by Daphne Scott-Henderson
12. January 2012 05:24
The distinction between “bad fats” and “good fats” has received a lot of attention in the public and medical arenas. Generally, we think of saturated fats, trans fats, and Omega-6 fats as “bad” fats, while monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats are considered “good” fats. However, in some instances the distinction is more difficult to make.
One example is Arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid present in foods such as red meat, organ meats, and egg yolks. According to an article by Dr. Barry Sears, Understanding (AA) Arachidonic Acid – (Omega 6- Pro Inflammatory Fat), mice injected with pure arachidonic acid die within three minutes. However, arachidoinic acid, from a clinician’s point of view, is also an essential ingredient in several key bodily functions including healthy skin, blood clotting, and leukotriene and protaglandin synthesis.
Arachidonic acid is an integral part of the pathway to production of lipoxygenase ultimately leading to production of leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4, which are responsible for bronchoconstriction. However, this pathway also results in the production of leukotriene B4 which is a key component in the inflammatory process that attracts leukocytes to the site of injury.
Arachidonic acid also figures into the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX-1 and COX -2) that produces endopyroxides, prostacyclin and prostaglandin. Endopyroxides are directly related to the production of Thromboxane A2, which serves a primary role in blood clotting. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is pertinent to vasodilation and in decreasing platelet aggregation. Prostaglandins, depending on their type, are responsible for uterine contractions and gastric mucosal protection (E2), or vasoconstriction (F2a).
So, while you may not want to gulp down Arachidonic acid supplements, or inject yourself with an arachidonic acid serum, this is one Omega-6 acid that your body can’t do without.
Daphne Scott-Henderson, RN, BSN
FNP candidate 2013, Georgetown University
Sears, B., Understanding (AA) Arachidonic Acid-(Omega 6- Pro Inflammatory Fat. http://www.cbn.com/health/naturalhealth/drsears_arachidonicacid.aspx
