'tensity said:
Actually it is. The amount of PA necessary to begin prohibiting such uptake isn't present in an entire jar of natty PB, which most people don't eat in one sitting anyhow. ALL fats are needed for fat soluable vitamin/mineral uptake, production of hormones, regulation of the nervous system and numerous physiological functions. Having a complete efa profile is critical. The promotion of high density lipoprotein and reduction of low density lipoprotein is also facilitated, though Omega 3 is prime there.
And while the argument always surfaces that many people get enough 6 from diet alone, in this community there are usually two factors that limit the conversion of LA to GLA: sugar intake and cholesterol, unless one is eating strictly clean all the time and monitoring these two factors regularly. Additionally, especially, both 3 and 6 are needed to produce the PG series 1 and 2s for a host of normal body functioning, even without making physical demands on the body like many here do.
Another thing to consider.
You mention that there are usually two factors that limit the conversion of LA (linoleic acid) to GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) - sugar consumption and cholesterol.
I'm assuming that you mean you should increase the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids because of a poor or inefficient conversion. The problem is, both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids require the delta-6 desaturase enzyme (D6D) to be utilized! So for all those taking flax oil, too much peanut butter and omega-6 in general uses up the D6D enzyme and they can no longer make the conversion of the alpha-linoleic acid (LNA) in flax oil to the EPA required for the series 3 prostanglandins!
Once again, this imbalance creates problems.
It's very true that the body needs fats for many functions, but if people would just eat egg yolks, liver, butter, and other animal fats, then supplement with cod liver oil, then there wouldn't be any problems. This also bypasses the need for the D6D and D5D enzymes (which you noted can be compromised), so you can bypass any issues with the prostaglandin pathways that rely on the D6D and D5D enzymes.
The D6D enzyme isn't only blocked by sugar consuption. Trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated fats inhibit the D6D enzyme, as does excess omega-6. Deficiencies in Biotin, vitamin E, protein, zinc, B12 and B6 interfere with the D6D enzyme. Overeating and malnutrition (notorious in bodybuilders and atheletes), along with alcohol consumption will inhibit the D6D enzyme as well!
Now, one very important part that is missed by many, is the fact that excess LA or LNA (read FLAX OIL) will use up the D6D and D5D enzymes which will effectively shut down the prostaglandin pathway preventing the conversion of these fats into their requires forms!
So excess omega-6 harms omega-3 utilization, while excess of both harms BOTH's utilization.
In short, skip all the goofy plant fats and eat egg yolks, liver, butter, and other animal fat, and supplement your diet with a MODERATE amount of cod liver oil.
