Omega-6 or linoleic acid (LA) is an essential fatty acid abundantly found in the American diet. In the body linoleic acid is broken down in to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively. When combined in proper ratio to Omega-3 the two act as a pump that regulates the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory responses in the body.
Prostaglandin II vs. Prostaglandin I
The production of Prostaglandin II is triggered by the immune system in response to an infectious process, presence of foreign objects, irritation, and injuries within the body. Inflammation keeps the infection localized and prevents the spread to nearby tissues and organs. Although this mechanism is important, there must be a way to turn it off as too much inflammation can actually cause harm to the body. Therefore when Prostaglandin II is triggered, the immune system will also begin producing Prostaglandin I, the antagonist to Prostaglandin II.
Imbalances between Omega-6 and Omega-3
Imbalances between Omega-6 and Omega-3 are common due to the high content of saturated fats in the American diet. According to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, dietary intake of Omega-6 should be 2-4 times higher than Omega-3 and yet their research found that most dietary intake of Omega-6 is found to be 14-25 times higher than Omega-3.
Dr. Glen Aukerman at the Ohio State University Center for Integrative Medicine disagrees, and states that Omega-3 should be supplemented in higher ratios to Omega-6. Dr. Aukerman goes on to say that in order to balance the enormous amounts of Omega-6 consumed additional supplements of magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, B-complex and multivitamins should be taken.
Dietary Sources
Increases in Omega-6 consumption has been contributed to increased usage of cottonseed, corn, sunflower, and safflower oils which have been found to trigger Prostaglandin II production resulting in the potential for uncontrolled systemic-inflammation. However Omega-6 is necessary in the diet and healthier sources are available in the form of plant-based oils such as evening primrose, borage oil, and black currant seed oil.
Health Benefits
A science advisory published in the American Heart Association has come out in stark contrast to data suggesting that Omega-6 is a magnet for inflammation. According to lead advisor, William Harris, Ph.D., “Omega-6 actually has anti-inflammatory properties, suppressing the production of chemokines and interleukins – all of which are key mediators of the atherosclerotic process.”
Much research has been done on the health benefits of Omega-6 supplementation. The following is a list of some of the conditions that have been found to benefit from introduction of Omega-6 into the diet:
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Acne and Psoriasis
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Tuberculosis
- Ulcers
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- High Blood Pressure
Precautions
Omega-6 has the potential to thin the blood and therefore should be used cautiously in people taking prescription, herbal remedies, or over-the-counter medication to thin the blood. Examples of such medications would be:
- Coumadin
- Warfarin
- Plavix
- Willow Bark
- Aspirin
- Goldenseal
- Horse chestnut
Omega-6 has been found to potentiate the medicinal effects of a group of antibiotics referred to as cephalosporin. In addition, Omega-6 has also been found to potentiate the immunosuppressant benefits of cyclosporine. By increasing the immunosuppressant abilities of this medication, Omega-6 protects the kidneys from damage caused by a potential serious side-effect of cyclosporine.
There are a number of medications used to treat cancer and Omega-6 has been reported to potentiate the effects of the following medications:
- Doxorubicin
- Cisplatin
- Carboplatin
- Idarubicin
- Mitoxantrone
- Tamoxifen
- Vincristine
- Vinblastine
Phenothiazines are a group of medications that are prescribed to treat schizophrenia. It has been found that evening primrose oil an Omega-6 supplement can increase the risk of seizures when taken in combination with phenothiazines, including:
- Thorazine
- Compazine
- Trilafon
- Stelazine
- Mellarilto
In conclusion, the research on Omega-6 supplementation is promising. However it is a supplement that is best utilized in conjunction with Omega-3. Together the combination assists in controlling the inflammatory response system within the body, and possibly preventing a number of inflammation-related conditions.
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