Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
EFAs are required for growth, reproduction, skin and hair condition and wound healing. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) also lower plasma triglyceride levels and play a structural role in the brain and retina. EFAs provide the substrate for eicosanoids (prostaglandins) which play a vital role in the regulation of inflammatory conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly deficient in the diet and may play a significant role in maternal health and neurological function in infants, heart disease, psoriasis, asthma, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, bowel cancer, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus, schizophrenia, the learning performance of school children and the reduction in severity of the symptoms of arthritis.
The classic symptoms of EFA deficiency are those related to skin (dry, scaly, poor wound healing) and hair (dull, dry, dandruff), however confirmation is required biochemically by assay of either red blood cell, plasma and/or phospholipid fatty acids.
Plasma fatty acids are considered to reflect short-term dietary changes, whereas red blood cells can provide a longer term view of fatty acid status. Recent data have shown that plasma phospholipids can provide a long-term view of dietary intake.
