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Please explain "pro-inflammatory omega 6"

Can anyone explain what "pro-inflammatory omega 6" means, in reference to avoiding Sardines packed in vegetable oil?
70 yr old, Male
70 yr old, Male
asked Jan 07, 2010 at 05:52PM in Nutrition
3 Answers
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  • 1
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    answered Jan 09, 2010 at 03:01AM
    Omega 3 and omege 6 fatty acids are both essential fot the body to function well.
    Omega 3 fatty acids found in cold water fishes such as sardines and salmons, fish oils, cod liver oil and flax seed oil. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in corn oil, sun flower oil, soy oil, peanut oil , meats, and dairy.
    Now the body needs a health balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to function.
    Omega 6 fatty acids promote inflammation within the body . This tells the body that it needs to come to that area of the body and repair it for proper healing.
    Omega 3 fatty acids acts to reduces (inflammation) in the blood vessels and prevents the blood cells (platelets) from clumping together. It helps to stop the blood from clotting, decreasing the risk for strokes or heart attacks

    Too much omega 6 fatty acids can cause too much inflammation for too long a period and lead to a chronic inflammation state which can lead to blood vessel disorders and harmful effects on the organs in the body.
    Too much omega 3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding within the body.
    So a healthy balance of the fatty acids need to be reached.
    Now Sardines, even if canned, are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. Cannned sardines can come packed in water, oil or a sauce. Try using the sardines which are packed in water, preferably without salt. Now in the Mediterranean they sometimes pack their sardines in olive oil, which has a mixture of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids.
    The debate is still on about the exact balance of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids needed in the diet.
    So just make sure to get the high quality sardines packed in water.
  • 0
    Votes
    answered Jan 09, 2010 at 04:48PM
    Thanx for getting back to me. Your explanation clears up any con-
    fusion I had and helps me to understand "fish oil" better. However,
    I presently take a fish oil supplement that contains Omega3 AND
    Omega6 in a dosage of 1200mgs a day. Should I switch to a supplement that only contains Omega3????? Your response would be
    appreciated.
    • Both omega 6 and 3 fatty acids are needed. The ratio/proportion is what matters for proper body functioning. Do not forget both of them are working together for proper functioning. In the Western diet we tend to over consume too much omega 6 in our diets. Consult your physician.
      Brendan C Francis MD commented Jan 10, 2010 at 03:23AM
  • 0
    Votes
    answered Jan 10, 2010 at 03:50PM
    Brendon:
    As you already know, Physicians are very seldom up to speed
    regarding vitamins and supplements. Therefore, the patients are
    pretty much on their own in determining which to take. My pulmo-
    nologist told me to take Co-Q10 for extra energy in addition to
    a good multi-vitamin. My cardiologist told me to take Fish Oil
    for my heart only recently. Thanx for the input.
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