- Omega-6 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid. In North America, omega-6 fatty acids are found in adequate amounts in the diet, as they are found in salad dressings, margarines, and other plant and animal oil sources. The negative reputation of omega-6 fatty acids is likely based on inadequate intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and not excessive omega-6 fatty acid intakes.
- Although not commonly used alone as dietary supplements, there is some evidence in support of omega-6 fatty acids, in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and coordination disorders, as well as eye disorders. Also, levels of certain omega-6 fatty acids in the blood were found to be lower in multiple sclerosis patients vs. healthy controls with similar dietary intakes. However, there is a lack of evidence in support of supplementation in multiple sclerosis patients.
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Omega-6 fatty acids
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- Diamond IR, Sterescu A, Pencharz PB, et al. The rationale for the use of parenteral omega-3 lipids in children with short bowel syndrome and liver disease. Pediatr Surg Int 2008;24(7):773-778. View Abstract
- Harris WS, Mozaffarian D, Rimm E, et al. Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation 2009;119(6):902-907. View Abstract
- Johnson M, Ostlund S, Fransson G, et al. Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in children and adolescents. J Atten Disord 2009;12(5):394-401. View Abstract
- Kilari AS, Mehendale SS, Dangat KD, et al. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in mothers and term babies. J Perinat Med 2009;37(5):513-518. View Abstract
- Querques G, Russo V, Barone A, et al. Efficacy of omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment before and after photorefractive keratectomy. J Fr Ophtalmol 2008;31(3):282-286. View Abstract
- Rashid S, Jin Y, Ecoiffier T, et al. Topical omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for treatment of dry eye. Arch Ophthalmol 2008;126(2):219-225. View Abstract
- Raz R, Gabis L. Essential fatty acids and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2009;51(8):580-592. View Abstract
- Seti H, Leikin-Frenkel A, Werner H. Effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on IGF-I receptor signalling in colorectal cancer cells. Arch Physiol Biochem 2009;115(3):127-136. View Abstract
- Simopoulos AP. The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008;233(6):674-688. View Abstract
- Tanaka T, Shen J, Abecasis GR, et al. Genome-wide association study of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids in the InCHIANTI Study. PLoS Genet 2009;5(1):e1000338. View Abstract
- Tribole, E. What happened to do no harm? The issue of dietary omega-6 fatty acids. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2009;80(1):78-79. View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
