Omega-6 Oils
Good or Bad?
I have talked about the confusion over the
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids many times
in the past. It was mentioned in the transcript
of the July 29, 2012 Willner Window Radio
Progrm published in this edition of the
Willner Reference Newsletter/Catalog, under
the title “Longevity, ADHD, Pancreatic
Cancer, Liver Cancer, Hypertension--Studies
Show Supplements Can Help.”
The problem is that omega-6 fatty acids
may have an ill-deserved bad reputation.
While there are some concerns about
omega-6 fatty acids, there are good points as
well. Linoleic Acid, the primary, essential,
dietary omega-6 fatty acid is, in itself, good
for you. Other omega-6 oils, like Borage Oil,
Black Currant Oil and Evening Primrose Oil,
which contain preformed GLA are no less
beneficial than EPA and DHA.
To clarify this, and provide more informa-
tion on this important but confusing topic, I
am going to reprint an interesting article from
The Natural Products Insider. This is a trade
magazine, but it provides a good, informative
argument supporting the benefits of omega-3
fatty acids.
The title of the article is “A Positive Spin on
Omega-6,” and was written by Somylynn
Rone. (Www.naturalproductsinsider.com)
The benefits associated with omega-6, an
essential fatty acid (EFA), have been recently
overshadowed by the abundance of research
and press hyping omega-3. In addition, a
Western diet rich in omega-6s but poor in
omega-3s has cast a negative spotlight on this
necessary nutrient. “In our society’s constant
search to over simplify the complex, we
often get only part of the story or jump to
faulty conclusions,” said Ken Ardisson, busi-
ness manager-Specialty Nutritionals, Arcadia
Biosciences. “We’re told that since omega-3s
are so good, then omega-6s must be bad.
Following this seemingly logical thread, since
linoleic acid is a major constituent of corn
and soybean oils, both of which are widely
used in commercial cooking, these must,
therefore, also be bad.”
In fact, Ardisson noted, omega-6 and its
constituents actually hold health-promoting
promise for a variety of conditions ranging
from skin inflammation to cholesterol con-
trol.
Omega-6’s distinctive characteristics shed
light on the many avenues and possibilities of
omega-6 supplementation. Omega-6s are
found in raw nuts, seeds, legumes and in
unsaturated vegetable oils, such as borage,
grape seed, evening primrose, sesame and
soybean oils. The family of omega-6 polyun-
saturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has a carbon-
carbon double bond at the sixth carbon from
the terminal end of the molecule. Omega-6s
have complementary but notably distinct
functionalities when compared to omega-3s.
Linoleic acid (LA) is considered the parent of
the omega-6 family and is the most abundant
fatty acid seen in most seed- and vegetable-
based cooking oils. It also appears LA offers
significant mechanisms for the control of cho-
lesterol. A paper published by the Endocrine
Society in 2006 stated: “Linoleic acid, an
omega-6 PUFA, is cardioprotective” and
“remains the most potent cholesterol-lower-
ing nutrient.”(1)In January 2008, the
American Heart Association (AHA) said heart
disease death rates in the United States
dropped 26 percent from 1999 to 2005 due
to lower cholesterol levels and a reduction of
saturated fats, trans-fats and partially hydro-
genated oils in the diet. Ardisson added the
popularity of “heart-healthy” buttery blends,
which are an assembly of oils with relatively
high omega-6 content, is another indication
of LA’s ability to control cholesterol.
LA can be broken down to a secondary
sequential metabolite known as gamma-
linolenic acid (GLA) by way of the delta-6
desaturase (D6D) enzyme. Mary Ann
Siciliano, national sales manager, Arista
Industries, noted pre-formed GLA can be
ingested from several plant-based oils includ-
ing evening primrose oil (EPO), borage and
black current seed oil. Its efficacy is based on
its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to
balance the ratio of saturated and unsaturat-
ed fats in cells and cell walls.
“Ideally, the body produces all the GLA it
needs,” Ardisson said. “However, under cer-
tain circumstances, the D6D enzyme
becomes impaired, preventing the body from
efficiently converting linoleic acid to GLA.”
Factors such as stress, aging, diabetes, alco-
hol consumption, smoking, eczema, infec-
tion, diabetes, cancer, excessive saturated fat
intake, elevated cholesterol levels and defi-
ciencies of vitamins B3, B6 and C, zinc and
magnesium can contribute to a weakened
D6D enzyme and the body’s inability to con-
vert LA properly. Additionally, a limited deta-
5 desaturase (D5D) enzyme can convert GLA
metabolites into another omega-6 by-product
called arachidonic acid (AA). Interestingly,
AAs, which come primarily through con-
sumption of animal products, possess a A
Positive Spin on Omega-6[Nutritional
Lipids/EFAs] Vol. 13 No. 3 March
2008www.naturalproductsinsider.com Page
2diverse duality: they are vital constituents of
cell membranes but can also be converted
into proinflammatory eicosanoids.
