Essential Fatty Acids


The term essential fatty acids (EFA) refers to a group of lipids that are vital for optimum health, but that must be provided through the diet because the body is incapable of synthesizing them. EFAs serve a number of significant functions within the body, including cell growth, brain development, muscle activity, immune function, joint health, and many others. There is also a growing body of research concerning their influence on long-term health. As the science of nutrition continues to evolve, it is becoming clear that EFA intake is one the most important aspects of good nutrition.
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Ratio

One of the most significant aspects of EFA intake is the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. The conventional “Western” diet includes an excess of omega-6s and a deficiency of omega-3s. Present in nearly all processed and restaurant-cooked foods, recent statistics suggest that vegetablederived omega-6s account for up to 20 percent of calories consumed by the average adult.1 Furthermore, corn-fed beef and pork, one of the primary sources of protein in the western diet, is high in arachidonic acid, an omega-6 more pro-inflammatory than vegetable oils. While they do have their own set of benefits, unlike omega-3s, many omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, can block absorption of omega-3s or decrease efficiency of ALA to EPA conversion, and have even been shown to contribute to the progression of several non-communicable health issues.2 Current evidence suggests that a 1:1 (omega-6 to omega-3) ratio is ideal for optimum health, but the average in industrialized nations is 16:1 and is often much higher.3 Also, of the average 1.6g of omega-3s that the typical American consumes daily, over 1.4g comes from plant-sourced ALA. ALA has been shown to be inferior to EPA and DHA in assisting neurological development and in influencing many markers of health, and is not as easily converted in the body to EPA and DHA as once thought.4 Contemporary study is making it abundantly clear how important it is to get your daily intake of marine-sourced long-chain polyunsaturated fats.

Supplementation

Although focusing on whole, unrefined foods and limiting ingestion of processed vegetable oils will go a long way toward a better EFA ratio, actually consuming enough omega-3s can be quite a challenge. Fatty fish is the best source of EPA and DHA, but due to the risk of exposure to toxic pollutants such as mercury, it is generally recommended that no more than 2—3 servings a week are consumed. Marine algae, another excellent source, is not a common component in most cuisines and can be cost-prohibitive. Walnuts, flaxseeds, and canola oil are excellent sources of ALA, but lack significant concentrations of the other two omega-3s. All of these sources are also very energy dense, so those on calorie-restricted diets may seek other options. An omega-3 dietary supplement is a very convenient solution to a complex problem, and fish oil is a rapidly growing segment of nutrition supplementation. According to the National Institutes of Health, as of 2012 nearly 8 percent of U.S. adults take a daily fish oil supplement, making it the most popular natural product in the industry.

xEO Mega®

As effective as fish oil supplementation is, there is a better alternative with an even wider spectrum of health benefits. Four xEO Mega softgels provide 950mg of marine-derived omega-3 EFAs, and another 210mg from plant-based sources, along with other micronutrients and antioxidants—sufficient to meet the entirety of your daily needs. Also, the included essential oils work synergistically to support the digestion process, immune system function, and enhance the antioxidant benefits.* Furthermore, the astaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin D content promote healthy response to oxidative stress.* The combination is formulated to work with Microplex MVp™ to naturally benefit health in a manner which no simple fish oil and multivitamin supplement can match. Your body requires EFAs to regulate bodily functions, counter oxidative stress, maintain overall wellness, and perform at its best every day.* Balancing a diet including moderate amounts of vegetable oils and regular servings of oily fish, along with xEO Mega daily, ensures that you will meet the recommended guidelines for EFA consumption.
xEO Mega is formulated to work with Microplex MVp to naturally benefit health in a manner which no simple fish oil and multivitamin supplement can match.

Dr. Damian Rodriguez is a member of the doTERRA® education department. Prior to joining doTERRA, he worked in public health and as a strength coach and nutritionist for professional and collegiate athletes. He holds both a doctorate in Health Sciences with an emphasis in obesity and an M.S. in Human Movement from A.T. Still University, as well as numerous professional certifications in exercise and nutrition. Dr. Rodriguez is a lifelong athlete who has competed in everything from powerlifting to triathlons and is very passionate about educating the public about healthy lifestyle habits.

1. Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomedicine & Pharmacology. 2002;56(8):365-379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0753- 3322(02)00253-6.

2. Calder PC. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.2006;83(6):S1505- S1519.

3. Ratnayake WMN, Gilani GS. Nutritional and health effects of dietary fats. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2004;3(4):205-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/ pjn.2004.205.212.

4. De Lorgeril M, Salen P. Alpha-linolenic acid and coronary heart disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2004;14(3):162-169. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0939- 4753(04)80037-1.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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