About Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids      At this point in time everyone has heard of essential fatty acids(EFA) in the form of fish oils or plant derived oils such as flaxseed oil.  The benefits of EFA supplementation are far reaching and are currently endorsed by organizations such as the FDA, NIH, American Heart Association and many more.      These EFA's are "essential" due to the fact that they are not formed within our own bodies and must come from an outside source.  Typical American diets, as well as the type of lifestyles we lead, usually are the main reasons for our deficiency of these EFA's.  Proper supplementation is a must for the majority of patients.      Two main classes of Omega 3 EFA's include EPA and DHA.  The potential protective benefits of these compounds include: regulation of pain and inflammation, maintenance of blood pressure and cholesterol, improved nerve growth and conduction, improved insulin sensitivity and much, much more.      The source of your EFA's is important as there are concerns with proper utilization in the body as well as chemical toxicity, such as mercury.  Plant derived EFA's must be converted to EPA and DHA from ALA within the body, which may be slow or not occur at the levels needed.  Marine derived EFA's are already converted to EPA and DHA within the fish itself and are more readily available.  Due to mercury concerns, a distilled/purified oil is recommended.      One other EFA, which is an Omega 6 fatty acid, is GLA.  It is an important anti-inflammatory agent found in borage and evening primrose oils.