The Ideal Ratio of Omega 6: Omega 3Īncestral studies suggest that humans evolved consuming an equivalent amount of omega 6 relative to omega 3, or a ratio of 1 (13). The role of omega 6 fats in other inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, fatty liver disease, and irritable bowel disease is unclear and may be more related to the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3, as discussed below. Furthermore, a scientific advisory released from the American Heart Association (12) found that omega 6 PUFAs either lowered or had no impact on inflammatory markers and that when LA replaced either saturated fat or refined carbohydrates, there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol and the risk for heart disease. The conversion of LA to AA (see diagram above), from which inflammatory mediators are produced, is tightly regulated (12). However, the research to date does not support this hypothesis, at least when it comes to heart disease. It’s well-reasoned that because omega 6 is a precursor for inflammatory mediators, that reducing one’s intake of omega 6 will result in decreased inflammation and a potential reduction in the risk of chronic diseases where inflammation plays a contributing role. Supplementation with omega 3 fats may have a beneficial impact on clinical symptoms, as was shown in a study of elderly men where each 50 mg increase in omega 3 fats resulted in a 7% reduction in depressive symptoms (11). ![]() Mental IllnessĮpidemiological studies suggest that a low intake of omega 3 fats may contribute to the development of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, ADHD, personality disorder, and bipolar disorder (2). Studies suggest that supplementation with EPA/DHA may slow the development of more severe dementia symptoms (10). Alzheimer’s DiseaseĪlzheimer’s is a progressive disease in which inflammation is found in the brain tissue (2). A 2012, systematic review (9) found that high-dose EPA/DHA supplementation reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, although it’s role in other inflammatory conditions remains unknown (1). Given its role in inflammation, it is believed that omega 3 fats have the potential to be used as an adjunct therapy in autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory DiseaseĪutoimmune diseases occur when the body initiates an inflammatory response against its own tissues. This finding suggests that DHA/EPA only helps to lower cardiac risk, but does not compensate for other risk factors, such as diet, activity, disease, and genetics.
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