Udo Erasmus, pioneer of essential fatty acids, EFA's, omega-3, omega fats, Udo's Choice, Udo's Oil, cold-pressed flax-seed oil, trans-fats, Trans Fatty acids

 

JOURNAL of NUTRITION > Feb, 1998

The slow discovery of the importance
of omega 3 essential fatty acids in human health

By Ralph T. Holman, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin 55912, USA.

 

Published in the Journal of Nutrition, February 1998;128
(2 Suppl):427S-433S.

 

Although linoleic and linolenic acids have been known to be necessary for normal growth and dermal function since 1930, the omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA) have not received much attention until recently. The two families of acids are metabolized by the same enzymes, making them competitive.

Gross deficiencies of omega 6 plus omega 3 EFA have been observed in humans, induced by attempts at total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with preparations devoid of lipids. Deficiency of omega 3 acids has been induced by TPN containing high omega 6 and low omega 3 fatty acids.

In natural human populations, a wide range of omega 3 and omega 6 proportions have been found, ranging from high omega 3 and low omega 6 content to low omega 3 and high omega 6 content, showing inverse correlation between sigma omega 6 and sigma omega 3. In humans with neuropathy or impairment of the immune system, significant deficits of omega 3 EFA have been measured.

Remember to visit our ARTICLES section for the latest research articles, scientific studies, athlete statements and publications by Udo Erasmus.

 
Click to send us an email!