EPA-GLA Forte 120 Gels

Typical diets in developed countries deliver largeamounts of saturated fatty acids and thepolyunsaturated omega-6 linoleic and arachidonicacids and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.Throughout evolution, humans were accustomed todiets providing roughly equal amounts of omega-6and omega-3 fatty acids. However, during the last200 years, the ratio of dietary omega-6:omega-3 fattyacids increased from about 1:1 to 20-25:1. Leadinghealth professionals now recommend ratios between4:1 and 10:1.A healthy balance of dietary omega-6 and omega-3fatty acids appears to be a prerequisite for normalimmune function. Dietary linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) is a precursor to arachidonic acid (20:4) which inturn is a precursor for pro-inflammatoryprostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4, and plateletaggregating thromboxane A2. Although GLA is aprecursor of arachidonic acid, it also competes witharachidonic acid effectively, and may helpdownregulate the formation of excessive levels ofpro-inflammatory 2-series prostaglandins and otherimmune mediators.The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA provide anatural counterbalance to the effects of excess omega-6 fatty acids, because they serve as precursors for theanti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3, anddecrease the formation of prostaglandin E2 andthromboxane A2.Thus, a balanced dietary intake of all of these fattyacids appears to be necessary to maintain a normalimmune response during inflammation. The omega-3fatty acids also have important functions for visualacuity and possibly in maintaining normal bloodlipoprotein levels and cholesterol levels.