Dietary fatty acids not only serve as fuel for energy production but are used to build the “skin” (i.e cell membrane) of the cells that make up our body. Because the common Western Diet is typically rich in saturated fatty acids and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but poor in omega-3 PUFAs, most people are unknowingly consuming far too many omega-6 compared to omega-3 fats. This is problematic because omega-6 fatty acids compete with omega-3 fatty acids as building blocks for the cell membrane and cell membranes lacking omega-3 fatty acids are fragile and less robust. Because of the algae they consume, fats derived from marine sources are rich in two specific types of omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaeinoic acid (EPA) and docosahexoaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are essential nutrients for humans because they cannot be made within the body yet are required for optimal cell structure and function – especially cells within the brain and eye. EPA and DHA can also be converted into substances known as prostaglandins that may help support a healthy inflammation response and immune system.*
