Why Omegas?
What's the fuss about using Omega 3 - 6 AND 9 for pets?
Linda
Arndt (The Great Dane Lady) on the importance of balancing Omega 3,6 &
9
First, it has been my experience that most pet owners and
sometimes their veterinarians (and physicians) only see the parts and do not see
the "whole" and how the parts relate to that whole - especially the whole of
wellness. Let's look at how this relates to supplements.
One example I
can give is the use of B Vitamins, another example is the use of Omegas 3-6-9.
Let me explain....... B vitamins, in order to work properly need to be taken
together, at the same time - they need work in concert with one another
other so taking 1 kind of B vitamins is rather useless.... like trying to tap
dance in Crocs - why bother?
But, when B's are taken together in a "B
Complex" combination, they work synergistically in the body, and together the
B's end up being greater as a whole, than the parts are individually. Ok let's
look at Omegas.
Omega's 3-6-9's also work better in combination with
one another and the three Omegas together is greater than each of the Omegas
given independently.
Many people question me as to why I feel it is
important to supplement with a balanced Omega 3-6-9 product vs simply adding
fish oil or flax to a diet. I am not a real proponent of adding additional oils
to holistic diets, because they have often balanced the ratio and if you don't
add a balanced omega product to the food, you unknowingly disrupt the balance of
the diet which can in turn cause skin issues.
Check on the package of
pet food to see if it says "balanced omegas". Those are the words you want to
look for, not just the words"with omegas" -- all foods have omegas
regardless of the quality and stating they are "balanced" means something
altogether different. There is a ratio that one wants on their omegas and when
the oils are tapered with by adding additional other Omegas to an already
balance diet, it disrupts the Omega balance on the dog food.
So the general rule of thumb is - if you use an oil
supplement for your pet's diet, used one that is already balanced in 3-6-9
Omegas. The one I used in feed trials and recommend is Ultra-Oil for Pets, because it is balanced in 3-6-9. Here is an article that will help you
understand the need and benefits of all three Omegas in your diet and your pet's
diet.
The Great Dane
Lady
The Omega 3, 6 and 9 groups of fatty acids all contain essential
fatty acids necessary for good health. The difference between them lies in the
position of the first double bond from the methyl end or the Omega end of the
carbon chain. As its name implies, the Omega 3 fatty acids have their first
double bond at the 3rd position from the end of the chain, and likewise with the
other two. Omega 6 has its first double bond at the 6th position from the end
and Omega 9 has it at the 9th position from the end of the
chain.
The following table represents the main fatty acids
found in Omega 3, 6 and 9
Omega 3
alpha-linolenic acid ALA
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA
docosahexaenoic acid DHA
Omega 6
Linolenic acid LA
Gamma-linolenic
acid GLA
Dihomogamma linolenic acid DLA
Arachidonic acid AA
Omega 9
Oleic acid OA
The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3
family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real
quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for
pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of
the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else
as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a
cellular level.
The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant
properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce
inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease,
arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.
Although Omega 6 is generally classed as
pro-inflammatory, paradoxically, GLA, when sourced dietetically, has
anti-inflammatory properties. It can help the bloating and pain associated with
PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring
about hormonal and emotional balance.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with
each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they
affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has
an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level.
Omega 9 also has many preventative
qualities as its main component, Oleic acid, helps to reduce the risk of
arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Borage oil contains both
Omega 6 and Omega 9 in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid and Oleic acid and is in
fact, one of the best sources of GLA.
PuraEpa (a human product) is therefore contains a blend of all
3 of the important fatty acids EPA, GLA and OA making it an excellent choice of
omega 3 6 9 supplement.
(for pets - Ultra-Oil
is a blend of all 3 of these important fatty acids as well.)
Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are healthier
than saturated fats and have many metabolic functions. There are many benefits
of omega 3 6 9 supplementation.
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are
essential fatty acids (EFA's). Our bodies cannot manufacture them, and we must
consume them in our diets. Omega 9 fatty acids are not essential. Our bodies
need omega 9 fats, but we can manufacture them from other sources.
Omega
3 fatty acids prevent heart disease and the complications of heart attack.
People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart
attack than those who do not. Omega 3 EFA's improve cardiac risk factors, and
help prevent CHD. They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve
glucose metabolism.
Omega 3's may be helpful in a number of other
conditions, too. Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, autism, and many other
conditions may be improved by taking omega 3 EFA's. They are necessary for
growth and development, especially in the development of nervous tissue, and may
improve cognitive function and emotional health.
Omega 6 fatty acids
compete for enzymes with omega 3 EFA's, so the amounts of the two need to be
properly balanced. Less research has been done on omega 6 EFA's than on omega
3's. Most omega 6 fatty acids produce an inflammatory response that may be
necessary for healthy immune system function. Research is beginning to indicate
that one omega 6 EFA is, however, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and may be
even more important for healthy hearts than omega 3 oils.
Omega 9, as
mentioned, is not an essential fatty acid. Omega 9 oils are monounsaturated, and
are found in olive oil. Olive oil is known to have beneficial health effects,
and omega 9 oils may be necessary for healthy immune system
functioning.
The benefits of omega 3 6 9 include all of the benefits of
all three types of fatty acid. The amounts and ratios of each fatty acid are
balanced to optimal levels of each. Taking an omega 3 6 9
supplement is a good way to ensure that you are getting essential nutrients for
your good health.
Many thanks to The Great Dane
Lady for the invaluable content provided on this page.
