Sorry to disagree but fish oil does not contain delta-6-desaturase. This is an enzyme that, together with delta-5-desaturase, is produced in the body. Together, these enzymes are necessary for converting ALA - found in flax oil - into long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Both EPA/DHA are found pre-formed in fish oil and this is reason that many people think that fish oils are a 'better source' of omega 3. However, healthy males convert 16% of consumed ALA into EPA/DHA, and women more; but this drops severely in older people, those with health problems and deficiencies. So sometimes fish oil is required, but most of the time client will do equally well on either source.
(Comment edited by EmpowHer Moderator to remove non-working link.)
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Sorry to disagree but fish oil does not contain delta-6-desaturase. This is an enzyme that, together with delta-5-desaturase, is produced in the body. Together, these enzymes are necessary for converting ALA - found in flax oil - into long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Both EPA/DHA are found pre-formed in fish oil and this is reason that many people think that fish oils are a 'better source' of omega 3. However, healthy males convert 16% of consumed ALA into EPA/DHA, and women more; but this drops severely in older people, those with health problems and deficiencies. So sometimes fish oil is required, but most of the time client will do equally well on either source.
(Comment edited by EmpowHer Moderator to remove non-working link.)
February 6, 2010 - 3:46pmThis Comment
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