Omega 3/6 long chain fatty acids

General Information

Omega-3 fatty acids It belongs to the family of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and is represented by alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha-linoleic acid is indispensable because it is not synthesized in the body and is obtained from external sources - food. It can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the total concentration of which in the body is less than 5%.

The main source of omega-3 fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid - is fish oil.

Alpha-linoleic acid is more plant-based and its sources are flax, canola, walnuts and soybeans, as well as seaweed.

Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system: they reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, reduce the processes of inflammation and platelet aggregation, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and reduce the risk of arrhythmia - thereby preventing coronary disease. According to the researchers, a 3% increase in the concentration of omega-1 increases the risk of heart attack by 40%.

Also, omega-3 plays an important role in the prevention of such processes as: malignant tumors, neurological disorders, complications of diabetes and metabolic diseases. Also, omega-3 fatty acids participate in the functioning of the bone system in the elderly, maintaining visual acuity, cognitive development processes in children, and more.

Eating foods rich in omega-3 is believed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Omega 3 deficiency Symptoms:

severe fatigue

memory disorders

Dry skin

Depression and mood swings

Cardiovascular system disorders

Omega-6 fatty acids A class of polyunsaturated fatty acids that includes: linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (ARA).

Linoleic acid is the main omega-6 fatty acid in foods. Its content is high in corn and sunflower seeds. It is an essential fatty acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body. The concentration of gamma-linoleic acid in food is low (except for breast milk). Arachidonic acid is present in meat and eggs. In the human body, omega-6 fatty acids are converted into arachidonic acid, which is included in the cell membrane.

Although it is believed that arachidonic acid promotes inflammation, it is established that linoleic acid produces anti-inflammatory molecules, which are characterized by anti-inflammatory effects at the level of the blood vessel endothelium - it reduces the adhesion of platelets, suppresses the release of chemokines and interleukin, which are mediators of atherosclerosis.

Active metabolites of fatty acids are obtained with the participation of enzymes: delta-6-desaturase and delta-5-desaturase. Deficiency of these enzymes causes specific pathologies. A sufficient amount of cofactors is necessary for the functional activity of the mentioned enzymes, namely: nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. The reason for inhibition of enzyme function is: old age, stress, alcohol consumption, diet rich in saturated fat, hypercholesterolemia, low magnesium level.

When is the survey conducted?

Determination of fatty acids is needed to determine the deficiency of essential fatty acids, as well as to evaluate their protective effects on the cardiovascular system.

Preparation of the patient: The study is performed on an empty stomach, 12-14 hours after the last meal. It is not recommended to drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before the study.

Material for examination: Venous blood

Referral norms:

Interpretation of results

An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio (i.e. an excess of omega-6 compared to omega-3) contributes to the development of cardiovascular, inflammatory, cancerous, and autoimmune diseases. The excess of omega-3 has a protective effect.

An imbalance between fatty acid concentrations is often observed in chronic inflammatory conditions - arthritis, atherosclerosis, eczema, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, as well as behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as: senile dementia, hyperactivity and attention deficit syndrome, depression, paresthesias.