Why Omegas? What's the fuss about using Omega 3 - 6 AND 9 for pets?
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, to. 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.
*This article is owned by
www.mind1st.co.uk manufacturers of PuraEpa
and permission was granted for sharing this information at www.GreatDaneLady.com
