Essential Fatty Acids may have many beneficial uses in the body including maintaining healthy joints, skin, vision and hormonal balance, and to support cardiac, immune, nervous and reproductive function. EFA’s are components of nerve cells, cellular membranes, and are converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. EFA’s are needed for proper growth and development in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of the sensory systems. Fetuses and breastfed infants also require an adequate supply of EFA’s through the mother’s dietary intake. EFA’s are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioural function. A healthy omega-3/6 balance is thought to be essential for normal brain function, particularly for memory recall and the ability to learn.

Omega-6 EFA’s can be obtained in the diet from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grain cereals and bread, dairy produce, poultry and eggs. Linoleic acid (LA) is the primary omega-6 EFA and can be obtained in the diet from many common vegetable oils, such as corn, hemp, olive, safflower and sunflower oils. Refined and hydrogenated versions of vegetable oils should be avoided as they may be nutrient-deficient. To be fully utilised by the body, LA must be converted into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Rich sources of GLA include evening primrose and starflower oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (Omega-3 EFA) and GLA are converted in the body into a family of hormone-like compounds known as eicosanoids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These physiologically active compounds help to regulate many bodily functions and intracellular activity, including skin condition, and cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive function.