Why people need fatty acids
Fatty acids are organic molecules. Most of the fat we consume is in the form of fatty acids.
The body uses fatty acids in many ways: to produce and store energy, as starting substances for countless (intermediate) metabolic products, as components of the cell membrane, and much more. Every fatty acid in the body has a specific function and is either used in a targeted manner or, if necessary, “synthesized” by the body for certain processes (i.e. a complex compound is built up from simple components).
However, there are certain fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize or build itself – namely, the so-called “essential” fatty acids such as Linoleic Acid (an Omega-6 Fatty Acid) and Alpha-Linoleic Acid (an Omega-3 Fatty Acid). These “essential” fatty acids are vital, and in order to optimize the fatty acid composition of the body’s own cells, they must be supplied through food or dietary supplements (ideally regularly). They are extremely important because they influence cell functionality and keep cells healthy, and healthy cells are crucial for the body’s organs and physiological processes. Fatty acids promote health – this is the reason why Omegametrix has dedicated itself entirely to fatty acid analysis.
Omega-3 and Trans Fatty Acids: our focus
The two marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), are crucial for life. However, their levels in cells vary greatly from person to person. EPA and DHA are the most biologically active Omega-3 Fatty Acids. This is why, together with testing the levels of harmful Trans Fatty Acids from the food industry – namely Trans-Oleic Acid and Trans-Linoleic Acids – EPA and DHA are the focus here at Omegametrix. Not all Trans Fatty Acids are harmful. Naturally occurring Trans Fatty Acids found in milk and dairy products are considered healthy because they are associated with increased longevity.
The aim of the Omegametrix Method is to determine the proportion of marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids and harmful Trans Fatty Acids in red blood cells in a standardized way. While marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids have a positive effect on health, harmful Trans Fatty Acids have negative effects. For the interest of your own health, it is essential to keep the two levels in the optimum range. Omegametrix can determine your individual levels and inform you on how to achieve the optimal ranges.
A standardized analysis of 26 fatty acids:our Omegametrix Method as a cornerstone in building knowledge
This is the HS-Omega-3 Index®
The HS-Omega-3 Index® was invented, defined, and developed by Prof. Dr. von Schacky and a colleague to indicate the proportion of the two marine Omega-3 Fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) in important organs, such as the heart.
To do this, we use our Omegametrix Method to measure the 26 most important fatty acids in the cell membrane of red blood cells and indicate the proportion of EPA and DHA as a percentage. The optimum target range for the HS-Omega-3 Index® is 8 – 11 %.
This is the HS-Trans Index®
The HS-Trans Index® was invented, defined, and developed by Prof. Dr. von Schacky to indicate the proportion of harmful Trans Fatty Acids (Trans-Oleic Acid and Trans-Linoleic Acids) in the body.
To do this, we use our Omegametrix Method to measure the 26 most important fatty acids in the cell membrane of red blood cells and indicate the proportion of harmful Trans Fatty Acids as a percentage. The optimum target range for the HS-Trans Index® is less than 1.04%. Naturally occurring healthy Trans Fatty Acids are not part of our HS-Trans Index®.
Impacts on human health: fields of action
Fatty acids are a component in every cell in the body and significantly influence cell quality and function. This is why it is worth keeping your own cell membranes’ HS-Omega-3 Index® in the optimum range, to promote positive effects on your health and longevity.
Many health benefits have been demonstrated in areas impacting quality of life. Below, you can learn about the most important fields of action and get to know the extensive and diverse influences of fatty acids on the body and psyche.
Get tested now
Would you also like to experience the positive effects of an optimal fatty acid composition for yourself? Then have yourself tested using the Omegametrix method – it’s very easy.
The importance of EPA and DHA in dogs, cats, and horses
In every blood sample taken from dogs, cats, and horses analyzed by Omegametrix, we were able to detect an HS-Omega-3 Index®. Just like humans, these animals cannot live without a minimal HS-Omega-3 Index®. Neither dogs, cats, nor horses are able to synthesize sufficient amounts of the marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA or DHA from plant-based Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). In addition, the brains of dogs, cats, and horses contain considerable amounts of DHA. From the sum of our findings it can be concluded: EPA and DHA are also vital for these animals.
Like humans, dogs, cats, and horses are therefore dependent on a sufficient supply of EPA and DHA. However, because every animal is different, only by measuring the HS-Omega-3 Index® can we provide clarity about individual levels of these important fatty acids and make improvements in animal health possible.
Impacts on dogs, cats, and horses
The most biologically active Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in the body of animals. An optimal supply of EPA and DHA can have a positive effect on almost all aspects of your pet’s life. For example, an optimal HS-Omega-3 Index® has been shown to help with both allergic dermatitis and other coat disorders.
Other positive effects include:
– Supports optimal functioning of heart, brain, muscle, and other organs
– Reduces joint problems (e.g. osteoarthritis)
– Benefits the development of young animals
– Improves cognitive abilities
– Reduces aggressive behavior
– Supports in cases of heart valve disease
– Helps with squamous gastric ulcers
– Improves lung function
Get your dog, cat, or horse tested now
Would you also like to promote your pet’s health? Then get it tested using the Omegametrix Method.
Myths & facts - and our refutation
The current state of science regarding fatty acids and their importance is more advanced than many of the commonly held opinions and myths surrounding them. We, as the experts in fatty acid analysis, have gained extensive and valuable knowledge in the years since our foundation in 2007 – scientifically substantiated according to the most rigorous quality controls using our standardized Omegametrix Method. There are few who know as much about fatty acids as Omegametrix, and we are building on our research every day to dispel such myths and refute them with facts. Here you can find an initial selection.