Flax Oil Capsules

Omega-3 rich fatty acid formula for optimal health
• Provides 900 mg of ALA per daily dose
• Includes 216 mg of LA per daily dose

Flax is one of the greatest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linolenic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid.¹ ALA is metabolized to EPA and DHA by elongase and desaturase enzymes. As these enzymes also compete to metabolize LA through elongation and desaturation reactions, an intake ratio of LA to ALA that is less than 4:1 best allows for the conversion of ALA into long chain omega-3 fatty acids.¹ Daily supplementation with flaxseed oil for over eight weeks significantly increased the levels of EPA and DPA, a DHA precursor and likely storage form of EPA, in both the erythrocyte membranes and plasma of adults.^2,3 Fatty acids are also necessary for the proper structure and function of the skin, including the protection against environmental factors and the loss of electrolytes and water.⁴ Decreased levels of these fatty acids have been associated with impaired epithelial cell function, including the loss of moisture in the skin.⁴ ALA further contributes to maintaining optimal health through its role in maintaining platelet and endothelial cell function.⁵ ALA is most bioavailable in flax oil when compared to milled or whole flax seeds.¹

REFERENCES
1. Rodriguez-Leyva, D, Mc Bassett, C, McCullough, R, Pierce, GN. Can J Cardiol. 2010; 26(9): 489-496.
2. Harper,CR, Edwards, MJ, DeFilipis,AP, Jacobson, TA. J. Nutr. 2006; 136: 83–87.
3. Cao, J, Schwichtenberg, KA, Hanson, NQ, Tsai, MY. Clinical Chemistr. 2006; 52(12): 2265–2272.
4. Nicolaou, A. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2013; 88: 131–138.
5. Stark, AH, Crawford, MA, Reifen, R. Nutrition Reviews.2008; 66(6): 326–332.