Omega-6 Fat News & Commentary
Research News by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD
Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD
Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, author of the The Ultimate Omega-3 Dietand a member of International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids,(ISSFAL).
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Omega-6 Fat Research News & Commentary
Mom’s High Omega-6 Diet Increases Eczema Risk in Their Infants
Bottomline: Pregnant women who ate the highest amount of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, resulted in a higher risk of childhood eczema for their infants. Thorax. Online First: 3 June 2009
Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives can influence the antenatal immune responses, including the balance of the cytokines TH1 and TH2. A German cohort study i showed significant positive associations of maternal intake of margarine and vegetable oils during pregnancy with the risk of eczema during the first two years in children. (The great majority of margarines and vegetables are high in << MORE >>
Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives can influence the antenatal immune responses, including the balance of the cytokines TH1 and TH2. A German cohort study i showed significant positive associations of maternal intake of margarine and vegetable oils during pregnancy with the risk of eczema during the first two years in children. (The great majority of margarines and vegetables are high in << MORE >>
High Omega-6 Diet Lowers Omega-3 Status, but Low Omega-6 Diet Preserves
Bottomline: Healthy men fed a high omega-6 fat diet resulted in lower EPA blood levels, compared to those given a low omega-6 fat diet. Researchers conclude that the typical western diet, high in omega-6 fat is pro-inflammatory.
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids - April 2009: 201-206.
Background: Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, accounts for 90% of the polyunsaturated fat consumption in western countries. There has been a dramatic increase in the food supply of omega-6 fats since the 1900s.
Linoleic acid competes with ...<< MORE >>
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids - April 2009: 201-206.
Background: Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, accounts for 90% of the polyunsaturated fat consumption in western countries. There has been a dramatic increase in the food supply of omega-6 fats since the 1900s.
Linoleic acid competes with ...<< MORE >>
Mental Retardation is Associated with Abnormal Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acid Levels
Bottomline: Plasma levels of omega-6 fatty acids were significantly higher, while omega-3 fatty acid levels were significantly lower in children with mental retardation, according to the results of the first ever matched case control study. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):22-8.
Background: A large body of research implicates fatty acid imbalances with various neurological disorders including, dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders and learning disorders. Particularly, elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids are associated with dysfunction, while omega-3 fatty acid levels, particularly EPA and DHA are ...<< MORE >>
Background: A large body of research implicates fatty acid imbalances with various neurological disorders including, dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders and learning disorders. Particularly, elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids are associated with dysfunction, while omega-3 fatty acid levels, particularly EPA and DHA are ...<< MORE >>
Dietary Arachidonic Acid Increases Risk of Thrombus (Blood Clot)
Bottomline: Eating a high arachidonic acid diet resulted in an increase of the potent compound, thromboxane, which may increase the risk of arterial blood clots.
Background: Since omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been
in the headlines, this research brief reviews a classic study, which has striking implications on heart health.
In 1997, a series of metabolic studies evaluated the impact of eating a high arachidonic acid diet on healthy men. Arachidonic acid is the omega-6 fatty acid found in animal foods and is the potent precursor to thromboxane and prostacyclin. ...<< MORE >>
Background: Since omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been
in the headlines, this research brief reviews a classic study, which has striking implications on heart health.
In 1997, a series of metabolic studies evaluated the impact of eating a high arachidonic acid diet on healthy men. Arachidonic acid is the omega-6 fatty acid found in animal foods and is the potent precursor to thromboxane and prostacyclin. ...<< MORE >>
Omega-3 Supplements Work Better with a Low Omega-6 Fat Diet
Bottomline: Eating a low omega-6 fat diet helped boost the plasma levels of omega-3 fats in children who were supplemented with fish oil.
Background: There are conflicting results on the effectiveness of fish oil for treating and preventing asthma. Omega-6 fats compete with omega-3 fats in many biochemical pathways, which influences inflammation. Yet despite this interaction, the background levels of dietary omega-6 fat are rarely controlled in studies evaluating the efficacy of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids,which may explain the inconsistent results.
Summary: Data from the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) clinical trial, was used to investigate the impact of omega-6 fatty acids in the background diet, on the effect of the omega-3 supplementation.
The study was a randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. Pregnant women whose unborn children were at increased risk of developing asthma, were recruited and then randomized antenatally into either the control or intervention group.
The intervention diet group received tuna oil supplements in conjunction with a low omega-6 fat diet. Supplementation began when the child started bottle feeding or at age six months, which ever was earlier.
Dietary intake was assessed at 18 months by 3–day weighed food record and at 3 years by food frequency questionnaire. Plasma phospholipids were also measured at these time points.
Results: Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet were inversely related to lower plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A one gram increase in the dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was associated with a 0.16% decrease in plasma n–3 PUFA levels at 18 months and a 0.05% decrease in plasma omega-3 fatty acids at three years.
Dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was positively associated with plasma omega-6 fatty acids levels in both groups. These findings also supports earlier work showing that omega-6 fatty acids biochemically compete with omega-3 fatty acids.
Study Quote:..."the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated acid supplementation in increasing plasma omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated acid levels is enhanced by restricting background dietary intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids."
