Fatty Acid Pathways

Fatty acids exist in the body primarily as triglycerides and phospholipids. Phospholipids make up the bilipid membrane of cells and the membranes of organelles within the cytoplasm. Fatty acids are split from the triglyceride glycerol backbone and broken down into carbon fragments which are then oxidized to provide energy. Usually, just the 16 carbon fatty acids or shorter are metabolized in this fashion.

Fatty acids 16 carbons and longer from the omega-3 and -6 families can undergo the formation of double bonds and chain lengthening to create compounds called eicosanoids. These substances are autacoids, evanescent compounds which exert their effects locally in the microenvironment of the tissues where they are generated.1 Eicosanoids are cyclic oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids consisting of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, prostacyclines, and lipoxins which are the moderators of life processes at the microcellular and tissue level (Fig. 14). They are intermediate between biochemicals and hormones. Their presence in extremely small nano and pico molar amounts exerts effects which are more powerful by many fold than various potent organ level hormones.

Eicosanoids are regulatory, turning various life processes on and off. For example, eicosanoids can stimulate the clotting mechanism when blood vessels are injured, but they can also stop the clotting mechanism so it does not proceed to the point where circulation other than at the local site of injury is impaired.

Eicosanoids must exist in precise balances for life to continue without the presence of disease. Since the various eicosanoids are produced from dietary fatty acids, modifying the diet can shift eicosanoid balances. Overconsumption of one kind of fatty acid may overproduce one kind of eicosanoid. Its effect will then become predominant and not be properly balanced by its antagonistic eicosanoid and thus disease may result. For example, the overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids can create eicosanoids which promote inflammation. If these fatty acids are consumed in excess at the expense of a balancing amount of omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and allergic conditions may result. Balance is the essence of life.

The various metabolic pathways leading to the production of eicosanoids are complex. The pathways begin with the types of fatty acids in the diet. These in turn are converted by enzyme systems into progressively longer and more unsaturated fatty acids until they reach their eicosanoid destination. Figures 15 and 16 outline these synthetic pathways.

Super Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Recent studies point to improved mental function in later years. We can't make the claim (yet) that it prevents Alzheimer disease, but early results are extremely promising.

Let me put it this way, essential fatty acids may not cure everything but it's very difficult for the body to stay healthy without Omega-3s.

Do not treat supplements the way we tend to treat medicines. Treat Omega-3s as food. It's important to know the tolerated and optimal dosages. Two capsules of omega-3s are better than none, but treat omega-3s as food. Eat fish that is deemed safe and not toxic from heavy metals.

But to be get on the right track and to begin to reverse the decades generational deficiency, then treat omega-3s like food.
We don't take a teaspoon of eggs in the morning and say we are done eating for the day, now do we?

There is no harm to taking 3-4 grams of pure EPA/DHA omega-3s per day. The only exception would be for a person who is on blood thinners, then it's are still essential but check with your prescribing physician as to a permissible dosage.

So what happens when we decrease the bad fats and ingest the good fats? Most people modulate and tend to lose weight.
Body chemistry and cell function improves because the right fats are available for cell function and brain function. Arteries are rejuvenated by silky fats transporting the cholesterol instead of junky, clumpy fats getting jammed and stuck in dangerous places.
Life is just better with proper nutrition and that starts with essential fatty acids.