Home The Road to Wellness The Role of the Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3s) Conversion Pathway
Conversion Pathway PDF Print E-mail
The Role of the Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3s)
In the next few slides, you'll now see how the enzymes delta-6-desaturase, delta-5-desaturase, elongase, cyclo-oxygenase and oxygenase alter the structure of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) into the beneficial, anti-inflammatory prostaglandins – PGE3 series prostaglandins - which reduce inflammation in the body. (Don't worry, we'll take you through, step-by-step as you scroll down).

The following figure shows the conversion pathway of alpha-linolenic acid (1). Note the nutrients that are essential to the enzymes, which make the conversions possible. Without enough of these nutrients these conversions cannot happen. The consequences of this will become clear in a few moments.

Alpha-linolenic acid (1) is converted into stearidonic acid (4) by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (2). Delta-6-desaturase requires sufficient B6, magnesium and zinc(3) to perform it's duties.

Stearidonic acid (4) is then converted to eicosatetraenoic acid (6) by the enzyme elongase (5).(scroll down)

Eicosatetraenoic acid (6) is then converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)(9) by the enzyme delta-5-desaturase. Delta-5-desaturase is dependent upon the nutrients vitamin C, niacin and zinc to properly perform it's functions. Delta-5-desaturase also prefers to convert EPA into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins of the PGE3 series. This is good news for asthmatics, as this would help to reduce inflammation. The following figure illustrates that conversion of EPA (9) into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins of the PGE3 series by way of (10) cyclo-oxygenase (COX).

 

 

 

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