The Omega 3 to Omega 6 Ratio: Does It Matter?

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are two families of polyunsaturated fats, and each includes an essential fatty acid that humans cannot make: alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Modern Western diets contain far more omega 6 than omega 3 fats compared with many traditional diets, largely because of the widespread use of seed oils.

Both families are converted into signaling molecules called eicosanoids, and some researchers have proposed that a high ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 promotes inflammation. Other researchers dispute the importance of the ratio itself, pointing to evidence that linoleic acid does not necessarily increase inflammatory markers and that absolute intakes of each family may matter more.

The question remains an active area of nutrition research..