Fatty acids
- A fatty acid is a molecule consisting of a chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached to it and with an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group attached to the carbon atom at the end of the carbon atom chain.
- The carbon atom with an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group attached to it is called Omega, Ω the last letter of the Greek alphabet.
- Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated.
- In saturated fatty acids, all carbon atoms except Omega are bonded to two hydrogen atoms, meaning each atom has the maximum number of other atoms bonded to it.
- Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more of the carbon atoms double bonded to the next carbon atom in the chain. This means that they have fewer hydrogen atoms attached to them and are therefore called unsaturated, as the carbon atom has not filled all the bonding sites with other atoms.
- If the molecule has one double bond it is called monounsaturated, if it has two or more it is called double or polyunsaturated.
- An Omega fatty acid is a mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acid.
- The Omega number describes how many carbon atoms from the Omega atom the first double bond is. Omega 3 fatty acids therefore have the first double bond three atoms from the Omega atom.
Test your fatty acid profile with ArcticMed
The fatty acid test is a finger prick test where a few drops of blood are placed on a filter paper that has been treated with a special solution to prevent oxidation of the fatty acids during transport to the laboratory.
The analysis takes place in Germany at the only laboratory in Europe that works according to the demanding quality standard DIN ISO 15189.
The laboratory's analyses have been used in over 100 published studies on fatty acids. Another 50 or so studies are awaiting publication.
This massive scientific support for their methodology makes us extra excited about our collaboration.
Example of measurement, before and after, 100 days of intake of ArcticMed:
26 fatty acids are reported, see below. These fatty acids are given a total value of 100%, so reporting is done in % of total analyzed fatty acids.
We compare your values with the values of a so-called model person.
The model person's values are created based on an average from people who meet the following criteria, all of which are well documented for their health effects:
MODEL PERSON
Omega-3 Index of 8% to 11%.
Omega-6/Omega-3 (AA/EPA) ratio from 1 to 3.
Total trans fat value less than 1%.
Of the 9,000 people tested, 517 meet the above requirement, which is 5.7% of those tested who form the basis for the model values we provide as a reference for your own values.
We indicate with yellow or red markings when your values deviate more than 1.5 or 2 standard deviations from these reference values.
Please note that we all have different genetic, etc. conditions and that a deviation in individual fatty acids does not necessarily mean that you do not have a good distribution of fatty acids in your body.
However, there is a lot of research on some fatty acids and there is a large lack of relevant research on some fatty acids.
In cases where there are good research references, we will continuously refer to them in this document.
Markers
HS-Omega-3 Index , optimal level 8-11%
The risk of sudden cardiac death is 10-20 times lower compared to values around 4%.
The risk of other cardiovascular diseases is approximately three times lower than at values around 4%.
Reduced risk of premature birth in pregnant women with higher HS-Omega-3 Index.
Possible positive impact on brain functions (depression and age-related intellectual decline).
HS-Omega-3 Index indicates the amount of EPA+DHA using the laboratory's correction model. The method is strictly standardized and patent pending.
The laboratory is the only one in Europe to work according to DIN ISO 15189.
The laboratory conducts cross-analysis three times a year with two sister laboratories in the USA and South Korea to verify that the instruments provide reliable and consistent values.
The HS-Omega-3 Index is influenced by several factors:
Omega-3 consumption, age, gender, diabetes, genes, Body Mass Index, etc.
Because of these factors, it is not as simple as just looking at diet or fish consumption.
Typically, the Omega-3 Index increases in parallel with increased intake of EPA and DHA.
In Germany, the average value of the HS-Omega-3 index is 6.14%.
Studies show that at 8% you achieve major health benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.
In a study of 1000 tested healthy people who did not take Omega-3 supplements, less than 20% had HS-Omega-3 Index values above 8%.
Omega-6/Omega-3 balance optimal value between 1 and 2.5
The health effect for the heart and blood vessels begins at a value below 5.
Optimal health effect at a value between 1 and 2.5.
High values = large imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3.
High values favor pro-inflammatory processes throughout the body, so-called hidden inflammation.
Balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 = balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes.
Relationship between Omega-6 and Omega-3 believed to have been lying on 1:1 through thousands of generations.
In just 100 years, this balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 has shifted significantly due to the change brought about by modern food production. The consumption of Omega-6-rich foods has increased significantly, especially in the last 50-60 years, which is now reflected in our cells. The ratio is often 15:1 today due to our modern diet. The brain is today the only organ in the body that still manages to maintain an Omega-6 / Omega-3 ratio of 1:1.
