Estrogen and Omega's

A women’s natural estrogen is thought to play a role in converting the food sources of omega-3s we get in our diet from ALA to EPA and DHA.

This is important for keeping inflammation down in our bodies and thus preventing chronic inflammatory diseases (ex. Rheumatoid arthritis), reducing risk of recurrent negative cardiovascular events, and supporting our brain health 
The literature found that conversion is poor in general, ranging from <1%-9%. However, women of reproductive age consistently showed to be more efficient and this was in part attributed to the hormonal influence of estrogen. 
Understanding that this process is critical for the development of the brain, a study was done supplementing ALA to pregnant women and found that it significantly increased maternal and neonatal EPA levels and *functional DHA levels in the baby of the ALA supplemented mamas. 
Additionally, in animal studies tumeric taken in combination with ALA resulted in increase levels of brain and liver DHA and crucial enzymes needed to sustain this process. 
So, in addition to optimizing your diet and using food as medicine to support these processes there are many instances when we can utilize well sourced quality high dose fish oil supplement (DHA+EPA) to help our body function optimally with a healthy Fatty Acid Profile. 
Some common circumstances include: 🐟Issues with a women’s estrogen levels
🐟those taking hormonal birth control that shuts down your natural production of your estrogen 🐟addressing some post menopausal concerns 🐟small numerous bumps often seen on the back of your upper arms (can suggest a fatty acid deficiency)