Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acid Supplements

What are omega 3/6 fatty acid supplements?

Essential fatty acids (EPAs) are fats and oils that are essential in the diet because the body cannot make them. They are extremely important nutrients for health. They are present in every cell in the body and are critical for normal growth and functioning of muscles, nerves and organs throughout the body. EFAs are also used in the body to produce a range of hormone like substances called prostaglandins which are key to a number of important processes like inflammation.

Scientists classify essential fatty acids into two types, Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid, steaidonic acid and EPA and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid is found in flax seed oil, canola oil, walnuts, soy beans and dark green leafy vegetables. Stearodonic acid is found in seeds and nuts. EPA and DHA are present in cold water fish. Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid which is found in safflower, molive, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed and other oils. Gamma linolenic acid is found in some seeds and evening primrose oil. Arachidonic acid is found in meat and animal products.

Why recommend administration of omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements to my pet?

Fatty acid supplements can reduce coat shedding, promote growth of the undercoat, and reduce tendencies to inflammation and itch. Anti-inflammatory effects come from the conversion of omega-3 and some omega-6 fatty acids into series 1 and 3 prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances have a general anti-inflammatory effect on the body, in contrast to series 2 prostaglandins, that are produced from another omega-6 fatty acid known as arachidonic acid. In most animals diets Omega-6 fatty acids are plentiful and often low in Omega-3 fatty acids, so supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids helps promote a better balance and less inflammation in the body.

Other emerging benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, especially fish oils, include:

• Treatment of arthritis
• Treatment of allergies and allergic skin disorders
• Differentiation of cancer cells, resulting in the shrinking of various tumours
• Prevention and treatment of autoimmune disorders
• Prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy
• Prevention and treatment of constipation and intestinal parasitism
• Treatment of hyper-excitability disorders
• Treatment of idiopathic epilepsy (seizures of unknown origin)
• Treatment of heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias.

The main reason why omega 3/6 supplements are needed in in the diet is because processed pet diets and home made diets are typically low in omega-3 fatty acids. A relatively high omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acid ratio helps promote a stronger anti-inflammatory ability in the animal.

How much experience is there with the use of omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements in pets?

Experience is extensive with the use of these supplements in pets. They are probably the most commonly used supplement in all of human and animal medicine.

What species of animals are being treated regularly with omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements?

Horses, dogs, and cats are usually treated with fatty acid supplements.

How much research has been conducted on this supplement?

Research is widespread on the benefits of essential fatty acid supplementation, which is reviewed extensively in the handouts on fish oil and flax oil in this series. Dozens of tests have been conducted on omega-3 fatty acids alone, given their emerging importance in the prevention of heart disease (specifically myocardial ischemia and coronary artery occlusion). In animals, given the lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, these supplements are usually used to control inflammation and help inhibit the growth of tumours.

How can my pet benefit from omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements?

Pets with dry skin and rough hair coats can benefit from fatty acid supplementation. Pets with inflammatory conditions such as allergic skin disease, nephritis (inflammation of the kidney), heart disease, and arthritis appear to benefit from fish oil supplementation.

Pets taking fish oil supplements plus chemotherapy have shown increased survival over those receiving chemotherapy alone. While not always effective by themselves, when combined with other supplements and medications fatty acid supplements are very helpful in treating pets with a variety of disorders.

How safe is omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements?

While extremely high doses of fatty acids may interfere with blood clotting, in general these supplements are very safe. A small number of pets may develop a fishy odour to their skin or breath. Some pets may develop a more greasy skin and coat when taking oil supplements.

Where do I obtain omega 3/6 fatty acids supplements and do I need a prescription?

We stock a number of products high in Omega fatty acids. Please feel free to talk to one of the vets if you would like to consider the use of these products with your pet. We would be happy to advise. A prescription is not required.