EFAs aid in the maintenance of cell membrane fluidity and stability, development and function of brain and nerve tissue, oxygen transfer and energy production, immune functions, and conversion into compounds involved in all body functions including local hormones governing inflammatory responses.

Metabolic Pathways of Essential Fatty Acids

A look at the metabolism of and interaction between Linoleic acid (LA) and Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) will provide insight for the significance of balancing EFAs.

LA of the Omega-6 family is found in most plant oils (corn, safflower, canola, sunflower), nuts, seeds, and soybeans. ALA of the Omega-3 family is found only in oil from cold water marine animals (cod liver oil, sardines, mackerel, anchovies) and flax oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish is a direct source of EPA and DHA, while flax seed oil yields ALA which then must be converted into EPA and DHA. The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is slow, only a maximum of 15% of ALA (flax seed oil) can convert to EPA and 5%, in any at all, may convert to DHA. Although flax seed has many benefits, it is not recommended as a source of Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Lifestyle and health influences that can inhibit the conversion include:

• a diet high in LA (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids, and saturated fats
  
• alcohol intake
  
• deficiency of any of the vitamin and mineral cofactors ( vitamin B3, B6, C, zinc and magnesium)
  
• diabetes
  
• immune dysfunction

Prostaglandin Health
EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, a class of hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions, including governing cellular responses, immune function, and hormone synthesis.

Series 1 and 3 Prostaglandins (PGE-1 & PGE-3) are anti-inflammatory while Series 2 Prostaglandins (PGE-2) are pro-inflammatory. PGE-3 comes from Omega-3 essential fatty acids, PGE-1 comes from medicinal Omega-6 fatty acids and PGE-2 comes from cooking oils.

PGE-1 & PGE-3 have the following effects:

• Reduce inflammation
  
• Dilate blood vessels
  
• Reduce blood clotting
  
• Lower harmful LDL cholesterol level
  
• Raise beneficial HDL cholesterol level

Supports Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health

Nordic Naturals EPA, one of the industry's highest concentrations of EPA from fish, is enhanced with natural lemon oil in both the soft gel capsule and oil for great lemon taste. EPA is molecularly distilled for purity and concentration, and has added rosemary extract for superior freshness. This high concentrate formula provides excellent nutritional support for the body to manufacture vital series 3 prostaglandins, and is “repeat” and “odor free.”

Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil, soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, natural lemon oil), natural lemon oil, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract

Each 2 soft gel serving provides:
DHA: 200 mg	Other Omega-3s: 180 mg
EPA: 850 mg	Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol): 30 IU

Suggested Use: Two soft gels daily, with meals, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.

General Nutrient Support
Cardiovascular disease may be the most common cause of death in the United States. Symptoms often associated with cardiovascular disease may include high LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and overall poor circulation.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a precursor to the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin series 3. Much of the interest surrounding Omega-3 fatty acids arose from the discovery that Greenland Inuit and coastal Japanese populations consume high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and have remarkably healthy cardiovascular systems. Since then, extensive research on Omega-3 fatty acids from fish indicates that several different mechanisms of action are responsible for their possible heart healthy benefits.

The Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, play important structural roles as components of cellular membranes. Ongoing clinical studies support the role of EPA and Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease.

Warning: Consult with your physician before using this product if you are pregnant, diabetic, or allergic to iodine. Do not take this product if you are using blood thinners or anticipate surgery. Keep out of the reach of children.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.