Study by one of the leading researchers in research on the relationship between Omega-6 and Omega-3, Dr. Artemis Simopoulos: The Importance of the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in Cardiovascular Disease and Other Chronic Diseases.
100 Day Challenge!
From 1:1 to 15:1 in 100 years with modern diet 🙁
From 15:1 to 3:1 in 100 days with ArcticMed 🙂
Please note that we do not make a diagnosis, but only show your fatty acid values, which are compared to a model person.
Saturated fatty acids
Saturated fats have traditionally had a very bad reputation, yet in 2002 a number of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there was convincing evidence that consuming palmitic acid increases the risk of cardiovascular disease as much as trans fats. 1. However, the scientific community's view of saturated fats has changed in recent years, and newer research says that saturated fatty acids in the diet are not necessarily unhealthy, even though some raise LDL cholesterol levels. 2 3 .
Myristic acid
Common name: Myristic acid
Systematic name: Tetradecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 14:0
Found in: Nutmeg, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, milk fat. Smaller amounts in several animal fats. Found in flavorings.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 4.8g/100g
Description: Myristic acid is a common, saturated fatty acid with a chain of 14 carbon atoms. It gets its common name from the Latin name for nutmeg, Myristica fragrans. This is because nutmeg butter consists of 75% trimyristin, a triglyceride of myristic acid. A triglyceride is a chemical compound in the form of an ester between three fatty acid molecules and a glycerol molecule. In this case, these three fat molecules are myristic acid molecules.
Palmitic acid
Common name: Palmitic acid
Systematic name: Hexadecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 16:0
Found in: Large amounts in palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil. Also found in meat, cheese and dairy products.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 15g/100g
Description: Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 16 carbon atoms that is the most common in plants and humans. The acid has been shown in experiments on rats to affect insulin secretion and suppress the body's natural appetite-suppressing signals from the substances leptin and insulin, which are key hormones in weight regulation. 4 .
Stearic acid
Common name: Stearic acid
Systematic name: Octadecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 18:0
Found in: Large amounts in animal fats and oils. Also in vegetable oils and fats.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 3.3g/100g
Description: Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms, and is the most common in nature after palmitic acid. It is usually found in the largest quantities in animal products, but is also found in smaller quantities in vegetable products, with the exception of coconut butter and shea butter where the acid is very prominent, with a stearic acid content between 28 – 45%.
A study of stearic acid in humans showed that, among other things, stearic acid was less likely to combine into cholesterol esters 5 , and in other epidemiological and clinical studies, the acid was associated with reduced LDL cholesterol compared to other saturated fats 6. This may indicate that stearic acid is healthier than other saturated fats.
Arachinic acid
Common name: Arachinic acid
Systematic name: Eicosanoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:0
Found in: Peanut oil, corn oil.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.29g/100g
Description: Aranic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms. The name comes from the Latin name for peanut; arachis. Despite this, the content of aranic acid is slightly higher in corn oil (3%) than in peanut oil (1.1 – 1.7%).
Behenic acid
Common name: Behenic acid
Systematic name: Docosanoic acid
Biochemical number: 22:0
Found in: Bean oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, peanut shells.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.12g/100g
Description: Behenic acid is a relatively rare, saturated fatty acid with a chain of 22 carbon atoms. The acid is found in the highest concentration in oil from the seeds of the Behen oil tree (9%), but is also found in smaller amounts in rapeseed and peanut oils, and seeds.
Behenic acid, despite its limited availability, is difficult to absorb by the human body and raises LDL cholesterol levels. 7 .
Lignoceric acid
Common name: Lignoceric acid
Systematic name: Tetracosanoic acid
Biochemical number: 24:0
Found in: Tar, peanut oil, small amounts in most fats.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.10g/100g
Description: Lignoceric acid is a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 24 carbon atoms.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids
α-Linolenic acid (ALA)
Common name: α-Linolenic acid or Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA)
Systematic name: all-cis-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienolic acid
Biochemical number: 18:3 ω3
Found in: Most common vegetable oils, large amounts in flaxseed oil.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.67g/100g
Description: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an Omega 3, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms.
ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning it cannot be produced by the body itself and must be supplied through the diet. ALA is found in most common vegetable oils.
