Omega 3

Omega 3 is a powerhouse lipid involved in many essential functions throughout the body. It can help maintain the fluidity of cell membranes therefore increasing insulin sensitivity and the passage of essential nutrients into the cell. It also acts as an antioxidant simultaneously reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Specifically in its EPA, DHA form contributes to strong mitochondria and its replication. This is how omega 3 is able to support the production of ATP, the body's energy currency. Consuming food sources of Omega 3 EPA, DHA and ALA with low quantity's of Omega 6 is crucial for our absorption of Omega 3. This is also important so that omega 3 can perform its functions in the body without becoming oxidized.

Animal sources per 100 g:  Ratio Ω6: Ω3

For those living in cold climates, hay fed winter beef will carry omega 3 amounts in between grain and grass fed beef and that could lead to omega 3 deficiencies in the winter and spring months. At these times relying on wild pacific salmon and other small wild fish will be crucial to maintain adequate omega 3 intake. It is still advisable to consume wild small fish periodically to maintain omega 3 even if consuming the purest grass fed beef.

Plant sources of Omega 3 come almost entirely in the form of ALA, since the Delta6-Desaturase human enzyme is not efficient enough to convert ALA to EPA DHA it is extremely impractical to rely on plants for Omega 3.

Plant sources per 100 grams:

Walnuts: Ratio 4:1

• ALA: 9000 milligrams

• Omega 6: 38000 milligrams

Avocadoes: Ratio 11:1

• ALA: 160 milligrams

• Omega 6: 1800 milligrams

Omega-3 deficiency and its impact on T regulatory (Treg) cells:

Deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can lead to a range of symptoms:

• Dry skin, itchiness, and skin irritation.

• Poor memory, cognitive difficulties, and impaired concentration.

• Mood swings, increased risk of depression, and emotional instability.

• Joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

• Fatigue, low energy levels, and decreased stamina.

• Poor eye health, dry eyes, vision problems, and increased risk of macular degeneration.

Additionally, omega-3 deficiency negatively impacts Treg cells responsible for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing excessive immune responses:

• Impaired Treg cell function, leading to reduced activity and suppressed immune regulation.

• Altered Treg cell production, hindering the generation and maturation of Treg cells.

• Imbalanced Th17/Treg ratio, with elevated pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and reduced anti-inflammatory Treg cells.

• Increased risk of autoimmune diseases due to compromised self-tolerance and diminished Treg cell function.

• It's important to note that these symptoms and immune effects can be associated with various other health conditions as well.

Vitamin E formed in natural sources has been shown to be a vital protector of omega 3. Pasture raised ruminant animal meat is an excellent source of this lipid protector and possibly the most powerful antioxidant in the body aside from our body's master antioxidant glutathione. It is debatable between these two molecules what one may be a superior antioxidant. This debate is less important when we recognize that they are both potent and required antioxidants. Ongoing research is shedding light on the adverse affects of vitamin E tocopherols supplementation that forms the lions share of sales (90%). Research has indicated the tocopherol supplementation may be doing more harm than good and that vitamin E in its tocotrienol variation may actually provide the benefits long sought after. For now the recommendation that we source our vitamin E in the context of a whole regenerative animal based diet seem to balance our need for the vitamin and our supply of it. The hypothesis is that in the absence of an inflammatory standard western diet our needs for vitamin E drops significantly. It may still however be useful in the context of ongoing chronic illness and its management even if inflammatory foods have been replaced with regenerative food.