Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize, and must be obtained through diet. EFAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids.
There are two families of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-9 is necessary yet "non-essential" because the body can manufacture a modest amount on its own, provided essential EFAs are present.
The number following "Omega-" represents the position of the first double bond, counting from the terminal methyl group on the molecule.
Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from Linolenic Acid, Omega-6 from Linoleic Acid, and Omega-9 from Oleic Acid.
EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products.
A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection.
Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.
EFA deficiency is common in the United States, particularly Omega-3 deficiency. An ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is between 1:1 and 4:1, with most Americans only obtaining a ratio between 10:1 and 25:1. The minimum healthy intake for both linolenic (Omega-3) and linoleic (Omega-6) acid via diet, per adult per day, is 1.5 grams of each. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil can provide this amount, or larger amounts of other linolenic-rich foods.
Because high heat destroys linolenic acid, cooking in linolenic-rich oils or eating cooked linolenic-rich fish is unlikely to provide a sufficient amount.
EFA deficiency and Omega 6/3 imbalance is linked with serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, cancer, insulin resistance, asthma, lupus, schizophrenia, depression, postpartum depression, accelerated aging, stroke, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, ADHD, and Alzheimer's Disease, among others.
Essential Fatty Acids and Autism
New research from a biochemist in the United Kingdom is being released as a possible treatment to fight some of the symptoms of autism. Dr. Gordon Bell, who is not only a researcher but a father of a child with autism as well, believes that fish oils may relieve some of the behavioral issues children with autism display. Dr. Bell presented his findings at Stirling University in Scotland.
Dr. Bell bases his theory on studies that children with autism are deficient in essential fatty acids. His findings discovered that two-thirds of these children show this deficiency.
His recommendation is that children with autism be supplemented with:
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
- Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA)
- Vitamin E
"In children taking supplements daily, parents have reported less aggression, hyperactivity and improvements in sleep disturbance, which can be a major problem in autism. In some instances, there have been improvements in speech and basic behavior as well as the ability of the child to concentrate and attend what is going on." says Dr. David Bell
Signs of Fatty Acid Deficiency
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Dry skin
- Dry hair
- Soft or brittle nails
- Dandruff
- Rough, dry and/or bumpy skin especially on the upper arms and legs
Dr. Bell also states this also is a theory towards dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.
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