Most seeds and seed oils have a much higher value of the Omega 6 fatty acid Linolenic Acid (LA) than ALA. LA is also an essential fatty acid, but it and the other Omega 6 fatty acids compete with Omega 3 for space in cell membranes and have widely different effects on health.
Preliminary research has shown that ALA may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Health benefits have been shown in some, but not all, studies, but a 2005 review concluded that “The evidence is strong enough to recommend a moderate intake of α-Linolenic acid for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.” 8
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Common name: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Systematic name: all-cis-5, 8, 11, 14, 17-Eicosapentaenoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:5 ω 3
Found in: Fatty fish, fish oil, some seaweeds, algae.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 12g/100g
Description: Eicosapentaenoic acid is an Omega 3, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms. Eicosapentaenoic acid can be manufactured in the body from α-Linolenic acid (ALA) found in many vegetable oils, but the conversion is usually very inefficient compared to supplying EPA to the body directly through a diet rich in EPA 9. This is partly due to all the work required by the body to metabolize EPA from ALA, and partly because some of the EPA that is produced is then converted further into DHA, often leaving insufficient amounts of both fatty acids. 10 11 .
Many studies have been conducted on EPA, and the acid has a variety of beneficial effects. First of all, EPA, like most Omega 3 fatty acids, on its own or together with other acids from the Omega 3 complex, has anti-inflammatory properties. 12 .
Additionally, research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids, and EPA in particular, may have positive effects on mental disorders. Several studies have shown that increased intake of EPA has alleviated symptoms of schizophrenia. 13 14. EPA has also been shown to have an effect on depression; in a 2004 study, blood samples from 100 patients who had attempted suicide were compared with blood samples from a control group, and it was found that the EPA levels in the suicide attempters were significantly lower than in the control group. 15. A 2009 study found that patients who took Omega 3 supplements with a high ratio of EPA to DHA experienced fewer depressive symptoms. 16 .
A 2011 study showed that EPA was significantly more effective than placebo in treating hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 17 .
Another study from 2011 describes EPA as a prominent protector against liver dysfunction, necrosis and steatosis induced by valproic acid. Valproic acid is often used to treat people with bipolar disorder, so EPA could be used to prevent conscious or unconscious overdose. The same study also showed that valproic acid and EPA used together increase the seizure threshold in people suffering from milder epilepsy 18 .
EPA also has a blood-thinning effect by reducing the stickiness of blood platelets (the omega-6 fatty acid AA increases this stickiness).
Clupanolic acid (DPA)
Common name: Clupanolic acid, commonly called DPA which is an abbreviation of the English systematic name; Docosapentaenic acid
Systematic name: all-cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentanoic acid
Biochemical number: 22:5 ω 3
Found in: fatty fish, fish oil.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 1.4g/100g
Description: Docosapentanoic acid (DPA) is an Omega 3, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 22 carbon atoms.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Common name: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Systematic name: all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid
Biochemical number: 22:6 ω 3
Found in: Fatty fish, fish oil, algae oil.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 8.2g/100g
Description: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an Omega 3, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 22 carbon atoms. It is one of the most prominent components that make up the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, sperm, testicles and retina. The body can convert α-Linolenic acid (ALA) to DHA, but the conversion is very small 19. You can get DHA more directly from fatty fish, fish oil, or algal oil. DHA deficiency has been linked to cognitive decline. 20 , and low values impair brain apoptosis and increase neuronal cell mortality 21. Reduced levels of DHA in the brain have been observed in severely depressed patients 22 .
A 2010 study looked at patients 55 years of age and older who met the criteria for age-related memory decline. The study found that patients who took DHA for six months had lower heart rates and increased memory and learning capacity in healthy older adults with milder memory problems. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention with DHA, and provided a statistically significant benefit for cognitive function in adults over 50. 23. Higher DHA levels in middle-aged adults were associated with better results on tests of nonverbal reasoning and mental flexibility, working memory, and vocabulary. 24 .
It has also been discovered that DHA inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells more than other polyunsaturated Omega 3 fatty acids. 25 26. Different types of cancer interact with polyunsaturated fats differently, so this should not be seen as proof that polyunsaturated fats are a cure for cancer, but rather that more research on the subject is needed.
DHA concentration in breast milk can vary from 0.07% to over 1% of total fatty acids, with an average of 0.34%. DHA levels in breast milk increase if the mother's diet includes a lot of fish 27. Recommendations for how much DHA a pregnant mother should consume per day vary, but the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids recommends 300 mg/day. One study found that the average daily intake was between 45mg and 115mg. 28 .
