Letter E

Essential fatty acid

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An unsaturated fatty acid that is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured in the body.

There are three types of essential fatty acids (EFAs): arachnoidic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

When obtained in the diet, linoleic acid can be converted to both arachnoidic and linolenic acid.

It is commonly found in cold-pressed oils, and is particularly high in oils extracted from cold-water fish and certain seeds.

Recent research has explored the role of EFAs in the nervous system health.

Supplementation with certain EFOs appears to be useful as a treatment for certain neurological disorders.

However, arachnoidic acid may lower the seizure threshold.

For that reason, always consult a knowledgeable physician before starting a program of EFA supplementation

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