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PROSTAGLANDINS GENERAL INFORMATION The Prostaglandins are a group of molecules that control the body's chemical reactions in the individual tissues or cells. There are three main prostaglandin families: PGF-1, PGF-2 and PGF-3 Prostaglandins can only be produced from Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). The Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFA each produce their own separate lines of prostaglandins that generally form "pairs of opposites." For example, "Thromboxane" is a prostaglandin that causes the blood to clot and "Prostacyclin" is a prostaglandin that prevents the blood from clotting. It is important to have the right amount of each in the blood at all times. Taking more Omega-3 EFA will decrease the amount of Thromboxane in the blood while leaving a normal amount of Prostacyclin. This can prevent blood clots and protect against heart attack and stroke. Conversely, if Omega-3 EFA are deficient there will be too much Thromboxane in the blood. This increases the risk of blood clots which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Greater Detail on Prostaglandins |