Step by StepThe conversion step from LA
to GLA appears to play a fundamental role in
the body’s ability to deal with inflammation.
Dietary GLA may help reduce inflammation.
“Supplementing the diet with GLA-rich oils
like borage, EPO, black currant or echium
seem to reduce inflammatory processes by
inhibiting the conversion of arachidonic acid
in the body to inflammatory products,” said
David Chance, sales and marketing manager,
Sanmark. He noted dietary GLA is converted
to di-homo gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA),
which is then converted to an anti-inflamma-
tory eicosanoid. Siciliano added DGLA com-
petes with AA for enzymes and prevents the
negative inflammatory effect that AA would
otherwise cause in the body. Further,
Siciliano said, adequate amounts of certain
nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and vita-
mins B3, B6 and C may promote the conver-
sion of GLA to DGLA rather than AA.
The two major classes of signaling
eicosanoids are prostaglandains and
leukotrienes. Depending on the cell, DGLA
can be converted to a prostaglandin or both
prostaglandain and lukotrienes. The
cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme converts
DGLA into 1-series prostaglandins (PGE1),
which are the source of many healthy and
beauty benefits, such as the ability to soothe
skin, promote healing and regulate water
loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to
distend blood vessels, aid in restraining blood
clotting and abate swelling, pain and redness
caused by bodily injuries.
Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS, noted
GLA can also help cell resilience and moisten
the fatty layer beneath the skin, creating a
since 1911
• Willner Chemists •
the nutritional supplement professionals
Phyto-Tech™ Menopause Complex (for Menopausal symptoms)
Phyto-Tech™ Fertility Complex (if infertile, trying to become preg-
nant)
Phyto-Tech™ Dong Quai Root (if estrogen deficient)
Phyto-Tech™ Black Cohosh Root (for hot flashes, cramps)
1 fl oz - Prod Code: 56989
Chinese Red Ginseng
Chinese Red Ginseng
Ginseng is the premier adaptogenic, immune-modulating herb.
Chinese Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is more “stimulating” or
warming than American Ginseng.
Who would benefit from this supplement? Those suffering from
fatigue, burn-out, frequent illness, depression. Red Chinese Ginseng
is thought to increase vigor, energy, vitality and resistance to illness
and environmental or external stress. It is often the preferred adap-
togenic herb for the elderly.
Supplemental Information:
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng increases vigor, energy, vitality
and resistance to illness and environmental stresses. It is best for
those who are depleted and are low on passion in life. It is also
indicted for those working too hard and are afraid of burn out. Red
Chinese Ginseng will increase the stress hormone ACTH from the
pituitary that helps the body adapt to stress. When stress is initiating
the breakdown on one’s innate weakness (genetic, constitutional,
predispositional tendencies), Red Chinese Ginseng will help the
body to cope and therefore assist in many chronic diseases, especial-
ly if debilitating and wasting.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is not for those in their prime
of life who are full of fire, the Type-A personality. It is for those who
used to be that way and are now not what they used to be. It helps
in the aging process to stay alert, youthful, energetic and adaptive to
environmental changes. It is immunomodulating and keeps the
immune system firing on all levels.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is a tonic for the 21st century
with the fast paced life style that creates accelerated wear and tear.
It gives more mileage to the body.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng should be considered for
depression in the elderly who might not be chemically depressed in
a St. John’s Wort way (serotonin), but need some energy to process
life with more passion and enjoyment. It is synergistic with Ginkgo
for the elderly.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is a more yang or warming and
stimulating ginseng than the American. Eleuthero Root (sometimes
referred to as Siberian Ginseng) is not a true Ginseng and is consid-
ered neutral, not warming or cooling.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng contains 333 mg of imported
Chinese Red Ginseng per 30 drops.
Dosage: 15-45 drops, 2-3 times per day It is best used as a long
term tonic (1-3 months and longer).
1 fl oz - Prod Code: 57023
Chlorophyll Extract
Chlorophyll Extract
Often considered the “blood” of plants, chlorophyll is structurally
similar to hemoglobin. It has a protective and detoxifcation
action.
Who would benefit from this supplement? Those with heavy metal
toxicity and those looking for cleansing and detoxification properties.
Those with bad breath and body odor. Those suffering from fatigue
and those with slow healing wounds.
