Fatty Acid Structure

Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA

Fatty acid structure differences between Omega 3 and 6, between Omega 3 DHA and EPA. Confused?

That's not strange. Top omega fatty acids for dogs advice from Dr P. Schonbeck.

Lets start explain why the are called omega 3 (or n-3) fatty acids.

Later it would be easier to see omega 3 and 6 fatty acids differences.

It explains where the first double bond are placed. But here you need to be aware that chemist count form the left side (See picture) and others count from the right side.

You see that counting three carbon atoms (where two lines meet) from the right side - and you get to the first double bond.

The omega 3 indicates where the first double bond are placed in the omega fatty acid structure.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is the most important fatty acids for dogs. This is not only one fatty acid. Its several different ones.

Three different ones Alfa-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).

Alfa-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

This is a nutritional essential fatty acid. Dogs cant make this one but have to get it through food. The same for us humans.

ALA can in the dogs body be changed to another essential acid, the eicosapentaenoic acid (or EPA)

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

The body cant produce this one from the ground. It needs at least the ALA to be able to make EPA. EPA can also come from food of cause.

Here is a picture of EPA fatty acid structure.

The difference between ALA and EPA is the number of double bonds. ALA has 3 and EPA has 5. And its omega 3 both as you find the first double bond at the third carbon atom from the right.

EPA can further be changed in the cell to another omega 3. This is called docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA).

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

DHA is the third omega 3 acid. It can be build from EPA or it can come from food rich in essential fatty acids.

Here is a picture of omega 3 DHA:

ALA is the "mother" to EPA. EPA can be metabolized to DHA. Or EPA and DHA can be in the food or as given as a supplement.

DHA and EPA is the biological active fatty acids.

Omega 6

Linoleic acid is the most important omega 6 fatty acid. It is an essential one as well, but if given too much it has negative impact on the health.

N-6 omega fats are in the body converted into different pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. And too many of these do harm to the body.

Linoleic acid is very important but not in excessive amounts.