Omega-9 Monounsaturates are medium chain fatty acids that are missing two hydrogens. In place of the two hydrogens, the adjacent carbons “double” bond to each other in a natural curved “cis” configuration. Their presence produces a liquid oil at room temperature.
Omega-6 Polyunsatrates and Omega-3 Super Polyunsaturates” are long chain fatty acids that are missing 4 or more hydrogen atoms and contain more than one double bond between carbon atoms in their chain. They are more unstable than the monounsaturated fatty acid, easily damaged during heating, and remain liquid. Omega-3 Super Polyunsaturates have fewer hydrogen atoms and are thus, more fluid than the regular Omega-6 Polyunsaturates.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS IN BALANCE
Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats, much like amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Of 20 specific fatty acid used by the human body to function normally, only two cannot be manufactured by the body. Thus, they are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and must be obtained in proper balance through diet or supplements. These two EFAs are Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA).
EPA and DHA are derivatives of ALA, which are converted in the correct proportions at the right time, for their vital functions.
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a derivative of LA, GLA can sometimes mimic and augment the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids within the body. It is found in high quantities in evening primrose oil.
Arachidonic acid (ARA) another derivative LA, is the precursor of prostaglandins and involved in the inflammation process.
Other fats, such as Omega-9 Oleic Acid/Monounsaturated fats and Saturated fats are nonessential fatty acids (NEFA) because they can be produced by the body, provided the EFAs are present.
In their book, “Omega-3 Oils: A Practical Guide,” Donald Rudin, MD and Clara Felix point out that most Omega-3 studies are based on fish oil. However, in Dr. Rudin’s own studies, he found better results with flaxseed oil. This is because flaxseed oil starts with the plant form of ALA (alpha linolenic acid), whereas fish oil contains the animal form, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). The body makes its own EPA and DHA through enzyme conversions from ALA. Although some claim that the amount of DHA made is small, the body doesn't need much DHA. Most DHA is contained in cell membranes, and is held there with little replacement. In contrast, ALA and compounds made from it are also needed in the body for a vast number of essential functions. Fish oil cannot provide ALA, and therefore deprives the consumer of this critical compound.
Because of biochemical individuality some people are parasympathetic dominant. These people and others who have a defect, depriving the body of making the enzymatic conversion from ALA, the animal source of Omega’3 may be a better option. If unsure, it is best to provide both vegetable and animal sources of Omega-3. According to Dr. Mercola, Krill oil is superior over fish oil because it also contains vitamins E, A, D, and astaxanthin, which is a potent antioxidant. Research has shown that antioxidant potency of krill oil is, in terms of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values, 48 times more potent that fish oil.
The EFAs are one of the basic food groups that are necessary for life. Yet surveys have shown that over 60 percent of the North American population is deficient in EFA’s, especially Omega-3 (ALA). Similar statistics exist in the UK, Australian, New Zealand, and the Pacific region where the fast/junk food diet has been adopted. The EFAs are vital for normal brain development and function from conception to death. Omega-3 deficiencies are linked to decreased memory and mental abilities, depression, tingling sensation of the nerves, poor vision, increased tendency to form blood clots, diminished immune function, increased triglycerides and cholesterol (LDL) levels, impaired membrane function, hypertension, irregular heart beat, learning disorders, menopausal discomfort, itchiness on the front of the lower leg(s), infertility, and growth retardation in infants, children and pregnant women.