What PUFA means

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a family of lipids including some subgroups identified by the position of the last double bond in their structure. PUFA belongs to (omega) Ω -6 and (omega) Ω-3 families. Ω-3 family include alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while Ω-6 family include linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). PUFA is important because they contain essential fatty acids that are required for body functioning but are not synthesized inside the body and therefore needs to get supplied from outside sources. Various types of oil contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

20-carbon acids are substrates for the synthesis of eicosanoids, which contain prostaglandins, prostacyclins, tromboxanes, leukotrienes, hydroxy- and epoxy- fatty acids, and lipoxins, which are essential in metabolism. In recent years, many facts have been determined which prove that eicosanoids have a very wide scope of activity.

They have a significant influence on the regulation of the activities of the cardiovascular system and oxygenation of tissues, and they have antiarrhytmic effects (reducing the risk of arrhytmia). They control the regulation of blood pressure, balance in blood coagulation and de-coagulation, and vascular stability. They regulate the contents of lipoproteins, in particular HDL, triglycerides, and specific proteins of lipoproteins.

They influence the adaptation of the body immunity to inflammatory processes, proliferation (regeneration and reproduction) of cells, activities of hormones and neuromediators, gene expression, and activities of many organs, such as brain, kidneys, lungs, and digestive tract, the feeling of pain, and many other physiological and biochemical processes.