Omega-6s /Omega-3s

Optimal Result: 8.5 - 27.4 Ratio.

Fatty acid research is rapidly evolving due to their association with health and disease. However, conventional laboratories and published researchers use differing matrices to measure them, and differing reference ranges. To mitigate this, many use relative ratios to gain a better understanding of disease correlation. Because cardiovascular disease and fatty acid imbalances have been widely studied, several fatty acid ratios have been established as a way to assess risk.

There has been a significant change in the balance of Omega-6s to Omega-3s with the evolution of the Western diet. Close to a 1:1 balance existed throughout history. However, rapid dietary changes and food industry advances have altered this to now be vastly in favor of Omega-6s by upwards of 20:1. This change correlates with many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, mood disorders, autoimmunity, and neurogenerative disease.

Dietary interventions which favor omega-3, in lieu of omega-6s, is recommended with elevations in this ratio to achieve a closer balance between the two.

References:

- Simopoulos AP. An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):128.

- Abdelmagid SA, Clarke SE, Nielsen DE, et al. Comprehensive Profiling of Plasma Fatty Acid Concentrations in Young Healthy Canadian Adults. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(2):e0116195.

- Simopoulos AP. The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Experimental biology and medicine. 2008;233(6):674-688.

- Simopoulos AP. The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, genetic variation, and cardiovascular disease. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition. 2008;17:131-134.

- Simopoulos AP. Evolutionary aspects of diet, essential fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. European Heart Journal Supplements. 2001;3(suppl_D):D8-D21.

- Lluis L, Taltavull N, Munoz-Cortes M, et al. Protective effect of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid/Docosahexaenoic acid 1: 1 ratio on cardiovascular disease risk markers in rats. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2013;12(1):140.

- Simopoulos AP, Cleland LG. Omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acid ratio: the scientific evidence. Vol 92: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers; 2003.

What does it mean if your Omega-6s /Omega-3s result is too high?

There has been a significant change in the balance of n-6s to n-3s with the evolution of the Western diet. Close to a 1:1 balance existed throughout history. However, rapid dietary changes and food industry advances have altered this to now be vastly in favor of n-6s by upwards of 20:1. This change correlates with many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, mood disorders, autoimmunity, and neurogenerative disease.

Dietary interventions which favor omega-3, in lieu of omega-6s, is recommended with elevations in this ratio to achieve a closer balance between the two.

What does it mean if your Omega-6s /Omega-3s result is too low?

A low Omega-6s/Omega-3s ratio would typically signify a favorable balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids in your body.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are two types of polyunsaturated fats that play essential roles in the body. Both are important for maintaining good health, but they need to be balanced properly. A balanced ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is generally considered to be beneficial for overall health.

A low Omega-6s/Omega-3s ratio would suggest that you have a relatively higher amount of Omega-3 fatty acids compared to Omega-6 fatty acids in your body. This can be a positive finding because Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, are associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. An excessive intake of Omega-6 fatty acids relative to Omega-3s can lead to an imbalance that may promote inflammation and potentially contribute to various chronic diseases.

Note: Recommendations regarding Omega-6 and Omega-3 intake can vary depending on individual health circumstances, so it's important to discuss the results with a healthcare provider to determine if any dietary or lifestyle adjustments are necessary.

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