Additional studies have shown other positive effects. In a study of men taking DHA supplements for 6-12 weeks, concentrations of several pro-inflammatory biomarkers decreased by an estimated 20% 29. Another 2010 study found that higher DHA intake may be associated with reduced rates of telomere shortening. Telomere shortening is a sign of aging at the DNA level. 30 .
DHA has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. 31 , which is consistent with DHA being the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. A preliminary study also shows that a diet rich in DHA may protect stroke patients from brain damage, and contribute to a faster recovery. 32 .
Omega-6 fatty acids
Linoleic acid (LA)
Common name: Linoleic acid (LA)
Systematic name: cis, cis-9, 12-Octadecadienolic acid
Biochemical number: 18:2 ω 6
Found in: Vegetable oils, mainly opium poppy oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and corn oil.
Content in ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: Not measured
Description: Linoleic acid, commonly abbreviated as LA, is an Omega 6, diunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms. LA is an essential fatty acid; the body cannot manufacture it itself and must obtain it through the diet. Found in cell membranes and abundant in many vegetable oils.
In experiments on rats, a lack of LA has been shown to cause flaky skin, hair loss and poor healing. 33. However, it is almost impossible for humans to be deficient in LA as it is found in almost all foods and you get more than enough with any normal diet.
LA is converted in the body to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) which in turn is converted to Dihomo-∂-Linolenic Acid (DGLA) which in turn can be converted to Arachidonic Acid (AA). AA can then be converted to a group of metabolites called eicosanoids, a type of paracrine hormones. Eicosanoids converted from AA tend to be inflammatory 34 .
An increased intake of certain Omega 3 fatty acids combined with a reduced intake of Omega 6 has been shown to reduce inflammation due to the reduced production of such eicosanoids. 35 .
γ-Linolenic acid (GLA)
Common name: γ-Linolenic acid (GLA)
Systematic name: all-cis-6,9,12-octadecatrienolic acid
Biochemical number: 18:3 ω6
Found in: Evening primrose oil (10%), blackcurrant oil, borage oil (20%), hemp seed oil, barley, oats.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.18g/100g
Description: GLA is an Omega 6, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms. The human body can produce GLA from Linolenic Acid (LA). LA is obtained in sufficient amounts through most diets, for example through cooking oil and meat products.
From GLA, the body manufactures Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid (DGLA). DGLA is, together with Arachidonic Acid (AA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), the body's source of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids from DGLA have, among other things, a role in the function of the immune system and activate and counteract the pro-inflammatory properties of eicosanoids created from AA. 36 .
Although GLA is an Omega 6 fatty acid, and these are usually pro-inflammatory, GLA has anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is unique among the polyunsaturated fatty acids in having the potential to suppress tumor growth and daughter tumors. 37 .
Eicosadienoic acid (EDA)
Common name: Eicosadienoic acid (EDA)
Systematic name: all-cis-11,14-eicosadienoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:2 ω6
Found in: Trace amounts in meat products.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: Negligible
Description: Eicosadienoic acid is an Omega 6, diunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms. It is a rare fatty acid, but occurs naturally, mainly in animal tissue. The acid is an extended form of Linolenic acid (LA) and can in turn be metabolized to Dihomo-γ-Linolenic acid (DGLA) and Arachidonic acid (AA).
Dihomo-γ-Linolenic acid (DGLA)
Common name: Dihomo-γ-Linolenic acid (DGLA)
Systematic name: cis,cis,cis-8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:3 ω6
Found in: Trace amounts in meat products.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.12g/100g
Description: Dihomo-γ-Linolenic acid (pronounced Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic acid, often abbreviated to DGLA), is an Omega 6, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms. It is very rare in nature and only occurs in extremely small amounts in animal products.
The eicosanoids produced from DGLA have anti-inflammatory effects, in contrast to the eicosanoids produced from Arachidonic Acid (AA) which are pro-inflammatory. Furthermore, the eicosanoids from DGLA compete with the eicosanoids from AA, and attenuate their pro-inflammatory effect.
Increased intake of EPA as well as B3, B6, C, Zinc, Magnesium reduces DGLA conversion to AA and contributes to increased conversion to anti-inflammatory substances.
