Omega-3 Fatty Acids
eg. Linolenic acid
Description:
Linolenic acid is an 18 carbon long polyunsaturated fatty acid with three double bonds. This is an omega-3 oil because it has a double bond at the third carbon.
Linolenic is an essential fatty acid that is converted to eicosapentaenoid acid (EPA). EPA is found in cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), some vegetable oils (flaxseed, canola).
Metabolism:
The balance of omega-6 to omega-3 oils is important in prostaglandin metabolism. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is changed into gamma-linolenic acid and then into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHGLA). DHGLA can be converted into arachadonic acid by the enzyme delta-5 desaturase. This enzyme, however, prefers to act on the omega-3 oils. Arachidonic acid is converted into inflammatory compounds (2 series prostaglandins and inflammatory leukotrienes). The final endproducts of linolenic acid metabolism forms less inflammatory products (3 series prostaglandins). Thus by providing linolenic acid in the diet, it is possible to increase the body EPA and reduce inflammation.
Actions:
Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the constituents of fish oils
that act as anti-inflammatory agents. These may be useful in an autoimmune disorders or arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids replace the 2-series fatty acids over time. Thus, cellular stimulation produces 3-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes rather than producing the 2-series thromboxanes which cause inflammation and reduce blood flow.
Cautions:
These materials will reduce platelet function for a brief period in dogs, but it seems that dogs compensate for this within about 8 weeks.
Administration:
Available forms: These substances available in health-food stores as products ranging from salmon oil to capsules of concentrated EPA. Eating some cooked salmon or sardines may have benefits over capsular forms of the fish oils. Can also use ground flax seeds, flax oil, or hemp oil as a dietary supplement rather than fish oils.
Recommend giving dogs 1000 mg of fish oil capsules, 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds or 2 sardines every day.