Omega Fatty Acids Omega Fatty Acids Definition
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Carboxyl group with carbon chain
Double bonds
ALA, DHA, EPA
Placement of first double bond
AA, LA History
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Burr and Burr 1929
○ University of Minnesota
○ Observed fat free diet fed to rats
○ Determined the essentiality of linoleic acid Benefits
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Reduce inflammation
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Improved cardiac health
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Lower blood pressure USDA Recommendations
Omega 3:
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Between 0.5 and 1.6 grams
Roughly 2% total daily energy
Omega 6:
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Between 4.4 and 17 grams
Roughly 6% total daily energy Sources of Omega
3 Fatty Acids
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Seafood
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Nuts and Seeds
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Fortified Foods
Sources of Omega 6
Fatty Acids
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Most plant oils
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Poultry and Eggs
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Corn and Soybean Products Do you think Americans are meeting or
exceeding the recommended intake of
either fatty acids? Results of deficiency and overconsumption
of n-3
Overconsumption:
Deficiencies:
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elevated LDL levels
coronary heart disease
scaly skin, rash
rheumatoid arthritis
possible cancer and macular
degeneration
Schizophrenia
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nausea
smelly sweat
heartburn
diarrhea
headache
bleeding problems Overconsumption of
Omega-6
● 15:1-16.7:1 ratio
● Proinflammatory effect
● May increase risks of
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Atherosclerosis/CVD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Alzheimer’s Disease
● May decrease cognitive functions Recommendations for Meal Managers
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Limit excess amounts of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
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Eat a handful of walnuts once in a while
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Have seafood as your main protein source in 3 meals a week