Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are also known as omega-3 fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids. The EFAs include alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. According to Drugs.com, these essential fatty acids are not produced by the body and must be obtained from the diet. EFAs work to lower high triglycerides level in the blood and reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke.
Sources
Dietary sources of EFAs are fish, plants and oils from nuts, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Both eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids are obtained from cold water fish such as sardines, mackerel, halibut, tuna, herring and salmon. Flax seeds and flaxseed oil, soybeans, canola oil, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil, walnuts and walnut oil are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid. Fish oil supplements are rich with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.
Health Benefits
Essential fatty acids primarily benefit those with coronary artery disease and other heart conditions by lowering triglycerides, which helps to reduce the risks of heart attacks, heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. EFAs also lower high blood pressure and benefit those with arthritis and asthma.
Side Effects
If fish oil is being considered as a dietary supplement to supply EFAs, it should be taken under the advice and supervision of a health care practitioner. Side effects may include an unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth, belching, upset stomach as well as a mild skin rash or flu symptoms, according to Drugs.com. Fish oil should not be taken if you are allergic to fish.
Nervous System
Essential fatty acids are vital to the development of the brain and the spinal cord of an infant as well as the sense of sight. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers have had mixed results in studies regarding whether fish oil might reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Precautions
Fish oil supplements should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women without consultation with their health care provider. This supplement falls under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Category C, meaning it is unknown if this supplement will cause harm to an unborn infant or a nursing baby, according to Drugs.com.
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