The human body can manufacture most of the fats it needs, including cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. However, there are two families of fatty acids, the omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids, that are considered essential fatty acids.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these fatty acids are essential because the parent omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA), and the parent omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), absolutely cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet or supplementation.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are necessary from conception through pregnancy, and continue to support normal growth and development of infants.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom throughout life, omega-3 fats aid in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. 1 omega-3 fatty acids also play an important role in protecting the health of the brain, eyes, and nervous system.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The primary source of omega-6 fatty acids in the human diet is linoleic acid (LA) from the oils of seeds and grains. Sunflower, safflower, soy, and corn oils are particularly rich in linoleic acid.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil are unique due to their relatively high content of the health-promoting omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Humans have evolved consuming a diet that contained approximately equal amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. About 100 years ago, the industrial revolution introduced technology that allowed for the refining of vegetable and seed oils, which led to a dramatic increase in the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids among the industrialized countries.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in addition, the introduction of animal feeds derived from grains rich in omega-6 fats has resulted in the production of meat, fish, and eggs high in omega-6 fats and virtually void of omega-3 fats.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Today, in western diets, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ranges from 20:1–30:1 instead of the pre-industrial range of 1:1–2:1.5 A large body of scientific evidence has established that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids shifts the physiological state to one that promotes thrombosis, vasoconstriction, inflammation, and poor cellular health.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the physiologic changes that result from high intake of omega-6 fats has been implicated in pathophysiology of heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, colitis ulcerosa, multiple sclerosis, lupus, asthma, etc.), depression, dementia, and other chronic diseases.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

A large body of scientific evidence suggests that aberrant inflammation underlies many common chronic diseases and is an obstacle to overall good health.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the direct role of arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators in promoting inflammation and EPA- and DHA-derived lipid mediators in regulating the resolution of inflammation has initiated much scientific interest in the influence of the omega-6:omega-3 ratio on human health.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The evidence is so strong that the american heart association (AHA) considers increasing omega-3 fatty acids as a vital public health intervention, and encourages physicians to recommend their consumption.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in fact, the AHA guidelines include recommendation for all americans to consume omega-3–rich fish at least twice weekly. For individuals with documented heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 gram of EPA+DHA daily, and for patients with elevated triglycerides 2–4 grams of EPA+DHA daily.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Research has shown that omega-3 fats are necessary to develop, maintain, and protect structures of the central nervous system from conception through pregnancy and infancy and, undoubtedly, throughout life.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom there is some debate with regard to the relative importance of EPA versus DHA, but there is an overall scientific consensus that both EPA and DHA contribute to cognitive health and development as well as mental well-being, behavior, learning, and mood.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Inflammation is a normal protective physiological mechanism, but several factors in the western diet, including excess omega-6 fat intake, and a relative deficiency of omega-3 fats, result in long-term inflammation.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have anti-inflammatory effects due to the competition of EPA with AA in the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in addition, omega-3s contribute to the formation of resolvins and protectins, which aid in the removal of inflammatory cells, and restoration of tissue homeostasis once the need for inflammation is over.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Pharmacological anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in reducing inflammation, but carry potentially dangerous side effects, rendering them impractical for long-term use.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom several well-designed clinical trials have examined the use of fish oil on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) use or steroid use in non-surgical back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these trials show that fish oil consistently demonstrated a reduced requirement for anti-inflammatory drugs and improved clinical outcomes. (32) the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil are generally attained at a minimum dose of 3 grams of EPA+DHA and require 8–12 weeks of supplementation to realize these benefits.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

DHA is a significant structural component of the brain, eyes, and nervous system, which all are rapidly developing throughout the last trimester of pregnancy and the early stages of life.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the fetus is dependent on its mother for DHA intake, which must be sufficient to maintain her own healthy levels and meet fetal demands, especially during the period of rapid nervous system development (last trimester to age 2)

cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help maintain healthy structure and function of ocular tissue. DHA is particularly important for the eyes, and attains its highest concentration anywhere in the body within the eye tissue. (47) certain unique biochemical characteristics of DHA make it vital for the development, function, and maintenance of the highly active, light-receiving cells found in the eye.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The US food and drug administration (FDA) classified omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).52 in fact, the FDA has ruled that up to 3 g of EPA+DHA is safe to be included in the food supply of americans without fear of adverse events.53In addition, there are no known significant drug interactions with omega-3 fatty acids.54 when using higher amounts of EPA and DHA in the clinical setting, it is important to monitor the use, efficacy, safety, and potential interactions.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The hemodynamic effects of omega-3 fatty acids have led to theoretical concerns about increased risk for bleeding at higher doses (above 3 grams EPA+DHA), if taken with blood thinning medications, or before surgery.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the theoretical risk of clinically significant bleeding has not been verified in a controlled setting. A 2007 expert opinion published in the american journal of cardiology concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements do not increase the risk for clinically significant bleeding, even in patients also being treated with antiplatelet or anti-thrombotic medication.55 the therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids perioperatively to improve surgical outcomes and reduce adverse events is also the subject of current clinical investigations.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Increasing EPA and DHA intake through fish consumption alone is associated with the risk of consuming excess environmental toxins. The US food and drug administration (FDA) and the environmental protection agency (EPA) have warned the public about the potential dangers of consuming too much fish because of the associated toxins.56 the introduction of high-quality fish oil supplements that have been processed to remove environmental contaminants allows for supplementation of high levels of EPA and DHA for preventive and therapeutic clinical use without the risk of toxicity.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in studies that compare levels of mercury, organochlorines, and other environmental toxins commonly found in fish versus fish oil supplements have shown that fish oil does in fact provide the benefits of EPA and DHA without any associated environmental contaminants. 57