Omega -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to omega -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio

$$\frac{\sum \mathrm{PUFA}(\omega \text{-}6)}{\sum \mathrm{PUFA}(\omega \text{-}3)}$$

Abbreviations

• $\mathrm{PUFA}(\omega \text{-}6)/\mathrm{PUFA}(\omega \text{-}3)$

Description

Indicates the balance between these two types of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body.

• Inflammatory Balance: Omega -6 and omega -3 fatty acids are precursors to molecules that regulate inflammation. While omega -6 fatty acids are generally pro-inflammatory, omega -3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects. An imbalance with a high proportion of omega -6 to omega -3 can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
• Risk of Chronic Diseases: A high n-6/n-3 ratio is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other inflammatory conditions. Conversely, a lower, more balanced ratio is considered beneficial for preventing these health issues.
• Cellular Health: Both omega -6 and omega -3 fatty acids are crucial components of cell membranes and are necessary for regulating blood pressure and other bodily functions. The balance between them is vital for optimal cellular function.

Limits:

• from 1:1 to 5:1 [3]

References

1. Russo, 2009
2. Strobel et al., 2012
3. Gonzalez-Becerra et al., 2023
4. Yang et al., 2023