Eicosanoids: The Good and Bad Compounds Produced from EFAs

Eicosanoids are a family of powerful, short-lived hormone-like compounds produced in the body from essential fatty acids. They are responsible for many of the benefits of essential fatty acids. Some eicosanoids, however, are potentially harmful if excessive amounts build up in the body. Arachidonic Acid (AA), is an eicosanoid derived from omega 6 fatty acid that can be potentially harmful if excessive amounts build up in the body.

Prostaglandins are the good eicosanoids that are derived from both omega 6 and omega 3. Prostaglandins regulate cellular activity on a moment to moment basis. They regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, inflammatory responses, insulin sensitivity, immune responses, anabolic/catabolic process and hundreds of other functions known and yet unknown.

There are three series of prostaglandins. The series 1 versions, called prostaglandin E1, or PGE1, have many beneficial effects for athletes. They appear to have anabolic effects, promote thermogenesis, increase sodium and water clearance by the kidneys and prevent blood clots. PGE1 is an eicosanoid derived from gamma linolenic acid (GLA) - a non-essential fatty acid produced from Omega 6.

Series 2 prostaglandins, or PGE2, is derived from arachidonic acid (AA) - a non-essential fatty acid also produced from Omega 6. These have the opposite effects of the series 1 prostaglandinds, as they seem to trigger the release of energy substrates by breaking down structural protein, causing salt and water retention and promoting the clotting of blood. These properties come into play when the body suffers a wound or injury - without these eicosanoids, you would bleed to death from the slightest of cuts. However, in excess, these eicosanoids may be harmful. Many diseases are directly linked to excessive inflammation and blood clotting; examples include rheumatoid arthritis and some forms of stroke and heart attack. High levels of eicosanoids derived from AA in the body have also been linked to other diseases including diabetic nerve damage, high blood pressure, allergies, skin inflammations and cancer.

Both series 1 and series 2 prostaglandins are eicosanoids derived from the same precursor, linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid), while series 3 prostaglandins, or PGE3, are derived from linolenic acid (omega-3 essentail fatty acid). The series 3 prostaglandins are important not for their actions but, rather, for their ability to decrease the rate at which series 2 prostaglandins are formed.

Series 1 prostaglandins promote performance. Series 2 prostaglandins disrupt performance and series 3 prostaglandins block the formation of series 2 prostaglandins. Since most of our diets are rich in omega 6 and deficient in omega 3, an unhealthy balance is created. The body must maintain a delicate balance between these three prostaglandins. The body must produce enough beneficial eicosanoids such as PGE1 and PGE3, otherwise the strong pro-inflammatory, blood-vesel-constricting and blood-clotting effects of PGE2 will overwhelm the system. It is for this reason you want to maintain the proper balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids in your diet.