Fatty acid deficiencies

A fatty acid deficiency refers to low or inadequate levels of the long-chain fatty acids required to maintain homeostasis – the regulation of cardiovascular health, immune and inflammatory pathways. Generally, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids are those that cause significant disturbances which can lead to poor health.

Omega-3 long-chain fatty acid deficiencies can arise from:

Low intake (long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA are primarily found in fish and shellfish).
Poor conversion from short-chain fatty acids due to lifestyle and dietary factors (i.e. smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, stress, high saturated fat intake, diabetes, viral infections) can inhibit or disrupt the natural ability of the body to make long-chain omega-3.
Genetic makeup. The ability to convert short-chain to long-chain fats is influenced by genetic makeup. Some individuals simply do not have the ability to manufacture adequate amounts of EPA.
Increased turnover of long-chain EPA. For example, during an immune response or in response to inflammation, the body will naturally use EPA in these reactions and stores can become depleted.

There are a number of physical signs which indicate a fatty acid deficiency and these are listed below:

Excessive thirst, frequent urination
Rough or dry ‘bumpy’ skin
Dry, dull or ‘lifeless’ hair, dandruff
Soft or brittle nails
Sleep problems (especially difficulties in settling at night and waking in the morning)
Attention problems (distractibility, poor concentration and difficulties in working memory)
Emotional sensitivity (such as depression, excessive mood swings or undue anxiety)

Deficiencies can easily be rectified through manipulating the diet and lifestyle factors, as well as by supplementation with a combination of ethyl-EPA and anti-inflammatory GLA.

Avoid:

Processed and refined foods
High intake of saturated and trans fats
Plant oils such as common vegetables oils and corn oil (high in short-chain [undesirable] omega-6 which can significantly unbalance the omega-3 -omega-6 ratio)
Alcohol
Caffeine
Nicotine

Combating deficiencies with supplements

Vegepa E-EPA 70 combines the benefits of 70% ethyl-EPA concentrate extracted from marine anchovy oil with GLA and triterpene antioxidants from organic evening primrose oil. This unique formulation is designed to balance and maintain healthy omega-3 and omega-6 levels. Vegepa E-EPA 70 is the ideal follow-on treatment once a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio has been restored by the therapeutic actions of E-EPA-90. Very young children or those individuals who have difficulty swallowing may benefit from our chewable EPA and GLA supplement Vegepa E-EPA 70 Orange Chewables.

Dosage

E-EPA 90

Adults and children aged twelve years and over should take 1-2 capsules daily. Children aged four to twelve years should take 1 capsule daily. It is not advisable to exceed the above dose unless advised by a healthcare practitioner.

Vegepa E-EPA-70

Adults and children aged twelve years and over should take 2-4 capsules daily. Children aged four to twelve years should take 1 capsule daily. It is not advisable to exceed the above dose unless advised by a healthcare practitioner.

Vegepa E-EPA 70 Orange Chewables

Children aged three to eight years should take 2-4 capsules daily. Adults and children aged eight years and over should take 4-6 capsules daily. It is not advisable to exceed the above dose unless advised by a healthcare practitioner. The capsules may be chewed or swallowed. For young children, the capsules may be pierced and mixed into yoghurt or similar.

Fatty acids should be taken with food for optimum absorption. For higher clinical doses, (4 or more daily) it is advisable to split the dose into two, morning and evening.