Essential Fatty Acids Pathways
Fatty acids are an integral part of every membrane.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) were given their name when researchers found that they were essential to normal growth in young children and animals. They cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through the diet.
Many women start pregnancy deficient in EFAs, particularly if they have given birth before it is essential that their intake is adequate prior to conception, during pregnancy and after –whilst breastfeeding. Young infants also benefit from increased intake of EFAs.
There are several families of EFAs including omega 3 and omega 6.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the ‘parent’ omega-3 fatty acid it is converted into longer more unsaturated varieties EPA and finally DHA.
Linolenic acid (LA) is the ‘parent’ omega-6 fatty acid it is converted into longer more unsaturated varieties GLA and finally AA.
Delta-6 desaturase enzymes trigger the metabolic process by which the body converts ALA into DHA and LA into GLA. If this process is hindered it can cause a deficiency of EFAs. It can be seen that the whole chain relies on the activity of delta-6-desaturase for the success of the conversion process.
Factors that can reduce the effectiveness of these enzymes include:
- high alcohol intake
- caffeine
- smoking
- ageing
- excess cholesterol
- saturated fats
- trans fatty acids (hydrogenated fats)
- high sugar consumption
- stress
- viral infections and diabetes
- deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals such as zinc, chromium, magnesium, vitamins B3, B6 and C.
Also omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids compete with each other for the enzymes at every level; this can be of detriment of omega-3 versions because of the higher ratio of omega-6 available in the standard diet.
This means that any ‘fit’ and ‘healthy’ person might not be able to effectively convert these parent EFAs into their longer chain variants, and they might not even know it!
Supplements can ‘bypass’ these blockages by providing the fatty acids in a bio-available form directly into the body. Make sure you choose an EFA (fish oil) supplement that is pure and formulated for the differing requirements of pregnancy or infancy whichever is appropriate. EFA pathway blockages
EFA pathways
As can be seen the blockages occur at the beginning of the chain. (highlighted red).
Supplements can ‘bypass’ this blockage, by direct supply of the essential fatty acid. (blue arrows)
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