Omega 6 Description

Omega 6 Health Benefits

Omega 6 Sources

How Much Omega 6

Interactions & Precautions with Omega 6

More Information

Omega 6 Description

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in terrestrial plants - e.g. polyunsaturated vegetable oils, corn oil, soybean, sunflower, Perilla. There are several forms of Omega 6 fatty acids, of which Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gammalinoleic Acid (GLA) are the most important.

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid is the parent molecule of the Omega 6 family of EFAs. Omega 6 must be eaten in the diet as the body cannot make it. A principle source in the diet of Omega 6 comes from consumption of vegetable oil based margarine, salad dressings and mayonnaise. All required forms of Omega 6 can be synthesised from this parent molecule as needed by the body, as although the body cannot make Omega 6 it can change it from one form to another.

General Health benefits of Omega 6 EFAs

Omega 6 EFAs are generally necessary for skin and hair growth, regulating metabolism, promoting transport of fatty acids from the liver to the tissues and maintaining reproductive performance. Researchers believe that they have an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Most importantly Omega 6 EFAs are needed in the production of eicosanoids, which help to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, heart rate, immune response, and a variety of other biological processes. Omega 6 EFAs are important in maintanng heart health, and getting the right balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is of primary importance  for cardiovascular health.

Gammalinoleic acid

Gammalinoleic acid converts in the body to a hormone like substance, prostaglandin E1, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.

Dietary Sources of Omega6

Polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils - Conversion to using margarine's or cooking oils made from sunflower or safflower oils will help to provide a sufficient intake of Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids in the diet. Many pre-prepared food manufacturers now use these oils in cooking and food preparation, which means that most people eating a western diet are less likely to be deficient in Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids, although the data suggests that many people do not yet consume enough Omega 6 for optimal health.

How much Omega 6?

With respect to maintaning heart health, the principle objective is to ensure that Omega 3 intake is sufficient to achieve a healthy balance between omega 3 and omega 6.  The amount of Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids consumed should be no more than approximately four times the level of Omega 3 ingested, to provide optimum health. This means that we should consume no more than 5.2 grams of Omega 6 per day and at least 1.3g of Omega 3 per day.

Interactions and Precautions

Unfortunately we cannot inter-convert Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids within our bodies, so it is essential to eat the right proportions. When we get this ratio too far out of balance we can develop problems:-

• Excessive levels of Omega 3 may reduce blood clotting time.
• Excessive levels of Omega 6 increases the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

At the time of writing there are no other well known interactions of Omega 6

Sources of more information

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As with all supplements, it is advisable to consult your medical practitioner for advice and guidance if you have a medical condition or are receiving a prescription medicine.