Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are the building blocks of hormones and help the Nervous and Endocrine system

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are lipids that the body cannot synthesize; therefore they must be obtained from food and/or supplements. There are two types of essential fatty acids: 1. Omega 3 and 2. Omega 6

Possible Signs of EFA Deficiency

1. Rough, dry, flaky or scaly skin
2. Dry brittle hair
3. Eczema
4. Psoriasis
5. Poor memory
6. Irregular menstrual periods

Causes of Deficieny

1. Lack of essential fatty acids may be linked to disorders of the nervous system and the endocrine system. It has also been linked to auto-immune dysfunctions. A lack of EFA simply means that we need to examine the lipid dietary intake in our diet. There is a widespread fad opposing all forms of fat in the diet. The fact is we NEED fat in our diet in moderate quantity (10-15% of total caloric intake), if only to ensure adequate intake of EFA and to act as a carrier for fat soluble vitamins.
2. EFA deficiency may be linked to poor stomach (i.e underactive stomach) and liver/gall bladder malfunctions.

Effects of Deficiency

Lack of essential fatty acids is reflected the skin and hair. It is linked to hyperactivity in children and disorder of the nervous system in adults.

Because EFAs are the building blocks of hormones, we can see a correlation between lack of EFA and female disorders such as menopause and PMS

How much EPA/DHA is needed?

Adult Maintenance	1-2 grams EPA/DHA
Cardiovascular Health	1-2 grams EPA/DHA (metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cholesterol)
Inflammation	2-7 grams EPA/DHA (injury, arthritis, allergies)
Stress/Mental Function	2-10 grams EPA/DHA (sleep, memory)
Chronic Stress (adults)	1,000 – 2,000 mg DHA (depression, anxiety)

Recommendations:

Supplementation is recommended because it is difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity in the diet alone. Choice sources of EFA supplementation are Flaxseed Oil (60% Omega 3) and Evening Primrose Oil (best source of Omega 6 and particularly beneficial for hormonal imbalance).

Safe dietary source of EFAs are cold water fatty fish such as salmon and halibut, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil and the natural occurring fats in fresh raw walnuts, sunflower seeds and pecans.