Importance of a balanced omega 6/omega 3 ratio for the maintenance of health: Nutritional recommendations

• Main Authors: C. Gómez Candela, L. M.ª Bermejo López, V. Loria Kohen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arán Ediciones, S. L.
• Series: Nutrición Hospitalaria
• Subjects: Ácidos grasos omega 3; Balance omega 6/omega 3; EPA; DHA
• Online Access: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112011000200013&lng=en&tlng=en

The modification of dietary patterns has led to a change in fatty acid consumption, with an increase in the consumption of ω-6 fatty acids and a markerd reduction in the consumption of ω-3 fatty acids. This in turn has given rise to an imbalance in the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, which is now very different from the original 1:1 ratio of humans in the past. Given the involvement of ω-6 and ω-3 essential fatty acids in disease processes, the present article examines changes in dietary patterns that have led to the present reduction in the consumption of ω-3 essential fatty acids, and to study the importance of the ω-6/ω-3 balance in maintaining good health. In addition, an assese-ment is made of the established recommendations for preventing a poor intake of ω-3 essential fatty acids, and the possible options for compensating the lack of these fatty acids in the diet.