EPA and DHA (Omega-3)

Beatriz Montiel

Guest Author

Name: Beatriz Montiel
Twitter: @BEABEMS
beatrizmontiels@gmail.com

Let’s start by defining omega 3 fatty acids, they are essential fatty acids, meaning that the human body cannot synthesize them, making it necessary for us to get them through a well-balanced diet. They are polyunsaturated and are found in high concentrations in the tissue of certain fish and some vegetables.

It is important to note that not all omega 3 fatty acids are equal, linoleic fatty acids are as considered omega-3 as are EPA (eicosapentanoic) and DHA (docosahexaenoic), but only EPA and DHA are diferent from linoleic acids when inside our bodies. Linoleic acids (short chain Omega-3) has a powerful effect on our body (plays role in cellular membrane formation, hormonal formation, the correct function of the immune system, etc), but only EPA and DHA (long chained fatty acids) have been shown to have preventive or treatment effects on illness – cardiovascular, for example. This is precisely why, when using supplements or eating omega-3 rich foods, you should make sure they contain EPA and DHA and not just linoleic fatty acid.

After reviewing previous research we found that experiments show that a large consumption of omega-3 considerably increases blood’s coagulation time (fluidity), preventing platelet aggregation in arteries, prevents atherosclerosis by reducing colesterol concentration in blood, they are useful in patients with hypertension because they contribute to the reduction of blood pressure and reduction of serum triglyceride concentrations, they lower the total colesterol count and VLDL-C (Simopoulos, 1999; Bruckner, 2000) which explains why cultures that consume foods that are high in omega-3 (Eskimos, Japanese, etc) cardiovascular disease is fairly low.

Some experts also suggest that:

• When there are adequate levels of DHA in the brain, brain function is improved (Taconi et al., 1997).
• Two thirds of fatty acids in cell membranes of photoreceptors (in retina) are omega 3, primarily DHA (Hoffman, 2000).
• It has been shown that dietary DHA protects against increased hostility in students who are under stress (Hibbeln, 1997).
• Low concentrations of DHA can serve as an indicator or possible future behavior problems in kids that are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). These problems may reflect problems in serotonergic neurotransmission (Hibbeln y Salmen, 1995; Hibbeln, 1997).

About the Author

I graduated from Universidad del Zulia (LUZ) in 1993 with a bachelors as a nutritionist and dietitian, and continued my studies by attending several courses, workshops, and seminars related to clinical nutrition, nutrition and sports, obesity, among others.

In the past I have worked as a nutritional consultant to many food manufacturing companies, clinics, modeling agencies, and as an aerobics instructor for 10 years. Since 2007 I have evolved into a position as a dietitian at IECTAS (Instituto Regional de Investigación y Estudios de Enfermedades cardiovasculares Tulio Alberto Sulbaran)

As a health professional I maintain busy teaching the public about the importance of a balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle. I tell everyone that these are the best tools for improving everyone’s quality of life.