For the most part, organisms can satisfy their own fatty acid needs. In mammals, however, those enzymes which insert double bonds into the chains of fatty acids cannot insert them into the omega-3 and omega-6 positions. Linoleic and linolenic acid contain omega-6 and 3 bonds and are necessary for mammalian metabolism. These two fatty acids are there?fore essential fatty acids (EFA) and must be supplied by the diet.
Variations among species and within species occur in terms of what is or is not essential and at what levels. For example, the cat is limited in its ability to synthesize ara?chidonic acid (AA, 18:4w6). 1,2 Humans are unable to synthe?size sufficient fatty acids with double bonds closer to the methyl end than omega-9. Varying capabilities occur even within species. 3 A diet satisfactory for one individual may not be for another, since enzyme systems regulating synthesis and metabolism vary with individual genetics.
Varying environmental circumstances may also alter needs. A sufficient diet this week may not be so next week if circumstances change. The consumption of alcohol or medi?cations, the presence of disease, atrophy, increased stress, in?creased consumption of trans- fatty acids (present in all foods containing partially hydrogenated oils), dieting, obesity, al?lergy, young age, old age, high cholesterol, and so forth can all alter nutrient requirements. 4 There is no such thing as an average requirement which fits everyone all the time.
Some factors affect dietary intake while others affect the ability of essential fatty acids, once consumed, to convert through the steps necessary to form their physiologically important end products. For example, LA (18:2w6) consumed must first be converted to gamma linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3w6) by desaturase enzymes, and then on to other products by enzymes to form important eicosanoids such as prostaglandins. Many factors (stress, disease, allergy, etc.) can interfere with this first step mediated by delta-6-desaturase to create GLA. 5 Therefore, for some individuals, GLA or its progeny may have to be directly supplied to the diet thus by-passing the need for this enzyme. This is the rationale for the use of the supplement evening primrose oil since it contains high levels of GLA. Other oil sources such as black currant seed, borage, and fish also supply fatty acids which skip several steps in these meta?bolic pathways and thus may be important dietary compo?nents for some individuals (animals and people). (Fig. 13)
An important component of fish oil, for example, eicosap?entaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5w3) may become a dietary essential if age or other factors limit the ability to convert dietary plant-derived LNA (l8:3w3) into EPA, which is the precursor to several important omega-3 derived eicosanoids.
Although not considered essential fatty acids in the sense of LA and LNA, there are at least four other unsaturated fatty acids in nutrition now recognized as playing key biochemical roles, and for which there may be an essential requirement for some individuals. These are oleic acid (OA, 18: 1w9), gamma?linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3w6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5w8), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6w3). This list is surely incomplete.
Note that OA is a mono-unsaturated compound (one double-bond), GLA has three double bonds, and EPA and DHA have five and six double bonds, respectively. (Fig. 5) Linolenic acid (manufactured only in plant chloroplasts) as well as EPA and DHA belong to the omega-3 family of fatty acids; LA and GLA, as well as arachidonic acid (AA: 20: 4w6), are members of the omega-6 family. Oleic acid is a member of the omega-?9 family. All these fatty acids have great biochemical signifi?cance and the understanding of their metabolic roles is increasingly demonstrating their link to health and disease.
The essentiality of fatty acids, like that of all other nutri?ents, is linked to many variables. Required amounts and types of fatty acids can vary among species and even for the same individual. Diets rich in unaltered fatty acids (particu?larly raw whole foods) and specific properly prepared fatty acid supplements (a second choice) can provide sufficient fatty acid substrate for optimal health.
References available within book text, click the following link to view this article on wysong.net: http://www.wysong.net/articles/lipid/04_article_lipid_chapter_four_essential_fatty_acids.shtml
For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit www.cerealwysong.com.
You may ask what does all this have to do with essential fats, MCT (medium chain triglycerides) and CLA (conjugated Linoleic acid)?
It really does. In today’s times some people are way too stressed. Stress directly affects the way we eat and our general health and wellbeing. What’s the first thing one does when they are stressed? The answer is “eat". I am not saying that this is true for everyone, but may be for many. What do we eat when we stressed? The answer is “junk food" and lots of it!
Junk food has become the norm for many people around the world, people on the rush - grab a burger and chips or a pizza and a coke. Whatever it may be, trans fats are bad!
We are ingesting trans fatty acids and are consuming them on a large scale. Yes, those chips drenched in oil are a great example of trans fatty acids. Tastes good, but are a definite no no for healthy eating.
Apart from trans fats causing weight problems and obesity, a problem shared by many of us around the world. Trans fatty acids are the body’s worst enemy. The trans fats we eat cause our body cell's to become coated with a layer and for this reason are not able to absorb the nutrients from the food or supplements we ingest.
So then what is the solution to this problem?
The answer is oil supplementation. Essential nutrients are more readily absorbed into the body in the form of oil, than when in capsule form.
Omega 3, 6 & 9 are essential fatty acids. Omega provides the cell nourishment that we lack. Omegas are great for general health, counteracting the cell destruction caused by trans fatty acids. Omegas are vital for maintaining optimal body functioning; including mental vitality, lowering cholesterol levels and also decreases high blood pressure levels.
Ok, so now you know Omega’s are the first vital component to include in your daily diet. Now that your cells are functioning again, it’s time to include MCT and CLA.
MCT and CLA supplementation is great for general health, weight loss and toning. MCT and CLA are vital for everyone, no matter what your goal. Perhaps it’s weight loss, endurance sports or bodybuilding, as you see MCT and CLA supplementation fits into your specific goal.
What are MCT’s?
MCT's are medium chain fatty acids or are smaller chain fatty acids, which require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion, thus making absorption possible with little effort. MCT's are found in coconut oil.
MCT's burns like a carbohydrate giving you the high energy levels you require to maintain your busy lifestyle, exercise or anything else that requires extra energy. Best of all - MCT's are not a carbohydrate; as a result they never store fat. MCT’s maintain high energy levels and do not store fat. MCT's also speed up the metabolism. They are a healthier, natural alternative to foods high in saturated fatty acids. MCT’s also stabilise blood sugar levels.
MCT supplementation is great for dieting, where carbohydrate intake is reduced. Lowering your carbs reduces energy levels and in some cases makes you feel ill. MCT will help prevent this ill feeling. MCT’s also help reduce food cravings. Perhaps you are interested in high energy levels for endurance sports, or just general health. MCT is the answer.
You see; MCT is beneficial for everyone.
What is CLA? Conjugated Linoleic acid is a healthy fat.
CLA is ideal for those who want to improve the lean mass to body fat ratio, as well as enhancing muscle growth. CLA increases muscle tissue by assisting in protein synthesis.
For those interested in fat loss and weight loss, CLA decreases fat deposition. It increases the metabolism; it practically cut's fat, especially around the stomach area. CLA is said to be a great tumour inhibitor, an anti-carcinogenic and great for the immune system.
So there you have it in a nutshell!
You now know the benefits of supplementing your diet with essential fatty acid’s, MCT’s and CLA and how you can benefit from including them into your daily diet.
I hope that this article has helped you get started and that you are now eager to include Omega’s, MCT and CLA into your healthy daily diet.
Both Dr. Randy Wysong & Omega369 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr. Randy Wysong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Bankruptcy Chapter 11 and Bankruptcy Law. Dr. Wysong: A former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the presen. Dr. Randy Wysong's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
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