Arachidonic acid (AA)
Common name: Arachidonic acid (AA)
Systematic name: all-cis-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:4 ω6
Found in: Egg yolk, Animal products, greater amounts in animals that eat concentrated feed than in grass-fed animals.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.60g/100g
Description: Arachidonic acid (AA) is an Omega 6, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms. AA is not an essential fatty acid in general, as the body can manufacture AA from Linolenic acid (LA).
Some animals lack the ability to convert LA to AA, and must obtain AA through their diet. These animals are all carnivores, as plants have very little or often no AA at all. A common example is the cat.
Arachidonic acid is converted into both pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules in the body, and in a healthy person, an increased intake of AA will probably not significantly increase the risk of inflammation. 38 . However, if you have joint pain, ongoing inflammation, have had frequent inflammations in the past, or are otherwise in poor health, then a large intake of AA is not recommended. It should also be noted that although AA does not have pro-inflammatory properties in healthy individuals, it inhibits the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 fatty acids in the body. 39 .
Imbalance between AA and EPA (Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio greater than 5) favors proinflammatory processes in the body and can lead to chronic hidden inflammation.
Adrenolic acid (DTA)
Trivial name: Adrenolic acid, commonly called DTA which is an abbreviation of the systematic name
Systematic name: all-cis-7, 10, 13, 16-docosatetraenoic acid
Biochemical number: 22:4 ω6
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: Negligible
Description: Adrenolic acid or Docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) is an Omega 6, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 22 carbon atoms. The acid is one of the most common in the early human brain 40 .
Osmotic acid
Common name: Osbic acid
Systematic name: all-cis-4,7,10,13,16-docosapentanoic acid
Biochemical number: 22:5 ω6
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: Not measured
Description: Osbonic acid is an Omega 6, polyunsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 22 carbon atoms.
Monounsaturated fatty acids
Omega 7 fatty acids
Palmitoleic acid
Common name: Palmitoleic acid
Systematic name: cis-9-hexadecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 16:1 ω7
Available in: Sea buckthorn.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 5.9g/100g
Description: Palmitoleic acid is an Omega 7, monounsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 16 carbon atoms. The acid has several documented health effects. It has shown signs of affecting the liver's fat storage and production, insulin action and the synthesis of fatty acids in the body, which has given rise to the name lipokine, a substance that has hormone-like effects 41 .
One of the possible effects is increased insulin sensitivity; in studies on mice with diabetes, palmitoleic acid showed an ability to attenuate hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia through increased insulin sensitivity, partly by suppressing proinflammatory gene expression. 42 .
Low values of O-7 are associated with dry mucous membranes.
Omega-9 fatty acids
Oleic acid
Common name: Oleic acid or Olein
Systematic name: cis-9-octadecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 18:1 ω9
Available in: Olive oil, pecan oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn oil, sesame oil, opium poppy oil, chicken fat, turkey fat, lard.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 2.9g/100g
Description: Oleic acid is an Omega 9, monounsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms that occurs naturally in the form of triglyceride esters in most different fats of animal and vegetable nature. For example, oleic acid makes up the majority of the content of olive oil, which also gave the acid its name; oleic, which means related to or derived from olives and/or oil.
Monounsaturated fat in the diet is associated with reduced LDL cholesterol levels 43. Oleic acid may prevent the development of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), also called Addison-Schilder disease or Siemerling-Creutzfeldt disease, a disease that affects the brain and adrenal glands. 44 .
Oleic acid may also be the factor that gives olive oil its blood pressure-lowering properties. 45 .
Gadoleic acid
Common name: Gadoleic acid
Systematic name: cis-9-Eicosenoic acid
Biochemical number: 20:1 ω9
Available in: Fish oil, cod liver oil.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.52g/100g
Description: An Omega 9, monounsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 20 carbon atoms.
Nervonic acid
Common name: Nervonic acid
Systematic name: cis-15-Tetracosanoic acid
Biochemical number: 24:1 ω9
Available in: Mustard seed (83mg/100g), wild salmon, breast milk.
Contents of ArcticMed Omega-3 Premium: 0.24g/100g
Description: Nervonic acid is an Omega 9, monounsaturated fatty acid with a chain of 24 carbon atoms. The acid is important in the biosynthesis of the nerve cell myelin which is found in the sphingolipids in the white matter of the brain 46 .
Nervonic acid is used in the treatment of, among other things: multiple sclerosis and other diseases where the amount of nervonic acid in sphingolipids is reduced 47 .
