Supplementary facts about essential fatty

acids
A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain. Fatty acids are usually derived from
triglycerides or phospholipids. When they are not attached to other molecules, they are known
as "free" fatty acids. Fatty acids are important sources of fuel because, when metabolized, they
yield large quantities of ATP. Many cell types can use either glucose or fatty acids for this
purpose. In particular, heart and skeletal muscle prefer fatty acids.
On the other hand, Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals
must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them (2).
The term essential fatty acid refers to fatty acids required for biological processes but does not
include the fats that only act as fuel. Only two fatty acids are known to be essential for humans
like alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) (3) (4).
Some other fatty acids are sometimes classified as conditionally essential, as they can become
essential under some developmental or disease conditions such as docosahexaenoic acid (an
omega-3 fatty acid) and gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). A balance is
recommended between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty-acids, with a desirable ratio of between
1:1 and 1:3 (7).

Are the claims true?

Studies show strong evidence that essential fatty acid can lower blood pressure and triglyceride
levels. Additionally, essential fatty acids play important roles in brain function, normal growth
and development, and inflammation. On the other hand, EFA deficiencies have been linked to a
variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders,
arthritis, and more. Past evidence pointed to omega-3 fatty acids reducing risk of heart attacks,
strokes and death from heart disease (5) (6), but recent study (1) by scientists at the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle linked eating a lot of oily fish or taking potent fish
oil supplements to a 43% increased risk for prostate cancer overall, and a 71% increased risk for
aggressive prostate cancer. Nonetheless, more research is needed to establish a safe drug
profile.

About Vitabase Complete Essential Fatty Acids

Vitabase Complete Essential Fatty Acids is a proprietary blend of Flax Oil, Borage Oil, & Fish
Oil. It is one of the best essential fatty acid supplements available that provides a great source
of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids. Fish oil used in this product is
molecularly distilled to remove PCB's, dioxins and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. The
process also reduces oxidation of the oil and helps keep it fresh and stable. Similarly, borage
and organic flax seed oils are 100% cold expeller pressed and Hexane Free.

Dosage Information
Essential fatty acid supplements might have some health benefits but it is not a proven
treatment for anything. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 1 g/day of EPA and
DHA for people with heart disease. Higher doses from 2-4g/day are used to lower triglycerides.
Talk to your doctor about taking a supplement first. He or she may have specific
recommendations, or warnings, depending on your health and the other medicines you take.
Your doctor can also recommend the right dose.

Precautions and Side effects

Even at normal doses, essential fatty acid supplement might cause mild digestive side effects
including gas, blotting, abdominal pain, indigestion etc. Getting a supplement with a coating
might help. According to some reports, a small group of population might be allergic to some
ingredients in fish oil products. Additionally, Essential fatty acid supplements can also make
bleeding more likely. If you have a bleeding condition or using medicines that could increase
bleeding, talk to a doctor prior to use.

Conclusion
The American Heart Association has endorsed essential fatty acid benefits for the heart.
Supportive but inconclusive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3
fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Consult your pharmacist before using
any dietary supplements.

About the Author

Lawrence Joiner is the author and a naturopathic Doctor from SSBI (Sola Scriptura Bible
Institute) and CNM (The Center for Nutritional Medicine). He is a Certified Nutritional
Microscopist (C.N.M.) from the Center for Nutritional Microscopy, the Center for Nutritional
Medicine and the Diabetes Resource Center. He is also a Certified Natural Health Consultant
(C.N.H.C.) from Stratford Career Health Institute, and has Nutrition and Fitness Certification
from The International Institute of Holistic Healing. He works with Board of Directors for Sola
Scriptura Bible Institute (SSBI) and Center for Nutritional Microscopy Association (CNMA).

References
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Ian M. Thompson, Frank L. Meyskens Jr, Gary E. Goodman, Lori M. Minasian, Howard L. Parnes,
Eric A. Klein and Alan R. Kristal. Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Risk in the
SELECT Trial. JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (2013) djt174 doi: 10.1093/jnci/djt174. First published
online: July 10, 2013
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Wadsworth. p. 154.
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essential in nutrition" (PDF). J. Biol. Chem. 86 (587). Retrieved 2007-01-17.
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oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease." circulation 106, no. 21 (2002): 2747-2757.
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