omega 6 fatty acids

[Guest guest]

i'm not sure where the misconception came from that these types of fatty

acids are bad for you. they are actually an essential fatty acid. the main

thing about omega 6's is that most people get too much of them, as they are

found

in most vegetable oils (used in most fried foods, processed foods, and so

on). here is some good information about omega 6's. hope this helps:

 

 

 

 

Omega-6 essential fatty acids, found in polyunsaturated vegetable oils, are

generally necessary for stimulating skin and hair growth, regulating

metabolism, promoting the transport of fatty acids from the liver to the

tissues, and

maintaining reproductive performance. Researchers believe they play an important

role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Yet experts

estimate that up to 80% of Americans consume an insufficient quantity of

omega-6 fatty acids.[unable to display image]

 

Uses

The omega-6 fatty acids offer a variety of potential therapeutic uses,

particularly for patients with the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Omega-6 acids may reduce inflammation.

• Diabetes: Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation may assist nerve

function and help prevent nerve disease in diabetics.

• Cancer: Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) of the omega-6 series may

suppress tumor growth and metastasis (spread), particularly in breast cancer and

melanoma.

• Heart disease: GLA may prevent heart disease by reducing

atherosclerosis ( " hardening of the arteries " ) and lowering blood pressure.

• Eye disease: GLA may be beneficial in dry-eye conditions. 

• Osteoporosis: GLA may help maintain or increase bone mass. 

 

 

Omega-6 fatty acid may also be beneficial in persons with anorexia nervosa

to replenish essential fatty acid deficiencies.[unable to display image]

 

Dietary Sources

The American diet provides more than 10 times the needed amount of omega-6

oils in the form of linoleic acid. This is because it comprises the primary oil

ingredient added to most processed foods and are found in commonly used

cooking oils, such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, and soybean oil.

However, our consumption of refined fats and oils actually inhibits our body's

ability to use the essential fatty acids we consume.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in the plant seed oils of evening primrose,

black currant, borage, and fungal oils.

Arachidonic acid of the omega-6 series is found in egg yolk, organ meats,

and other animal-based foods.[unable to display image]

 

Other Forms

Omega-6 fatty acids are commercially available in oils that contain linoleic

acid and gamma-linolenic acid. [unable to display image]

 

How to Take It

For general health, there should be a balance between omega-6 and omega-3

fatty acids; the ratio should be in the range of 4:1; the typical North American

diet, however, normally provides ratios from 14:1 or 20:1.

Pediatric

Although dietary guidelines as described have been suggested, there are no

reports to date about the therapeutic use of omega-6 fatty acids in children.

Adult

• The recommended dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is 1,400 mg per

day of GLA.

• Supplementation with 480 mg of GLA per day for diabetes is

recommended.

• Studies have suggested that up to 2,800 mg of GLA per day is well

tolerated.

 

[unable to display image]

 

Precautions

Dietary sources of omega-6 acids appear to be completely nontoxic.[unable to

display image]

 

Possible Interactions

Taking omega-6 fatty acids during therapy with cyclosporine, a medication

used to suppress the immune system, may increase the immunosuppressive effects

of this medication. Consult your healthcare provider before using omega-6 fatty

acids during cyclosporine therapy. [unable to display image]

 

Supporting Research

Bolton-Smith C, Woodward M, Tavendale R. Evidence for age-related

differences in the fatty acid composition of human adipose tissue, independent

of diet.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 1997;51(9):619-624.

Brown NA, Bron AJ, Harding JJ, Dewar HM. Nutrition supplements and the eye.

Eye. 1998; 12(pt. 1): 127-133.

Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. Foods & Nutrition

Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press, Inc.; 1994:684-708.

Fan YY, Chapkin RS. Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in human

health and nutrition. J Nutr. 1998; 128(9): 1411-1414.

Garrison RH Jr, Somer E. The Nutrition Desk Reference. 3rd ed. New Canaan,

Conn: Keats Publishing, Inc.; 1995:23-64.

Haas EM. Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkley, Calif: Celestial Arts

Publishing; 1992:65-79.

Haw M, Linnebjerg H, Chavali SR, Forse RA. The effect of dietary

polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on acute rejection and cardiac allograft

blood flow in

rats. Transplantation. 1995;60(6):570-577.

Jiang WG, Hiscox S, Bryce RP, Horrobin DF, Mansel RE. The effects of n-6

polyunsaturated fatty acids on the expression of nm-23 in human cancer cells. Br

J Cancer. 1998;77(5):731-738.

Jiang WG, Hiscox S, Horrobin DF, Bryce RP, Mansel RE. Gamma linolenic acid

regulates expression of maspin and the motility of cancer cells. Biochem

Biophys Res Commun. 1997;237(3): 639-644.

Kruger MC, Coetzer H, DeWinter R, Gericke G, Papendorp DH. Calcium,

gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in senile

osteoporosis.

Aging(Milano). 1998;10(5):385-394.

Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, Calif: Prima

Publishing; 1996:239-278.

Newstrom H. Nutrients Catalog. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. Inc;

1993:103-105.

Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease

.. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1999:90-92, 1377-1378.

Wagner W, Nootbaar-Wagner U. Prophylactic treatment of migraine with

gamma-linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids. Cephalalgia. 1997;17(2):127-130.

Werbach MR. Nutritional Influences on Illness. 2nd ed. Tarzana, Calif: Third

Line Press; 1993:13-22, 655-671.

Ziegler EE, Filer LJ, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 7th ed.

Washington, DC: ILSI Press; 1996:58-64.[unable to display image]

 

 

Copyright © 2001 Integrative Medicine Communications

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the

information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse

of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or

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intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the

information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other

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package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and

contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed

herein.

 

 

 

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