Omega-6s fight inflammation, but only when taken with Omega-3s
Inflammation: the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, what you need to know
Omega-6 fatty acids reduce the synthesis of leukotrienes, molecules involved in inflammatory processes. However, Omega-6 counteract the accumulation of arachidonic acid only when taken together with Omega 3. Researchers from the pharmaceutical company Pilot Therapeutics Inc. demonstrated that daily intake of a mixture of Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and Omega-6 GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) reduces leukotriene synthesis. Taken alone, GLA causes an increase in arachidonic acid (AA), a pro-inflammatory molecule; the simultaneous intake of Omega-3 counteracts this side effect. Details of the studies were published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics1.
Fatty acids against inflammation
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids: the human body cannot synthesize them and therefore they must be obtained through diet. Maintaining a correct balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 intake is fundamental for ensuring good health. In fact, the effects of these two types of fatty acids are opposite:
- Omega-3 counteract inflammatory phenomena;
- Omega-6 promote them.
The ideal diet should include an amount of Omega-6 from 1 to 3 times higher than that of Omega-3. However, the Western diet is characterized by Omega-6 levels about 20 times higher than those of Omega-3. Experts believe this imbalance may be one of the causes of the increasing incidence of inflammatory diseases in industrialized countries.
Leukotrienes: Omega-6 are not enough
Early studies by researchers from Charleston showed that taking 1.5 grams per day of GLA in gelatin capsules reduces leukotriene synthesis, molecules involved in inflammation. However, taking GLA alone leads to increased plasma levels of arachidonic acid, a precursor of molecules associated with inflammatory phenomena. The increase of arachidonic acid is effectively counteracted if intake of these capsules is combined with 0.25 grams or 1 gram of EPA. In a subsequent study, scientists administered to participants emulsions containing different proportions of Omega-6 and Omega-3:
- 0.75 grams of GLA + 0.5 grams of EPA
- 1.5 grams of GLA + 1 gram of EPA
- 7.5 grams of GLA + 5 grams of EPA
In all cases, fasting levels of GLA and EPA stabilized after 7 days of intake: the second formulation increased fatty acid absorption compared to the gelatin capsules. No side effects were observed in any case.
Omega-3 and Omega-6, the importance of the right combination
The results of this research show that to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, it is not sufficient to take Omega-6 alone, but the combination with Omega-3 achieves the desired effects without harmful consequences for the body.
Source:
1. Surette ME, Koumenis IL, Edens MB, Tramposch KM, Chilton FH, “Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of a novel dietary fatty acid formulation in healthy adult subjects”, Clin Ther. 2003 Mar;25(3):948-71.
