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#'''Inflammatory Mediators:''' '''Arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)'''  are concentrated in cellular membranes and are used as precursors for inflammatory mediators and cell signaling pathways.<ref name="NRC"/> Both AA and EPA can be used by cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) to form the [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]]: prostaglandins, prostocyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Eicosanoids formed from EPA are less pro-inflammatory than those produced from AA.  
 
#'''Inflammatory Mediators:''' '''Arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)'''  are concentrated in cellular membranes and are used as precursors for inflammatory mediators and cell signaling pathways.<ref name="NRC"/> Both AA and EPA can be used by cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) to form the [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]]: prostaglandins, prostocyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Eicosanoids formed from EPA are less pro-inflammatory than those produced from AA.  
 
#'''Brain and Retinal Development:''' '''Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)'''  is synthesized in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] from EPA and is transported to the [[Eye - Anatomy & Physiology|retina]] and other nervous tissues where it is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). During growth, synthesis of these long-chain omega-3 FAs is inadequate to support normal retinal and brain development and a dietary source of EPA or DHA is considered [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|conditionally essential]].<ref name="Kirby">Kirby NA, ''et al''. (2009) '''Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids'''. ''JAPAN (Ber)'';93:505-511.</ref>
 
#'''Brain and Retinal Development:''' '''Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)'''  is synthesized in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] from EPA and is transported to the [[Eye - Anatomy & Physiology|retina]] and other nervous tissues where it is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). During growth, synthesis of these long-chain omega-3 FAs is inadequate to support normal retinal and brain development and a dietary source of EPA or DHA is considered [[Nutrition Glossary#Conditionally Essential Nutrients|conditionally essential]].<ref name="Kirby">Kirby NA, ''et al''. (2009) '''Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids'''. ''JAPAN (Ber)'';93:505-511.</ref>
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<center><gallery widths=450px heights=400px>
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File:Omega inflammation.jpg|EPA and AA compete for COX and LOX enzymes
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</gallery></center>
    
==Consequences of Fat Deficiency==
 
==Consequences of Fat Deficiency==
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