Overview

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are vitamin-like polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They accumulate as highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in tissues where they form potent hormone-like eicosanoids that act on selective receptors located in nearly every tissue of the body and affect health. Omega-3 and omega-6 EFA differ in their health impact, and many chronic health disorders are made worse by excessive actions of omega-6 eicosanoids.

Converting PUFA to HUFA
Metabolism of dietary EFA converts the 18-carbon PUFA into 20- and 22- carbon HUFA that accumulate in tissue membranes.

Balance in foods
The EFA in the foods we eat will control the balance of tissue HUFA that affect many health conditions.

Hormone-like Eicosanoids
Metabolism of tissue HUFA forms potent hormone-like mediators that act on specific tissue receptors and affect many body functions.

Healthcare costs often related to excess omega-6 actions
Tissue HUFA form potent hormone-like mediators that affect many health conditions.

Loss of life from excess omega-6 actions
The omega-6 HUFA form potent hormone-like mediators that can worsen the loss of life.

Updated June, 2017