Trans fats
Trans Palmitoleic Acid
Common name: Trans Palmitoleic acid
Systematic name: trans-9-decahexanoic acid
Biochemical number: 16:1 ω7 trans
Available in: Smaller amounts in milk & beef.
Elaidic acid
Common name: Elaidic acid
Systematic name: trans-9-octadecanoic acid
Biochemical number: 18:1 ω9 trans
Available in: Fried foods, powdered sauces, long-life cookies, sweets, snacks, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.
Trans Linoleic Acid
Common name: Trans Linoleic Acid (Three similar trans fats. Reported together on the blood test.)
Systematic name: trans-trans-9,12-octadecadienoic acid | trans-cis-9,12-octadecadienoic acid | cis-trans-9,12-octadecadienoic acid
Biochemical number: 18:2 ω6 trans | 18:2 ω6 trans cis | 18:2 ω6 cis trans
Available in: Fried foods, powdered sauces, long-life cookies, sweets, snacks, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.
Description: A trans fatty acid is a mono- or polyunsaturated, but never saturated, fatty acid with one or more trans double bonds. A double bond can be trans or cis, and this describes how the chain of carbon atoms is arranged after the double bond. In a trans fatty acid, the carbon atom chain continues on the opposite side of the double bond, which gives a straighter molecule. This makes a trans fatty acid have properties similar to a saturated one. In a cis fatty acid, the carbon atom chain continues on the same side of the double bond. See examples below:
Elaidic acid (trans) Oleic acid (cis)
These are examples of two similar fatty acid molecules with equally long carbon atom chains and the same number of double bonds at the same location in the molecule, but with double bonds of different types.
In food manufacturing, fats are often hardened to extend the shelf life of the product. Hardening involves eliminating double bonds and thus fully or partially saturating the fatty acid with hydrogen atoms. However, in partial hardening, if it is chemical, one or all of the cis bonds are converted to trans instead of being completely saturated. Trans fats also occur in small amounts in nature, and there is some research that suggests that certain types of natural trans fats are healthier than industrially produced ones. 48 . But the scientific community is divided, and many believe that there is insufficient evidence that natural trans fat is healthier than industrial trans fat. 49 50 51 , so the legislation at this time treats all types of trans fat equally.
It is estimated that trans fat increases the value of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) as much as saturated fat, but unlike saturated fat, it decreases the value of HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
A study from the United States conducted in 1994 concluded that an estimated 30,000 cardiovascular-related deaths per year in the country could be related to trans fats. 52. A study from the UK took a closer look and estimated the number to be as high as 100,000. 53 .
The New England Journal of Medicine also reports in 2006 in a review of research on trans fats that there is strong and reliable evidence of a link between trans fats and cardiovascular disease; they say, translated, “On a per calorie basis, trans fats appear to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease more than any other nutrient, with a markedly increased risk even at low intakes of trans fats (1 to 3% of total energy intake).” 54 .
The scientific community believes that the evidence that trans fats significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease is so convincing that a total ban on more than trace amounts of trans fats in food products has been introduced in Sweden and Denmark. In many places abroad, the legislation is not as strict, for example the UK and the USA (with local exceptions) where the regulation of trans fats consists more of recommendations than bans, despite convincing domestic studies showing the negative effects 55 56 57 , which is criticized by several experts 58 59 60 61 .
- WHO Technical Report Series 916, Report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation , World Health Organization, Geneva, 2003 ( http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/who_trs_916.pdf )
- Fattore, E. & Fanelli, R., (2013). Palm oil and palmitic acid: a review on cardiovascular effects and carcinogenicity , International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition ( http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09637486.2013.768213 )
- Guo, Z. et al, (2010). Relationship of the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio to cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in Japanese: the INTERLIPID study., Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis ( http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/20351467 )
- Benoit, SC et al, (2009). "Palmitic acid mediates hypothalamic insulin resistance by altering PKC-θ subcellular localization in rodents", Journal of Clinical Investigation ( http://www.jci.org/articles/view/36714 )
- Emken, Edward A. (1994). "Metabolism of dietary stearic acid relative to other fatty acids in human subjects". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7977144 )
- Hunter, J., (2010). "Cardiovascular disease risk of dietary stearic acid compared with trans, other saturated, and unsaturated fatty acids: a systematic review", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19939984 )
- Carter, NB & Denke, MA, (2001). "Behenic acid is a cholesterol-raising saturated fatty acid in humans", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ( http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/1/41.full )
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