Essential fatty acids

For most of us, dietary fats are a source of unneeded calories. Nevertheless, fats are necessary as they form the main energy reserve in the body. They protect our organs and are as part of the cell membrane, part of every cell. Without certain levels of fatty acids, we could not exist at all. Reason for this, they form hormone-like substances (prostaglandins) that have a tremendous influence on vital body functions. These tissue hormones regulate, for example, blood pressure, body temperature, stimulate the hormone production and sensitize nerve fibres to transmit signals in a reliable manner.

The important fatty acids are mainly omega-3 c, as they are abundant in fish oil and flaxseed oil. From the point of view of nutrient science, there is hardly any more effective, far-reaching – and simpler measure to maintain good health and to protect yourself against degenerative diseases than the daily supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.

EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has approved the following statements for fatty acids – so-called health claims. Please refer to those below:

Health claims for fatty acids:

DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA)

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of the normal brain function

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of the normal vision ability

EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID AND DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (EPA/DHA)

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal heart function

MONOUNSATURATED AND/OR POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

• Replacement of saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet contributes to the maintenance of a normal blood cholesterol level

OIL ACID

• Saturated fat replacement by unsaturated fatty acids in the diet helps to maintain a normal blood cholesterol level. Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid.