The Essential Fatty Acid Pathway

The essential fatty acid pathway in humans. GLA = gamma linolenic acid; DGLA = dihomo gamma linolenic acid; EPA = eicosapentaenoic acid; DHA = docosahexaenoic acid. Series 4  leikotrienes and lipoxins and series 2 prostaglandins and thromboxanes are pro-inflammatory. Series 1 prostaglandins and thromboxanes are anti-inflammatory. Series 3 prostaglandins and thromboxanes are neutral. but block the pro-inflammatory effects of series 4 and series 2 eicosanoids.

The essential fatty acid pathway in humans. GLA = gamma linolenic acid; DGLA = dihomo gamma linolenic acid; EPA = eicosapentaenoic acid; DHA = docosahexaenoic acid. The fatty acids are converted into a number of 20 carbon eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and lipoxins) that regulate cell function. Series 4 leukotrienes and lipoxins and series 2 prostaglandins and thromboxanes are pro-inflammatory. Series 1 prostaglandins and thromboxanes are anti-inflammatory. Series 3 prostaglandins and thromboxanes and series 5 leukotrienes are neutral, but block the pro-inflammatory effects of series 4 and series 2 eicosanoids. Too many omega 6 fatty acid and too few omega 3 fatty acids (as characterised by the Western diet) increases cellular inflammation through production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. This leads to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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