Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are sometimes referred to as Vitamin F. It refers to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.<\/p>\n
Vitamin F is composed of two fatty acids – iinoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linoleic acid (LNA).<\/p>\n
Linoleic acid is considered to be the most complete fatty acid. There are two basic categories of EFA’s – omega-3 and omega-6, which include linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid.<\/p>\n
The body is not capable of manufacturing essential fatty acids and so they have to be derived only from food. Omega-6 essential fatty acid is found in raw nuts, seeds, legumes, grape seed oil and flaxseed oil; while omega-3 essential fatty acid is found in fish, canola oil and walnut oil.<\/p>\n
The recommended dietary allowance of EFAs for adults is 1-2 % of the total daily caloric intake.<\/p>\n
The primary function of these fatty acids is to repair and create tissue in the body. They also help with metabolism, healing, reproductive health and skin and hair growth.<\/p>\n
Deficiency leads to dry eyes, easy skin bruising, delay in the healing process, and dull hair and skin.<\/p>\n
Vitamin F is generally considered safe for daily consumption and toxicity has not been reported so far. It does not interact with most medicines. However, one should always consult a health care provider while adding a nutritional supplement to the diet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are sometimes referred to as Vitamin F. It refers to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Vitamin F is composed of two fatty acids – iinoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linoleic acid (LNA). Linoleic acid is considered to be the most complete fatty acid. There are two basic categories of EFA’s – omega-3… <\/p>\n