Source:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(4):552-7.
Background: There are conflicting results on the effectiveness of fish oil for treating and preventing asthma. Omega-6 fats compete with omega-3 fats in many biochemical pathways, which influences inflammation. Yet despite this interaction, the background levels of dietary omega-6 fat are rarely controlled in studies evaluating the efficacy of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids,which may explain the inconsistent results.
Summary: Data from the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) clinical trial, was used to investigate the impact of omega-6 fatty acids in the background diet, on the effect of the omega-3 supplementation.
The study was a randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. Pregnant women whose unborn children were at increased risk of developing asthma, were recruited and then randomized antenatally into either the control or intervention group.
The intervention diet group received tuna oil supplements in conjunction with a low omega-6 fat diet. Supplementation began when the child started bottle feeding or at age six months, which ever was earlier.
Dietary intake was assessed at 18 months by 3–day weighed food record and at 3 years by food frequency questionnaire. Plasma phospholipids were also measured at these time points.
Results: Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet were inversely related to lower plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A one gram increase in the dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was associated with a 0.16% decrease in plasma n–3 PUFA levels at 18 months and a 0.05% decrease in plasma omega-3 fatty acids at three years.
Dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was positively associated with plasma omega-6 fatty acids levels in both groups. These findings also supports earlier work showing that omega-6 fatty acids biochemically compete with omega-3 fatty acids.
Study Quote:..."the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated acid supplementation in increasing plasma omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated acid levels is enhanced by restricting background dietary intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids."
Source:
Hoyos C, Almqvist C, Garden F, Xuan W, Oddy WH, Marks GB, and Webb KL.
Effect of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid intakes from diet and supplements on plasma fatty acid levels in the first 3 years of life.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(4):552-7.
Omega-3s Protects Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease & Blocks Omega-6 Fat Compounds
Bottomline: Omega-3 fatty acids protected the liver from damage, triggered by obesity and insulin resistance. Omega-3s blocked inflammatory compounds derived from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid; while creating liver-protecting compounds, called resolvins and protectins.
FASEBJ February 11, 2009.
Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease, which can ultimately lead to liver failure. This condition is triggered by metabolic syndrome (obesity and insulin resistance), which results in the accumulation of ...<< MORE >>
FASEBJ February 11, 2009.
Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease, which can ultimately lead to liver failure. This condition is triggered by metabolic syndrome (obesity and insulin resistance), which results in the accumulation of ...<< MORE >>
Low Omega-6 Fat Diet Lowers Inflammation and Revs Up Fat Metabolism
Bottomline: Healthy people were instructed to eat a diet low in omega-6 fatty acids and higher in omega-3 fats, which resulted in decreased inflammation, lower LDL-cholesterol, and increased fat metabolism in a small study lasting 10 weeks. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Nov;62(11):1287-93.
Background:French researchers sought an effective, yet practical way to optimize dietary omega-3 fatty acids, via increased fish meals and lowering the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Ultimately, they wanted to know if this was achievable with "simple dietary advice" and if it resulted in health ...<< MORE >>
Background:French researchers sought an effective, yet practical way to optimize dietary omega-3 fatty acids, via increased fish meals and lowering the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Ultimately, they wanted to know if this was achievable with "simple dietary advice" and if it resulted in health ...<< MORE >>
Free Full Text Science Reviews: The Impact of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Health
This is a feed of free full text scientific reviews on the effect of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids on various health conditions, which is Updated regularly. Compiled by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD using the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Also, check out the side bar for the "Latest Omega-6 News", for newly published studies on omega-6 fats and links to the abstracts.
...<< MORE >>
What is the American Heart Association’s Agenda? —It Sure Ain’t Science or Public Health
Controversy and debate
are an expected (and welcome) part of the scientific process. But the
American Heart Association’s recent advisory urging Americans to gobble
up their omega-6 fat is an unconscionable disservice, to both the
scientific process and the public health.
are an expected (and welcome) part of the scientific process. But the
American Heart Association’s recent advisory urging Americans to gobble
up their omega-6 fat is an unconscionable disservice, to both the
scientific process and the public health.
Old School Cholesterol Dogma versus Science
On January 27, 2009 the
American Heart Association (AHA) issued an advisory touting the
benefits of eating plenty of omega-6 fats. Here's the problem--AHA
made sweeping statements that are not supported by the research, while
ignoring landmark studies, which don’t support their view [Harris]. While ...<< MORE >>
How Much Arachidonic Acid in Meats and Poultry? The Free Omega-6 Fat Tracker Widget
The Omega-6 Fat Tracker--(Arachidonic Acid in Meats & Poultry)
lists the amount of arachidonic acid (the most potent omega-6 fatty acid) in beef, veal, sausage, lamb, wild meats, chicken, eggs, and turkey.
I created
this widget and I'm giving it away. Yes, free, no strings attached (a
credit line would be nice, but not required).
lists the amount of arachidonic acid (the most potent omega-6 fatty acid) in beef, veal, sausage, lamb, wild meats, chicken, eggs, and turkey.
I created
this widget and I'm giving it away. Yes, free, no strings attached (a
credit line would be nice, but not required).
...<< MORE >>