These ratios mean that the typical American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, especially when considered in relation to
omega-6 fatty acids (Kris-Etherton et al.
The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a healthier balance between Omega-3 and
Omega-6 fatty acids. Many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease.
Myth:
Omega-6 fatty acids interfere with the health benefits of omega-3's.
Considering the many benefits of increased intake, it is reasonable to recommend increased consumption for all, thus subsequently offsetting the dominance of the inflammatory mediating
omega-6 fatty acids. Be it that contamination issues, particularly that of heavy metals, are of concern with an increased consumption of dietary EPA/DHA from fish, a favorable method of increasing the daily allowance is via supplementalion.
Omega-6 fatty acids play an equally important role in the development of canine grey matter.
EFAs are made up of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids. The main central nervous system omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); the main
omega-6 fatty acid is arachidonic acid.
The shift from rural community life to fast-paced urban sprawl also ushered in an era of fast foods, low fiber, and foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, and excessive intake of
omega-6 fatty acids.
Regarding a previous response to a question about omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids, you noted the importance of balancing these two nutrients.
Children who supplemented their diet with omega-3 fatty acids and reduced the proportion of
omega-6 fatty acids had a significant reduction in atopic cough, according to a large study.
Availability of the necessary precursors in the cell (the available concentrations of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids) plays a huge roll in determining the quantity and type of eicosanoids that will be produced.
In addition, the proportion of plasma
omega-6 fatty acids was lower in the children who took active supplements, compared with those children who took placebo (33.3% vs.
A study published in 2001 found that people whose diets were high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly prevalent in cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna and anchovies, and low in
omega-6 fatty acids (found in many fat-filled snack foods like commercially prepared pie, cake, cookies and potato chips) were significantly less likely to develop AMD than those whose diets were high in
omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids.
