The Truth about
the Essential Fatty Acids!
A little bit of chemistry first, I'm afraid!
The building blocks of all fats are called
fatty acids, chains of carbon atoms connected like beads on
a string, with hydrogen atoms on each carbon and an acid (carboxyl)
group on one end.
The number of carbon atoms in each fatty acid
chain, the type of bonds between the carbons, and how many
hydrogens the carbons are holding on to, all determine the
type of fat and its characteristics. Fatty acids with one
double bond in the chain are called monounsaturated, with
two or more, polyunsaturated.
The most common type of fats and oils in our
foods are triglycerides. Triglycerides are made from a combination
of three fatty acid molecules and one glycerol molecule.
G
L ---------- Fatty Acid
Y
C ---------- Fatty Acid
E
R ---------- Fatty Acid
O
L
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
according to the dictionary are fatty acids that cannot be
constructed within an organism from other components as there
are no known biochemical pathways capable of producing them,
and thus must be supplied by their diet.
Dogs require one EFA, known as LINOLEIC ACID.
Cats require two types LINOLEIC and ARACHIDONIC ACID. Both
of these are classified as Omega 6 EFAs.
SOURCES OF OMEGA 6
Hemp, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Safflower, Sesame,
Corn, Chicken oil, Evening Primrose oil, Walnut and Beans.
FUNCTIONS OF OMEGA
6
Deficiencies of Omega 6 may result in: limited
growth and reproduction, weight loss, eczema, hair loss and
an increased susceptibility to infections.
It is also useful in preventing fluid retention,
reducing blood pressure and aiding wound healing.
Omega 3 EFAs are structurally similar to Omega
6 EFAs . However, at the moment Omega 3 is not considered
essential for cats and dogs, as the dietary requirements have
not yet been specified.
Although, research has suggested that Omega
3 may have an affect on the fatty acids of cell membranes,
in turn affecting the molecules involved in inflammation,
thus may make it beneficial for pets suffering from arthritis
(Logas et al, 1991).
SOURCES OF OMEGA 3
Marine Fish oils e.g. Herring, salmon, sardines,
tuna, flax (linseed), hemp, spinach and pumpkin seed.
FUNCTIONS OF OMEGA
3
Abnormalities due to deficiencies of Omega
3 have not yet been proved although they are thought to be
useful in:
Reducing inflammation, controlling cholesterol
and fat levels, helping immune function and metabolism, helping
correct brain functioning and keeping the blood thin (Eskimos
have a low incidence of heart disease but bleed easily due
to high levels of Omega 3 in their fish diet).
There are two principal Omega 3 types:
(1) DHA docosahexaenoic acid, which is recommended
for the structure of cell membranes, especially in the eye,
brain, heart and skin.
(2) EPA Eicosapentaenoic acid, which is anti-inflammatory
and anti-aggregatory (prevents the blood platelets grouping
together to form clots).
However, large doses of fatty acids may be
harmful to the health of your pet, they are an unstable structure
and can be easily oxidised, which may impair their function.
Long term supplementation with Omega 3 may produce a deficiency
in Omega 6.
This is one of the reasons why a complete
food, such as Burns can give the pet owner confidence that
the nutritional requirements of their pet are being met, as
we ensure that there is an adequate balance of essential fatty
acids. This is not so easy to manage with soem other feeding
methods.
We do not usually recommend supplements with
Burns Real Food and suggest that advice be sought from us
with regards to this.
Our nutritional advice line is 0800 083 66 96 or contact
us online
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