Omega-6s fight inflammation, but only when taken with Omega-3s

Inflammation: the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3, what you need to know

Omega-6 fatty acids reduce the synthesis of leukotrienes, molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Omega-6s, however, counteract the accumulation of arachidonic acid only when taken together with Omega-3s. In fact, researchers from the pharmaceutical company Pilot Therapeutics Inc. have shown that taking a mixture consisting ofOmega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) andOmega-6 GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) on a daily basis can reduce the synthesis of leukotrienes. When taken alone, GLA causes an increase in arachidonic acid (AA), a pro-inflammatory molecule: 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 is unable to synthesize them and therefore must be taken in through food. Maintaining a proper balance between the amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3 is essential to ensure good health. In fact, the effects of these 2 types of fatty acids are opposite:

• Omega-3s counteract inflammatory phenomena;
• Omega-6s promote them.

The ideal diet should include 1 to 3 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3. However, theWestern diet is characterized by levels of Omega-6 about 20 times higher than those of Omega-3. Experts believe this imbalance could be one of the causes of the increasing incidence of inflammatory diseases in industrialized countries.

Leukotrienes: omega-6 is not enough

Early studies conducted by Charleston researchers showed that taking 1.5 grams per day of GLA in the form of gelatin capsules reduces the synthesis of leukotrienes, molecules involved in inflammation. Taking GLA alone, however, leads to increased plasma levels of arachidonic acid, a precursor to molecules associated with inflammatory phenomena. However, the increase in arachidonic acid is effectively counteracted if the intake of these capsules is combined with that of 0.25 gram or 1 gram of EPA . Scientists in a later study gave participants an emulsion 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 GLA and EPA levels stabilized after 7 days of intake: however, the second formulation increased fatty acid absorption compared with that achievable using the gelatin capsules. No side effects were observed in any cases.

Omega-3 and Omega-6, the importance of the right combination

The results obtained in this research show that in order to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, it is not enough to take Omega-6, but that the combination with Omega-3 allows the desired effects to be achieved 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.