Research Publications on Omega-3/6 Balance

The significant shift from the evolutionary omega-6/omega-3 ratio of close to 1:1 in human diets to today's Western diet, often exceeding 15/1, underscores the dietary imbalance contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.

This discrepancy emphasizes the need for increased omega-3 intake, which has shown suppressive effects on these conditions. Furthermore, the interplay between dietary fatty acids and genetic variations, such as those in the 5-lipoxygenase gene, highlights the complexity of chronic disease manifestation and the importance of a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio for disease prevention and management. Achieving a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio is crucial for mitigating the risk of prevalent chronic diseases in Western societies and beyond, pointing to the need for dietary adjustments tailored to individual genetic backgrounds and specific health conditions.

The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids; Biomed Pharmacother., 2002; Link

Various sources suggest that human evolution favored a diet with an omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acid ratio close to 1, contrasting sharply with today's Western diets, which often exceed a ratio of 15/1 to 16.7/1. This dietary imbalance, deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and abundant in omega-6 fatty acids, contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Conversely, higher omega-3 intake has suppressive effects on these diseases. Studies demonstrate that different diseases require different optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratios, suggesting a multifactorial and multigenic nature of chronic diseases. Thus, achieving a lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases prevalent in Western societies and globally.

Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases; Biomed Pharmacother., 2006; Link

Anthropological and molecular evidence highlights that humans evolved on a diet with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio close to 1, contrasting sharply with today's Western diets, which often exceed a ratio of 15/1 to 16.7/1. This dietary imbalance promotes various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and inflammatory conditions, while higher omega-3 intake suppresses inflammation. Genetic variations, like those in the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) gene, influence disease manifestation and response to dietary fatty acids. Maintaining a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio is crucial for preventing and managing chronic diseases, with optimal ratios varying depending on genetic factors and specific health conditions.