Essential fatty acids are healthy unsaturated fats that perform many vital functions in your body. They are commonly known as omega-3 and omega-3 fatty acids. Your body cannot synthesize these fats, and you must obtain them from foods. According to the Nova Scotia Community Organization Network, people with fibromyalgia, which is a disease associated with chronic pain in the tendons, muscles and ligaments, tend to lack essential fatty acids in their diets. These fats can help alleviate and manage the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Types
Omega-3s and omega-6s, also called alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, respectively, are the two types of essential fatty acids. Both of these fatty acids are liquid in room temperature and help lower cholesterol levels and your risks for heart disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, they both play different roles in your body.
Function
Omega-3s and omega-6s make up the primary structures for all cell membranes. They affect cell membrane properties, such as their fluidity, flexibility and permeability. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, omega-6 is used to maintain the normal function and structure of the retina in your eyes, proper nervous communication and alleviate allergies. Your body uses omega-3 mostly as an anti-inflammatory agent, to boost your immune system and capture free radicals that damage cell membranes.
People suffering from fibromyalgia and other types of muscle pain experience hypersensitivity and inflammation in their muscles and joints. You can take essential fatty acid supplements or foods as part of the doctor-recommended treatment.
Recommended Intake
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that you obtain about 11 to 17 mg of omega-6 fatty acids and 1.1 to 1.6 mg of omega-3 fatty acids a day to maintain your health. However, long-term overdose of essential fatty acids can cause diarrhea, loose stool, nausea and heartburn, according to Nutri-Facts.org. Some people many even have allergic reactions to certain types of fatty acids, such as linoleic acid.
Sources
The best sources of omega-6 include safflower oil, corn oil, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One tablespoon of safflower oil has 10.1 g, and one ounce of sunflower seeds has 9.7 g. For omega-3s, you can get them from cold-water fish, such as trout and salmon. Three ounces of salmon has 1.48 g, and three ounces of trout has 8.8 g.
Warning
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you consult with a physician before taking any type of essential fatty acid supplements because different medical conditions require to you to take different amounts and different forms of the supplement. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should take 1,400 mg a day of gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, which is a form of omega-6 fatty acid. If you have diabetes, take about 480 mg of GLA a day. If you have prostate cancer, do not take any omega-6 supplements because it could promote cancer growth in the prostate.
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