Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

Is it important to maintain a ratio of 1:1 to 1:4? What will be needed in acute and chronically inflamed patients? Let's discuss.

May 17, 2024

Dear Supporting Beens,

This week has been important. We have started a thorough discussion of inflammation, chronic inflammation, health, and supplements. The reason is that I see a lot of writers, companies, and presenters on YouTube present biased and inaccurate information. This leads to not only confusion, but also financial stress to purchase all these products. So, you and I are going to fix the narrative with your support and help.

Notes:

We discussed Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio. Some important points to consider:

1. Omega-6 and Omega-3 are added to our cell membrane throughout our lives.

2. Omega-6 is proinflammatory while omega-3 is anti-inflammatory.

3. When a cell receives an inflammatory signal, it activates an enzyme called cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). This enzyme removes omega-6 and omega-3 from our cell membranes.

4. Omega-6 is also converted to arachidonic acid during the cleavage (removal).

5. Omega-3 when cleaved will stay omega-3 and are not converted to arachidonic acid.

6. Arachidonic acid is further processed by cyclooxygenase (COX) , lipoxygenase (LOX), and CYP450.

7. Arachidonic acid metabolites are produced that are potent proinflammatory molecules e.g. prostaglandins and thromboxane etc.

8. DHA and EPA that are types of omega-3 are also processed by the same enzymes. However, the output is typically anti-inflammatory molecules.

Considering the above if we are in a healthy state and are consumers of western diet then we should realize that we are packing our cell membranes with a lot of omega-6. Western diet has a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 of about 13:1 to 16.7:1. We need to start creating an adjustment to our diet or add supplements to strive for a ratio of 1:1 to 4:1.

If we are acutely ill, then the ratios will be off and the need to control the inflammation (or not) will dictate how much omega-3 you should take to counter this inflammation. Maybe no change as the inflammation is useful in acute setting.

If someone has pathologically chronic inflammation then it will be beneficial for them to take more omega-3 than omega-6 i.e. the concept of maintaining a ratio does not really apply here. More omega-3 is needed. Once, we recover to a healthy state then a ratio maintenance can be achieved via diet or supplements.

More on inflammation, chronic inflammation, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 etc. in the future talks.

Disclaimer: not a medical advice. Speak with your physician to check what is good for you. Secondly, I have some links below from Amazon. I have no financial relationship with these companies. I do not even have a vendor link to get commission from these product's sales.

References:

URL list from Wednesday, May. 15 2024 17:43 PM

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Health Professional Fact Sheet

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/

No need to avoid healthy omega-6 fats - Harvard Health

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/no-need-to-avoid-healthy-omega-6-fats

Amazon.com : Sanar Naturals Chia Seeds with Omega-3, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Keto Diet Friendly, Vegan, Good Source of Fiber, Add to Smoothies or Salads, 10 oz : Appetite Suppressants : Grocery & Gourmet Food

https://www.amazon.com/Sanar-Naturals-Chia-Seed-10/dp/B005DSVA3U/ref=asc_df_B005DSVA3U/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693364063173&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17719158956670376567&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032135&hvtargid=pla-2261048697513&psc=1&mcid=769b7d564acb362dbd886d39f9620bfb&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwupGyBhBBEiwA0UcqaJePy3BLcp-YFHXR8dgZtYjM3KG_LLQhxPhaa6EDYFiJaGaywi9dkxoC8LYQAvD_BwE

Viva Naturals Triple-Strength Fish Oil Omega 3 Supplement

https://vivanaturals.com/products/fish-oil?variant=15385470140473¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A17878951410%3A%3A&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=115481516&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=shopify_US_1586477203513_15385470140473&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwupGyBhBBEiwA0UcqaLc3yfSXNLowkOvdakgkGw_SAe_TnZRV83JJG5MEh4UFz4862gm1CBoCkqkQAvD_BwE

Fish Oil With Fish Gelatin & Without Pork Gelatin | Bare Biology

https://www.barebiology.com/pages/can-you-buy-omega-3-fish-oil-capsules-without-gelatin

IJMS | Free Full-Text | Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Kidney Inflammation

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/15/3683

Omega-3-6-9 Fatty Acids: A Complete Overview

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-6-9-overview

15 Foods That Are Very High in Omega-3

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323144

Hemp Seeds: Their Health Benefits, Nutrition Information, How to Use Them, and More