Phyto-Tech™ Chlorophyll provides 100 mg Chlorophyll, from
Mulberry leaf, per 30 drops.
Dosage: 15-30 drops in water or juice, 1-2 time daily, or as need-
ed
Supplemental Information:
Chlorophyll is the sunlight collecting molecule in plants that gives
them their green pigment. Plants use chlorophyll to collect light
needed for photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis Chlorophyll mol-
ecules have the ability to convert solar energy into chemical energy
by manufacturing carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.
Chlorophyll is often referred to as the “blood” of plants.
Interestingly, Chlorophyll molecules are structurally very similar to
human hemoglobin molecules. The difference between the two
being that Chlorophyll carries Magnesium at its center and hemoglo-
bin carries iron at its center. Like iron, Chlorophyll helps the body
build red blood cells and thus increases oxygen availability. It ener-
gizes and revitalizes the body and is helpful for fatigue, shortness of
breath, asthma, altitude sickness and intense physical exertion.
Chlorophyll acts as an internal deodorizer and is helpful for people
with halitosis (bad breath) and body odor. It can be used as an aid to
reduce digestive tract odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and also
fecal odor caused by incontinence. It can also help for foul smelling
gas. Chlorophyll cleanses and nourishes the intestinal tract and is
healing to the mucosal lining. It can also be helpful for constipation.
Chorophyll is an excellent whole body cleanser. It not only detoxi-
fies the digestive tract, but also facilitates cleansing of the blood and
liver and assists in the chelation of heavy metals. It is capable of neu-
tralizing harmful oxidants and may reduce oxidative damage from
certain carcinogens. It also has the ability to form tight molecular
complexes with carcinogens and in doing so blocks the body’s
absorption of them. In a placebo controlled study conducted in
China Chlorophyll supplementation was found to decrease DNA
damage caused by aflatoxin, a liver carcinogen produced by fungus
in moldy grains and legumes. Scientists hope that in populations
with unavoidable dietary aflatoxin exposure Chlorophyll supplemen-
tation could significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
1 fl oz - Prod Code: 56977
Cinnamon Bark 40
Cinnamon Bark 40
This is a standardized Cinnamon Bark complex in a liquid filled
veggie cap.
Historically, Cinnamon has been used for various gastrointestinal
problems. More recently, interest has centered on the research
showing that Cinnamon can help normalize blood sugar control.
This is of major interest to those with type 2 diabetes.
Who would benefit from this supplement? Those with blood sugar
regulation problems, including type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and
cholesterol related conditions.
Each two liquid filled veggie caps contain 250 mg of Cinnamon
Bark (alcohol extract), 75 mg of Cinnamon Bark (supercritical carbon
dioxide extract, standardized ro 40 mg Cinnamaldehydes.
According to Natural Standard Integrative Medicine database,
“Cinnamon may be used for various medical conditions (77;?78). In
a survey of parents in Germany determining the use of complemen-
tary and alternative medicines in children with type 1 diabetes in
four pediatric diabetes centers (located in Leipzig, Berlin, Stuttgart,
and Bonn), 5.6% reported using cinnamon for this indication (79).
Cinnamon has been touted as having a positive effect on postprandi-
al glucose metabolism (80). Its ability to lower blood sugar in individ-
uals with diabetes has been discussed (81). Naturally occurring com-
pounds found in cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), including chromi-
um and polyphenols, may improve insulin sensitivity (82). Human
data suggest that cinnamon exhibits "sweet" properties and may be
used in strategies for reduction of sugar intake (83).
Each two liquid filled veggie caps contain 250 mg of Cinnamon
Bark (alcohol extract), 75 mg of Cinnamon Bark (supercritical carbon
dioxide extract, standardized ro 40 mg Cinnamaldehydes.
Also available in a vegetarian capsule form. Each veggie capsule
contains 410 mg of certified organic Cinnamon Bark.
The Cinnamon used in Phyto-Tech™ Cinnamon supplements is
Cinnamomum cassia, the species utilized in research. It is certified
organic and vegetarian.
60 Liquid Filled Capsules - Prod Code: 57092
90 Veggie Caps - Prod Code: 60118
Cleanse Complex 1:2
Cleanse Complex 1:2
A herbal formula based on traditional concepts of a rapid,
systemic (full body) cleansing.
. . . continued on page 36
Important Notice: The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health, and the proper use of dietary supplements. It is
not intended as a substitute for medical advice, nor a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you have a medical problem, you
should seek medical help. Products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate disease.
Product Reference Guide: Willner Chemists Phyto-Tech™ Herbal Supplements
. . . continued on page 65