The omega series (primarily omegas 3, 6, and9) fatty acids have been intensively studied and recognized for their primaryand secondary roles in many biochemical reactions and health parameters.Depending on the specific form and the animal in question, the omega seriesfatty acids are often considered essential as the body must obtain either theirprecursor or final form from the diet.
For example, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) andeicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), also known as the “fish oils,” are considered trulyessential to domestic cats who cannot convert these fatty acids from theplant-based precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA). As a general rule the moreherbivorous the animal the better its conversion from ALA to DHA and/or EPA.The converse is true of carnivorous animals who are generally poor converters.
Omega-6 series fattyacids (linoleic acid [LA] is the principle physiologic form and comes primarilyfrom plant-based sources and plant-eating animal tissue) often have opposingfunctions to omega-3 series fats. Omega9 series fatty acids (including oleic acid and erucic acid) commonly comefrom plant oils and animal fat. Omega 9 fatty acids are often notconsidered essential because many animals can construct these fats fromunsaturated fat. Studies on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation areextensive in mammals.
Additionally, thereare numerous studies on both fatty acid types in birds, primarily in poultryspecies. The value and role(s) of omega 9 fatty acids in birds have yet to beclearly defined.
Omega series fatty acids are most often listedby their form (e.g., ALA, DHA, LA) and in milligram amounts. Serving sizeand/or dose recommendations are often included. These fatty acids may bepackaged in gel capsules (preferred form for stability reasons), gel sticks,dry powder, pump and pour-on bottles, and more. DHA and EPA are highly unstableand currently best kept in gel capsules. All fatty acid supplements should bestored in dark cool locations and in tightly sealed bottles or capsules to slowoxidation.
With some exceptions,most studies on fatty acid quality pertain to contaminants. In particular,persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of greatest concern as these toxiccompounds bioaccumulate and biomagnify in animal tissues, particularly marinespecies. While plants can also contain POPs, these organic compounds aretypically deposited on the leafy portions of the plants and are notbioaccumulative and do not magnify as is common with predator species.
POP exposure isassociated with a host of problems including endocrine disruptions; cancer; andneurobehavioral, reproductive, and developmental disturbances in humans andanimals. Contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinatedpesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pristine, squalene, unresolvedcomplex mixtures, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist (digoxin-like),polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans was noted in a number of studies offish oils and omega3 fatty acid supplements. In 2004 ConsumerLab, an independentreviewer of nutraceuticals, reported that 6 of 20 omega-3 fatty acid productsdid not contain the label-stated amount of one or more essential fatty acids.
The website stated“two of the products that failed made claims on their labels that their‘potency’ had been ‘tested’ or ‘verified’.” In a 2014 revised review of 30omega-3 fatty acid supplements, ConsumerLab reported that fiveproducts failed to meet basic quality testing.
