Lucinda's Pearls: The importance of omega 3 fatty acids
Lucinda Harms, RPh, is the director of pharmacy at Advance Health and CarePro Compounding.
Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of fatty acids that constitute 1 of the 3 major families of unsaturated fatty acids present in the diet, the others being omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Omega 3s are considered polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). They play multiple roles in human physiology, particularly as components of cell membranes and as precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other eicosanoids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid because humans are unable to synthesize it. The other major biologically active omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can be synthesized from ALA, although the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited. Premature infants require an exogenous supply of DHA until their capacity to synthesize it from ALA is sufficiently developed. Below is a simplified diagram showing omega-3 fatty acid metabolism.
EPA has an anti-inflammatory effect, which results from the fact that it is an alternative substrate to arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) in prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis. The prostaglandins are a group of fatty acid compounds that have many effects throughout the body, including activity in inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, regulating body temperature, and effects on certain hormones. Leukotrienes are inflammatory substances that are released by mast cells during an allergic response or asthma attack. As compared with arachidonic acid (which is converted to certain pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes), EPA is converted to the less pro-inflammatory series 3 prostaglandins and leukotriene B5. DHA plays a role in the development and functioning of the brain, central nervous system and retina. It is not clear whether ALA has biochemical functions other than its role as a precursor to EPA and DHA, though it may have a role in skin health.
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