week 5 essential FA Flashcards
what are essential fatty acids
Omega 3 and 6
- essential ( body is unable to synthesize the double bonds on C3 and C6
structure
- polyunsaturated FA “hydrocarbon
chains containing two or
more double bonds.”
-The “number” (i.e. the 3
in omega 3) depends on
which carbon the first
double bond occurs on
omega 6
linoleic acid
- found in nuts, seeds, whole grains
omega 6 function
membrane formation
- eicosanoids
pro inflammatory
- reduce cholesterol
omega 3 function
- eicosanoids anit inflammatory
- heart function
-immune function (prostaglandins and leukotrienes)
-Brain health
-Eye health
-Reduce cholesterol
omega 3 family
ALA; alpha - linolenic acid
found in plant oils
EPA eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA ; docosahexaenoic acid
- found in fish and other sea foods
Eicosanoids
Made by EPA and arachidonic acid; derived from omega 3 and 6 FA
Omega 6 exert pro inflammatory
Omega 3 exert anti inflammatory
Diverse group of compounds that are similar to hormones
They affect only the cells in which they are made or local cells
Different effects on different cells
Muscle relaxation & blood vessel contraction
Muscle contraction and blood vessel constriction
Immune response to injury and infection = producing fever,
inflammation, pain
Aspirin relieves these by slowing the synthesis of eicosanoids
Omega 6 : omega 3
Omega 6 and 3 FA compete for the same enzymes, and
actions oppose each other
The suggested ratios range from 5-10:1
Increasing omega 3 in the diet is clearly beneficial,
however reducing omega 6 in the diet may not be
helpful
FA deficiency
Develop in infants or children who consume mostly fat
free milk and low fat diets
Hospital patients who have been fed formulas with no
polyunsaturated fatty acids for long terms
Signs & symptoms: impaired growth, skin lesions, kidney
and liver disorders, neuro problems, visual problems,
reproductive failure…
