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A History of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

By: Christopher Barnes

Even though omega-3 fatty acids have been known as important to regular development as well as healthiness since the 1930s, recognition of their health benefits has dramatically increased within the past few years. New variations of ethyl esterized omega-3 fatty acids, like as E-EPA and mixtures of E-EPA and E-DHA, have drawn attention as extremely purified and further effective products than the accepted ones. In the United States, these new versions are often sold as prescription medications, such as Lovaza. In the European Union, they may be available as nutritional supplements.

The health benefits of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA omega-3, are the most well renowned. These benefits were exposed in the 1970s by research workers studying the Greenland Inuit Tribe. The Greenland Inuit inhabitants consumed sizeable amounts of fat from seafood, but displayed virtually no cardiovascular disease. The elevated amount of omega-3 fatty acids consumed by the Inuit reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

On September 8, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Organization gave "qualified health claim" position to EPA and DHA n3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease". This modernized and adapted their health risk recommendation letter of 2001. Presently, regulatory groups do not accept that there is enough substantiation for any of the added suggested benefits of DHA and EPA other than for cardiovascular health, and further claims should be regarded with caution. The Canadian Government has accepted the worth of DHA omega-3 and permits the following biological role claim for DHA: "DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, supports the typical development of the human brain, eyes and nerves."

Omega 3 fatty acids which are key in human nourishment are: -linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. These three polyunsaturates have either 3, 5 or 6 double bonds in a carbon chain of 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, correspondingly. All double bonds are in the cis-configuration; in other words, the two hydrogen atoms are on the matching area of the double bond. Most naturally-produced fatty acids are in cis-configuration where they are more easily transformable. The trans-configuration results in much more stable chains that are very hard to further fracture or transform, forming long chains that aggregate in tissues and lacking the needed hydrophilic properties. This trans-configuration can be the result of the change in alkaline solutions, or of the action of some bacterias that are shortening the carbonic chains. Natural transforms in plant or animal cells more seldom affect the last n3 group itself. Though, n3 compounds are still more fragile than n6 because the last double bond is geometrically and electrically more exposed, notably in the natural cis configuration.

At present there are many products on the market which argue to contain health endorsing 'omega 3', but contain only -linolenic acid (ALA), not EPA or DHA. These products include mainly higher plant oils and must be converted by the human body to create DHA and for that reason considered less efficient. DHA and EPA are made by microalgae that live in seawater. These are then consumed by fish and accumulate to elevated levels in their internal organs. If a person has moral issues on the subject of killing fish, or is apprehensive about mercury and oceanborne contaminants in fish, DHA can be produced directly from microalgae as a vegetarian supply. People with particular circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, benefit from such supplements containing EPA and DHA which stimulate blood movement, boost the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation, and also have been revealed to diminish blood pressure. There may be sound scientific confirmation that n3 fatty acids decrease blood triglyceride levels and frequent intake lowers the probability of secondary and primary heart attack. Several benefits have been reported in conditions along the lines of rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias. Additional benefits apparently include cancer prevention, better immune function, brain wellbeing, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Article Source: http://www.e-tmt.net

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