1. What are Omega 3 and Omega 6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids?
Omega 3's and 6's are essential fatty acids and the "number" refers to the long chain of carbon atoms and polyunsaturates. These omegas were initially discovered by Drs. Burr and Burr in the 1930's, who studied Eskimos and found nearly 0% heart disease and cancer.
2. What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Both Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids (EFA's) and are considered crucial for normal growth and development (the "good" fats). They cannot be manufactured naturally in the body. You obtain your Omega 3's and omega 6's from what you eat.
3. Where do we get Omega 3 and 6?
Primary Sources:
- Omega 6 is found in the common vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, etc.)
- Omega 3 is marine food and seal oils.
4. How much Omega 3 and Omega 6 do we need?
Omega 3 and Omega 6 remain "good fats" as long as they balance in our diets. Most of the world's major health organizations now suggest a maximum range of between 1 omega3 to 4 omega6's (1:4) and 1 omega3 to 6 omega6's (1:6) depending on your age and sex.
5. When taking an Omega 3 Supplement, does it interfere with the thinning of the blood?
A dose of 1.8g/day EPA approximately forty-seven (47) - 500mg capsules) did not result in any prolongation in bleeding time. But 4g/day increased bleeding time and decreased platelet count with no adverse effects. In human studies, there has never been a case of clinical, even in patients undergoing Angioplasty, while patients were taking fish oil supplements. (Investigated by Saynor et al (70))
