Q.What is Omega-3 and what is it good for?
A. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA), also known as a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). It is derived from both animal and plant sources, although Omega-3 from fish oil is the most common supplemental form. Fatty acids form the main useful fraction of fats and oils and are necessary for overall health. Because your body cannot manufacture essential fatty acids, you must get them from food or supplemental sources. Plant sources such as Flax Oil contain the parent Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The human body hardly converts ALA to the longer chain fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are used for prostaglandin formation and other cellular needs. Fish Oil contains the desired Omega-3 fatty acids in their more useful EPA and DHA forms. ALA requires enzymatic conversion to generate EPA and DHA.

Q.What is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)?
A.ALA is a short-chain fatty acid that is converted by the body into the long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Q.What is the role of ALA in the body?
A.ALA is known to be a source of energy for the body, and while it is converted into DHA and EPA, it is not yet definitively known how efficiently the body is at this conversion. Current research shows the body may only convert 5-10% of ALA to EPA and even less, only .01-5%, to DHA, so a person should not rely on ALA as a primary source of omega 3 fatty acids. No research has indicated a direct role in cardiovascular or retinal health from ALA, but it plays an indirect role in the conversion to the long-chain fatty acids. While some studies have even shown a potential link in the progression of late-stage prostate cancer and macular degeneration additional research has also suggested potential neuroprotective effects of ALA in in-vivo models of both global ischemia and KA-induced epilepsy.

Q.What is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)?
A.DHA is a long-chain fatty acid and and is found abundantly in the brain (comprising 97% of the omega 3 fats therein), the eyes (comprising 93% of the omega 3 fats in the retina), and the nervous system (and is a key component of heart tissue). It plays an important role in the structural integrity of these parts of the body and is required for their proper functioning. It is also found in breast milk, and is now included in many baby formulas and sold in supplements for pregnant women for this reason.

Q.What is the role of DHA in the body?
A.DHA is required for proper brain function and development as well as being necessary for visual acuity, and it is the primary fatty acid in the phospholipids in the brain and retina. Low levels of DHA in the blood have also been shown to be related to low serotonin levels in the brain, which can affect mood. DHA is especially important to developing children as the brain and other parts of the body grow and develop. Higher level of DHA have also been shown to reduce triglycerides as well as increasing the particle size of a person's Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. DHA is therefore a key component in the central nervous system as well as maintaining proper cardiovascular health.

Q.What is Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)?
A.EPA is another long-chain omega 3 fatty acid that is important for human health, however unlike DHA, it is not stored as well in the body and therefore must be consumed on a regular and ongoing basis.

Q.What is the role of EPA in the body?
A.Similar to DHA, EPA plays a significant role in reducing the triglyceride level in the blood, has mild blood thinning properties and may reduce the risk of blood clots. By moderating the body's immune response, EPA can also reduce chronic inflammation, which can lead to a reduction in pain and swelling of the joints. While some studies have indicated that EPA consumption may play a role in mental health, more studies are needed to draw any definitive conclusions, however preliminary studies have indicated a link between a lack of omega 3 consumption and depression.

Q.What is the relevance of balancing the omega-6:omega-3 ratio?
A.Over the past 100 years, changes in the food supply in Western nations have altered the type of dietary fatty acids we consume, leading to a dramatic increase in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. This increased omega-6:omega-3 ratio is known to influence inflammatory responses, contributing to higher incidences of many chronic diseases. To address this omega-6:omega-3 imbalance, current recommendations suggest increasing the consumption of pre-formed omega-3s EPA and DHA in fish and/or fish oils, increasing intake of ALA (an omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid found in vegetables, flax, fruits) and decreasing intake of LA (the omega-6 linoleic acid in meat, dairy, eggs, vegetable oils).

Q. If we get too much omega-6 in our diet, then why do you offer products that contain an omega-6?
A.Omega-6 fatty acids (LA or Linoleic Acid) are found mainly in corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oils and, although essential, these fatty acids are over consumed and out of balance with omega-3 fatty acids in the modern food supply. For these reasons, omega-6 supplementation is not needed for non-strict-vegan westerners. However, there is one type of omega-6 (named GLA or Gamma Linolenic Acid) that does require supplementation. GLA is found in few sources such as borage and evening primrose oils. GLA promotes the production of beneficial prostaglandins, supports healthy skin, brain function, mood, joints and cardiovascular health, and works best when taken along with the EPA and DHA in fish oil.