Changes

==Why are they Important?==

==Why are they Important?==

Alpha-linolenic acid works in conjunction with linoleic acid (LA) to help maintain [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]] and [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|hair]] coat quality;<ref>Bauer JE. (2007) '''Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. '''''JAVMA'' 2007;231:1657-1661.</ref> EPA is incorporated into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes along with arachidonic acid (AA) and may dampen inflammatory reactions;<ref>Raphael W and Sordillo LM. (2013) '''Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammation: The Role of Phospholipid Biosynthesis.''''' Int J Mol Sci'' 2013;14:21167-21188.</ref> DHA is [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|conditionally essential]] for normal brain and retinal development in puppies and kittens.<REF NAME="Zicker" /><ref name="Heinemann">Heinemann KM and Bauer JE. (2005) '''Docosahexaenoic acid and neurologic development in animals '''''JAVMA ''2005;228:700-705. </ref><ref name="Pawlosky11">Pawlosky R, ''et al.'' (1997) '''Retinal and brain accretion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in developing felines: the effect of corn-based maternal diets.''''' Am J Clin Nutr'' 1997;65:465-472.</ref>

Alpha-linolenic acid works in conjunction with linoleic acid (LA) to help maintain [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]] and [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|hair]] coat quality;<ref>Bauer JE. (2007) '''Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. '''''JAVMA'' 2007;231:1657-1661.</ref> EPA is incorporated into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes along with [[Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|arachidonic acid (AA)]] and may dampen inflammatory reactions;<ref>Raphael W and Sordillo LM. (2013) '''Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammation: The Role of Phospholipid Biosynthesis.''''' Int J Mol Sci'' 2013;14:21167-21188.</ref> DHA is [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|conditionally essential]] for normal brain and retinal development in puppies and kittens.<REF NAME="Zicker" /><ref name="Heinemann">Heinemann KM and Bauer JE. (2005) '''Docosahexaenoic acid and neurologic development in animals '''''JAVMA ''2005;228:700-705. </ref><ref name="Pawlosky11">Pawlosky R, ''et al.'' (1997) '''Retinal and brain accretion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in developing felines: the effect of corn-based maternal diets.''''' Am J Clin Nutr'' 1997;65:465-472.</ref>

'''Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are in competition for the same metabolic enzymes''' and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids as well as the total amount of each [[Nutrition Glossary#Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid|polyunsaturated fatty acid]] is an important consideration when evaluating dietary balance or when attempting to modify concentrations of these nutrients for health and disease management.

'''Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are in competition for the same metabolic enzymes''' and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids as well as the total amount of each [[Nutrition Glossary#Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid|polyunsaturated fatty acid]] is an important consideration when evaluating dietary balance or when attempting to modify concentrations of these nutrients for health and disease management.