Many of us are deficient in what are called essential fatty acids. Just like essential vitamins and minerals, certain fatty acids cannot be made by the body, and can only be obtained in your diet. Essential fatty acids are incorporated into all of your cellular membranes, and are essential for the myriad of functions they perform.
Medicinal oils come from flaxseed, evening primrose, borage and black currant as well as fish.
On the other hand, people in states of nutritional deficiency or suffering from diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism and as well as the aged, may lack the necessary enzyme to metabolize the dietary essential fatty. In these circumstances, a natural stable fish oil is a good alternative. The integrity of medicinal oils is exquisitely sensitive to the manufacturing process with the production of potentially toxic compounds with exposure to excessive heat, light or oxygen. Expeller pressing and modified atmospheric packing are the two best processes. Barlean's essential oils are produced with critical attention to manufacturing criteria.