The Nature of Essential Fatty Acid Conversion in the Body

Metabolizing essential fatty acids

Recently, there has been some concern that the essential fatty acids (EFAs) in flax oil are not properly converted or metabolized by some individuals. The aim of this article is to clarify this issue. Let us begin with a brief background of fatty acid function.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids defined

There are about 20 fatty acids used by our bodies to maintain normal function. Of these EFAs, omega-3 and omega-6 cannot be synthesized; we must obtain them from our diets. It is also important to have a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in one's diet since these EFAs are required for cell membrane formation and function, normal brain development during infancy and prostaglandin production.

Poor quality omega-6 fats

Typically, we get enough omega-6 EFAs by eating vegetable oils, margarine, shortenings and saturated fats, although these are usually poor quality EFAs. Unfortunately, we rarely get enough omega-3 EFAs simply because we don't eat enough raw fish or unrefined flax oil, which are the two most significant sources of omega-3. Flax oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and lesser amounts of linoleic acid (omega-6).

Benefits of Prostaglandins and Delta-6 Desaturase (D6D)

In healthy people, omega-3 and omega-6 are further broken down into Prostaglandins by the enzyme known as Delta-6 Desaturase (D6D). Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that regulate normal cellular processes such as cell division and growth, movement of materials in and out of cells, dilation and contraction, blood clotting and many other biological functions that are necessary for good health. However, recent studies have shown that some people have a D6D enzyme deficiency. As a result, Prostaglandins cannot be converted or derived from the omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs in these individuals. In other words, if a person is D6D deficient, they are also deficient in Prostaglandins.

Prostaglandin deficiency results in a variety of health problems including

Dry or rough skin and hair, abnormal nails, heart disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and schizophrenia.

The most immediate way to restore omega-6 prostaglandin derivatives

Is by ingesting gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in supplement form. Unfortunately, GLA supplements will not produce omega-3 prostaglandin derivatives that are as critical for proper body function.

If there is a deficiency in D6D enzymes, EFA metabolism is inhibited

Presently, D6D deficiency is understood mainly as a dietary issue. That is, the effectiveness of this enzyme decreases due to environmental factors, mostly those related to an unhealthy diet. For example, the normal functioning of the D6D enzyme is primarily inhibited by the unnatural shape of trans fatty acids, which is found in oils that are hydrogenated, processed at high temperatures or have undergone oxidation via exposure to light. Insufficient dietary vitamins and minerals and overuse of alcohol and caffeine also decrease the effectiveness of D6D. A diet that is high in omega-6 but low in omega-3 EFAs is yet another cause of inhibited EFA conversion since both acids compete for a limited number of D6D enzymes in order to be converted into their respective Prostaglandins. An overabundance of omega-6 EFAs means that omega-3 EFAs are less likely to be metabolized.

Once proper nutrition is restored, so is effective EFA conversion

To conclude, omega-3 and omega-6 EFA conversion to their respective prostaglandin derivatives is dependent on Delta-6 Desaturase (D6D) enzymes. If there is a deficiency in these enzymes, EFA metabolism is inhibited. D6D deficiency is primarily the result of an unhealthy diet. Accordingly, once proper nutrition is restored, so is effective EFA conversion.

Source: Omega Nutrition