Maximum Benefits from Esterified Fatty Acids Simply put an ester is formed when an alcohol combines with an acid in a reaction to form an organic compound. That's the short scientific explanation. For us laypeople who are interested in increasing our intake of important fatty acids -- particularly the omega 3 fatty acids we always hear about -- the importance of esterified fatty acids is that they are more bioavailabile. For example, fish oils, which are arguably the best source of all for the important omega 3 fatty acids DHA and DPA, can be harder for the body to convert when they come in triglyceride form, which is, in fact, the form most of them do come in. The body has to convert this triglyceride compound into an ester before it can be used. Therefore, by taking esterified fatty acids in a fish oil supplement for omega 3's, the body has less work to do. Benefits are enhanced as the omega 3 fatty acids are more readily utilized by the body. In summary, look for Omega 3 esters made from purified fish oils if you want maximum benefits of these fatty acids. Plant sources tend to be inferior sources of omega 3 fatty acids because they come in ALA form and must be converted by the body to DHA and EPA, and this conversion often does not happen efficiently. |
