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2 EFA BASICS
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID BASICS
Before we discuss the more complex molecules of the Omega-3 chain we need to know a few basics. The following quote is from Dr Udo Erasmus in his book “Fats that Heal. Fats that Kill” (Alive Books, Canada. 1993). This has been a standard book on the topic for nearly 20 years.
“A fatty acid molecule is shaped like a caterpillar. It is so tiny that 100 quintillion (or 100 followed by 18 zeroes) are present in a single drop of oil. Each tiny caterpillar is composed of two parts: a fatty chain at one end, and an acid group at the other end.
The fatty chain of the molecule is a water-insoluble ('hydrophobic', which means 'water-hating'), oil-soluble, non-polar chain of variable length. This means that it dissolves in oil but not in water, an important property for fatty acid functions in our body.
The acid end of the molecule is a water-soluble ('hydrophilic', which means water-loving'), polar, weak organic acid known as a carboxyl (-COOH) group, which dissolves in water but not in oil. As we will soon see, this structure gives properties to fatty acids that are important for their functions. These molecules are able to change their format collecting carbon and Hydrogen atoms as required.” [End of Erasmus quote.]
Considering the size of the molecules, we can now realise why the knowledge of Fatty Acids is such a new field of research; previously we did not have the powerful microscopes to do the analyses. Here is the list of the various molecules showing how they become more and more complex.
Omega-6 Chain:
Linoleic Acid (LA) [18:2w6] to
Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) [18:3w6] to
Dihomogammalinolenic Acid (DGLA) [20:3w6] to
Arachidonic Acid (AA) [20:4w6] to Adrenic Acid [22:4w6]
Docosapentaenoic Acid [22:5w6]
Omega 3 Chain
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) [18:3w3] to
Stearidonic Acid (SDA) [18:4w3 to
Eicosatetraenoic Acid [20:4w3] to
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) [20:5w3] to
Clupanodonic Acid [225w3] to
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) [22:6w3]
You need not remember these names or the numbers but they are given for reference and to show the conversion of the simple Linoleic Acid and Alpha-Linolenic Acid up their respective chains. Note how the numbers [in square brackets] increase up the chain; this indicates how many open bonds there are for each. The more open bonds the more versatile they are.
The two key molecules in the chain are EPA and DHA. My readings indicate that there is only DHA in the brain and no EPA. But it is the EPA and its balancing role with the Omega-6 long-chain molecule Arachidonic Acid (AA) that is critical for our health. (I will be covering the effect of insulin and diet on the absorption of the complex EFAs in Part 3. next issue.)
So, if we look at the top end of the chains, we could say: “OK, lets get our DHA and EPA from fish oil and all will be well.” But, as always, it’s not that simple. We humans are complex beings, of course. And our hormone and enzyme systems talk to each other and influence each other. So, by just throwing in some expensive DHA will it fix everything for the ADHD brain? Sadly no.
Note that the amount of EPA and DHA in each capsule is determined by the breed of fish processed. But because these two complex Omega-3 molecules can convert from one to the other an exact ratio need not be present in a particular supplement.
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