Essential Fatty Acids: Important Nutrients for Good Health Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fats that are very important nutrients for health. Because the body cannot produce them, they must be ingested through diet or supplementation. EFAs are present in every cell in your body and are key to the normal growth and function of cells, muscles, nerves, and organs.

According to estimates, as many as 80 percent of Americans do not ingest enough EFAs; the result is a deficiency that may result in serious problems including heart disease and diabetes. Omega-6 EFAs are more common in our diets than omega-3 EFAs, but both types are necessary in a healthy diet.

A balance is recommended between omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, with a desirable ratio of between 1:1 and 1:3. Unfortunately, Americans currently consume these EFAs in a ratio as unbalanced as 1:40! Overuse of omega-6 EFAs can lead to diabetes and obesity. Benefits The American Heart Association has endorsed omega-3 fatty acids as good 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. Strong evidence suggests that two common EFAs (GLA and HDA) can help with menopausal issues and that DHA is critical to brain function. More research is needed before conclusive health benefits can be established. 

Rather than trying to choose between fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage oil as your source for essential fatty acids, why not take a supplement that includes all three? This step ensures you get all the benefits from the different types of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.

Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) softgel capsule, three (3) times daily with meals, or as directed by a health care professional. Refrigerate after opening.

Supplemental Facts Serving Size: 1 Softgel Capsule(s) Ingredients Per Serving % DV Calories 11   * Calories (from fat) 11   * Total Fat 1.2 g   2% Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol) 10 iu   33% Borage Seed Oil (Borago offinalis) 400 mg * Flax Seed Oil *** (Linum usitatissimum) 400 mg * Deep Sea Fish Oil 400 mg * Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) 226 mg * Cis-Linoleic Acid (LA) 210 mg * Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 46 mg * Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 69 mg * Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) 82 mg * Oleic Acid 152 mg * * Daily Value Not Established Notes: Our fish oil 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. ***From Organic Flax Seed Oil. Flax oil is a source of alpha linolenic acid (omega-3), cis-linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). Borage oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6) and cis-linoleic acid (omega-6). Fish oil provides docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3). Our borage and organic flax seed oils are 100% cold expeller pressed and Hexane Free. Other Ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin and water.

Contains No Added: sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children.

QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED Articles Related to Complete Essential Fatty Acids:

Essential Nutrition During Pregnancy

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids

Evening Primrose Oil: An Essential Fatty Acid with Benefits

Folic Acid - An essential nutrient during pregnancy

Websites for Further Research:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cholestero...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/...

http://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/...

http://www.americanheart.org

http://www.heartinfo.org/

http://www.womenheart.org/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/heart/

http://www.arthritis.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/

http://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/AR99999