Whats so important about DHA and EPA?
To understand the importance of the elongated fatty acids EPA and DHA, we need to look into the mysterious world of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are localized tissue hormones produced in the cells by the action of enzymes on essential fatty acids. There are two prostaglandin pathways, one that begins with double-unsaturated omega-6 linoleic acid and one that begins with triple-unsaturated omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. Both pathways essentially involve elongation of the 18-carbon EFAs plus further desaturation. (See accompanying diagram.) Series 1 and Series 2 prostaglandins are produced on the omega-6 pathway, Series 3 prostaglandins are produced from EPA on the omega-3 pathway. In addition, DHA, also on the omega-3 pathway, plays an important role in the function of the brain and nervous system. Like hormones, prostaglandins work in balance. Early research focused on the interplay between the Series 1 and Series 2 prostaglandins. In the simplest terms, the Series 2 prostaglandins se
