Omega 3 Fatty acids are converted to their metabolites by a series of alternating desaturations (adding double bonds) and elongations (adding two carbon atoms). The desaturation steps tend to be slow, the elongation steps are rapid. Due to the first desaturation being remarkably slow and the first elongation exceptionally rapid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA or 20:5, n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA or 22:6, n-3) of the omega 3 series are found in the human body in minute amounts due to their slow formation by desaturation and then immediate metabolism by elongation.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are derived from a rate limiting enzyme delta-6-desaturase from Alpha linolenic acid (ALA or 18:3, n-3) from seed oils (as in flax oil) or are available directly through food intake by ingestion of dietary marine oils. In degenerative conditions delta-6 desaturation may impair the ability to form EPA and DHA from ALA. EPA and DHA are especially abundant in neural tissue, the synapse, visual receptors in the retina, and the endocrine glands.

The most specialized and elongated fats in humans are found in the eyes and CNS thus the influence of omega 3 fatty acids is paramount in these tissues. EPA and DHA are converted to PGE3 and by competitive inhibition can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids from arachadonic acid (AA or 20:4, n-6). EPA and DHA inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis (both random and chemotactic migration), decrease platelet aggregation, markedly decrease triglycerides, and decrease blood viscosity.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial for the structure of all membranes in the body (as fluidity, flexibility, and permeability) affecting membrane proteins embedded in the membrane environment by modulating proteins in the form of receptors, enzymes as ATPases and ion channels. PUFAs are precursors of prostaglandins (local hormones that control cell to cell interactions) and leukotrienes, essential for the formation of the impermeable barrier of the skin and other tissues, necessary for the cardiovascular system through cholesterol transport and metabolism, impact neural circuitry, act as neurotransmitters, are involved in thermogenesis and are critical in immune modulation.

Gamma Linolenic Acids/Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 6 Fatty acids are converted to their metabolites by a series of alternating desaturations (adding double bonds) and elongations (adding two carbon atoms). The desaturation steps tend to be slow, the elongation steps are rapid. Due to the first desaturation being remarkably slow and the first elongation exceptionally rapid the gamma linolenic acid (GLA or 18:3, n-6) of the omega 6 series are found in the human body in minute amounts due to their slow formation by desaturation and then immediate metabolism by elongation.

GLA is derived from linolenic acid (LA or 18:2, n-6) by a rate limiting enzyme delta-6-esaturase or is available through food intake by ingestion of human breast milk or evening prim rose oil.

Inadequate delta-6 desaturation is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases such as diabetes mellitus and eczema. GLA is metabolized by a non-rate limiting step to dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (DGLA or 20:3, n-6). DGLA is converted to PGE1 and 15-OH-DGLA inhibiting neutrophil function and exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the activity of both 5-lipoxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase reducing the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids from arachadonic acid (AA or 20:4, n-6).

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are potent biological modifiers that are crucial for the structure of all membranes in the body (as fluidity, flexibility and permeability) affecting membrane proteins embedded in the membrane environment by modulating proteins in the form of receptors, enzymes as ATPases and ion channels. PUFAs are precursors of prostaglandins (local hormones that control cell to cell interactions) and leukotrienes, essential for the formation of the impermeable barrier of the skin and other tissues, necessary for the cardiovascular system through cholesterol transport and metabolism, impact neural circuitry, act as neurotransmitters, are involved in thermogenesis and are critical in immune modulation.

Medium Chain Triglycerides

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are saturated fatty acids with chain lengths ranging from six to twelve carbon atoms and most often as eight to ten. MCTs are commercially derived from coconut oil and re-esterified to glycerol. Rather than being transported as long chain triglycerides via intestinal lymphatic ducts by chylomicrons as most fats are, MCTs are absorbed directly into the vein due to their greater solubility and smaller molecular size. MCTs pass through membranes easily being transported and metabolized quickly, not being deposited in adipose tissue.

Calcium Elenolate

Calcium elenolate is a phenolic compound extracted from the leaf portion of olives. It has been observed to have potent anti-microbial activity as an antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent. The anti-viral effect of calcium elenolate results in a dramatic reduction of the infectious process whereby the sustained effect obtained suggests that it may affect viral components of cellular origin in both free and cell-associated virus.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is a cofactor in oxidative decarboxylation of alpha keto acids. As lipoamide it undergoes both reversible acylation/deacylation to transfer acyl groups to CoA and reversible redox ring opening and closing coupling that function with the oxidation of alpha-ketoacid.