OMEGA 3-6-9

This mixed fatty acid supplement supplies important fatty acids that are often difficult to obtain from the diet. Omega 3-6-9 was formulated to favor omega-3 fatty acids over omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain a health fatty acid acid ratio when added to typical diets that tend to be too low in omega-3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are present as alpha-linolenic acid, an essential dietary fatty acid, as well as EPA and DHA, activated forms of omega-3 known for their ability to support a variety of physiological processes, including regulation of inflammation, immune function, lipoprotein metabolism, and brain function.

Omega-6 fatty acids are also supplied in several important forms, including linoleic acid (LA), an essential dietary fatty acid, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the activated form of omega-6 whose conversion from LA may be compromised by poor diet and other factors. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a varient of linoleic acid, faborably incluences fat metabolism and offers unique cell protective benefits.

Oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, is also present as a natural constituent of flax seed oil.

Omega 3-6-9 combines concentrated amounts of key nutritional fatty acids derived from premium plant seeds and fish oils in one convenient product. Natural carob coloring and vitamin E added to the softgel maintain fresshess by protecting against fatty acid oxidation.

You May Require Essential Fats Supplementation If:

• You do not consume 2 tablespoons of nuts or seeds daily;
• You do not eat at least 2 servings of fish weekly
• You do not regularly consume flaxseeds or walnuts;
• You have signs of fatty acid deficiency;
• You consume trans fats;
• You restrict your fat intake.

OMEGA 3-6-9 FATTY ACID ACTIONS

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Direct precursor of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes); supports integrity of epithelial tissues of vascular system, lungs, and intestinal tract; regulates serum triglycerides; supports platelet function.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Supports brain function as a major fatty acid in neuronal cell membranes; supports visual function as structural component of retina; regulates serum triglycerides and lipids, especially HDL-cholesterol.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Essential omega-3 fatty acid supports skin and epithelial cell membrane integrity; component of myelin sheath insulating nerve fibers; supports prostaglandin balance and insulin metabolism.

Linoleic Acid (LA)
Essential omega-6 fatty acid; precursor to GLA.

Oleic Acid
Decreases LDL susceptibility to oxidation; protects endothelial cells.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Supports cell membrane flexibility; precursor of 1-series prostaglandins that modulate inflammatory reactions in skin, joints, and connective tissues; supports peripheral nerve function.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Supports cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism; scavenges free radicals; modifies eicosanoid formation; regulates body fat composition; modulates immune response to inflammation.

ESSENTIAL FATS - CRITICAL TO HEALTH:  The North American diet, the avoidance of fat, and the intake of trans-fats, all result in the risk for essential fat deficiency being all too common. Essential fats are critical for health growth, pregnancy, lactation, skin health, immune functions, emotions, cognitive function, metabolic rate, cardiovascular health, and hormones. 

Studies of animals deprived of EFA's show they:

• Develop unhealthy skin;
• Cannot resist infections;
• Do not have proper collagen formation;
• Become infertile, a rapid process in males;
• Develop painful swollen joints;
• Develop liver damage;
• Become lethargic and irritable.

EFA's for Optimum Health:  Theoretically, many diseases could be managed or prevented by normalizing prostaglandin production. It appears that a multitude of health problems result from an imbalance in prostaglandins. We know that prostaglandin imbalances can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Inadequate intake of essential fatty acids (EFA's);
• Using the wrong forms of EFA's (trans-linoleic acid);
• Genetic or health-related defects which prevent the conversion of EFA's to EPA/DHA and GLA;
• Lack of key nutrients needed for catalyzing (speeding up) the production of prostaglandins.

Lack of Essential Fat Activation:  In addition to genetics, certain lifestyle influences - such as diets high in trans fats and inadequate levels of certain micronutrients like zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamins B3 and B6 - may all hamper the body's ability to convert essential fats to the active forms of both omega 3 and 6 essential fats. This compromises nutritional health. Fortunately, the more active forms of omega 3 and 6 fats derived from dietary sources, such as fish oils and primrose and borage oils, help to provide the body with the most active and health supportive forms.

THE IDEAL RATIO:  Studies of human breast milk from nine different countries found that the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 was 5 to 1, despite wide variances in diet. Similarly, a 4:1 ratio is found in the cell membrane. Most health authorities suggest that a dietary ration of 4:1 would be best for long-term good health.

Unfortunately, the modern Western Diet provides a ratio of 10:1 or higher, which is far from ideal.

Consuming the biologically more active form of omega 6 as gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and omega 3 as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) would help shift the ratio closer to the ideal, thereby supporting cellular health.

Optimal health required a balanced dietary intake of these omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids. Regular of the Omega 3-6-9 formula can help achieve this ideal ratio.