast-cell activation and reduces inflammatory responses by a
mechanism that may involve binding to CB2 receptors (endogenous
cannabinoids). Thus, PAEA manifests analgesic qualities outside
the central nervous system, and has some part to play in the
regulation of pain in cutaneous tissue. Interestingly, recent
research finds support for the possibility that endogenous cannabinoids
may participate in buffering emerging pain signals at sites
of tissue injury along with PEA.Omega-3 fatty acids, (the major
EFAs in fish oils) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic
acid (DHA), are especially abundant in brain phospholipids and
are essential for the development and function of brain and
retina cells, as well as sperm formation. Omega-3's have a number
of beneficial effects being promoted as antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory
and acting as vasodilators.
Omega-6 fatty acids such as linoleic, alpha linolenic and gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA) are found more prevalent in plants (eg. Evening Primrose,
Borage, phytoplankton, mosses and ferns wheat and walnuts).
The Omega-6's are critically important in acting as prostaglandin
precursors as well as for many other eicosanoids. GLA in particular,
as precursor to prostaglandins, is critical to the working of
the Sodium-Potassium Pump throughout the body, and GLA is also
known to allow blood to be "slippery," preventing the type of
clots prevalent in heart attacks. In cerebral grey matter, DHA
is about 30% of the fatty acid in phosphatidylserine and ethanolamine.
Without sufficient quantities and varieties of EFA's, normal
cerebral development can be retarded causing neurological deficiencies
and difficulties including ADD/ADHD, MS, MD and other dysfunctions.
It is estimated that adults need as much as 1%-2% of their daily
caloric intake to be of Omega-6's, and 12%-14% for optimal health
(40% of dietary fat). Optimal ratios have been suggested by
researchers: Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ingestion should
be in the ratio of 10:4. It is believed that higher ratios of
Omega-6 to Omega-3 could lead to depletion of the latter in
the phospholipid of vital organs as well as the following symptoms:
Omega-6 deficiencies include growth retardation, sparse hair
growth, a bran-like desquamation of the skin of the trunk, poor
wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infection, especially
in infants. In adults, Omega-6 deficiencies also include dry,
flaky skin, scaling, eczematoid dermatosis, usually starting
on the nasolabial folds and eyebrows and spreading across the
face an neck; anemia and enlarged fatty liver also have been
reported. Omega-3 deficiencies are more neurological in content
including paresthesias, weakness, inability to walk, pain in
the legs, blurred vision, and subtle neurological symptomology
such as ADD/ADHD, minor depression, dyslexia, aphasia, etc.
Omega-6 fatty acids are generally supplied in vegetable based
oils, whereas Omega-3s are primarily found in fish oils. Other
Omega-6 fatty acids include Palmitic (C16:0), Oleic (C18:1),
Ecicosatrienoic Acid (C20:3). Other fatty acids, although not
listed as "essential" are nonetheless critical short chain fats
such as Capric Acid, Caproic Acid (C6:0), Caprylic Acid, medium
chain triglycerides (C8-C10), Lauric acid (C12:0), Myristic
acid (C14:0), Palmitoleic acid (C16:1), Stearic acid (C18:1),
Arachidic Acid, and Decosanoic Acid (C12:0). An additional function
of EFAs has recently been found to associated with healthy skin.
A unique form of linoleic acid becomes bound to ceramides in
the skin, forming a unique esterified interstial lipid in man
which renders the skin impermeable to water and retains moisture.
EFAs play numerous vital roles as substrates for regulatory
signals and as structural elements in cell membranes and other
barriers in the body. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are also required
in the esterification of plasma cholesterol, necessary for its
uptake as low density lipoprotein core material (LDL) and the
normal excretion of sterols and bile acids. Interestingly, it
has been shown that without EFAs in the diet, cholesterol and
levels and triglycerides generally rise. So essential are the
EFAs that some are now speaking about them as a class of vitamins,
known as "VItamin F."
Essential Fatty Acids is an ingredient in the following product(s):
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BUFFER PH
pH Balancer
Price: $29.95
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| ATTEND STRATEGY PAC
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For Inattentiveness, Memory, and Stress
Price: $81.95
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PARASITIN
Parasite Cleanse
Price: $29.95
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CLEARIN
Acne & Blemishes
Price: $25.95
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