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Is the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio still relevant or is it enough simply to eat more omega-3s?

Some people say that the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is important, and that one must target 4:1 to 1:1. Yet, others say that it does not matter, that the only thing that is important is to eat enough omega-3s, whatever how much omega-6s someone take. Which is true?

Let’s say someone eats like 20000 mg of omega-6 daily (only an example). He takes a 2000 mg omega-3 capsule, and let’s say that’s all there is in his diet. So his ratio is 10:1 omega-6 to omega-3 (20000 / 2000). Now, is it enough for that person to get those 2000 mg of omega-3s or should he strive to eat LESS omega-6, so his ratio gets better?

And for those who say the ratio don’t matter, is there any study that support the idea? I remember that when omega-3s came to be known (circa 2003+-), everyone was talking about the ratio. If things changed, why, and which studies support that change?

TL;DR: Is the omega 6 to 3 ratio still important or you can eat as much omega-6s as you want as long as you take some omega-3?

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Answer

I’ve seen the ratio anywhere from 2:1 to 4:1. The problem is Omega 6 is in so much food these days it’s essentially a guaranteed additive to processed/packaged foods and cooking ingredients.

You’d be best reduce o-6 and increase o-3. Not sure if it’s a general consensus in the nutrition field but o-6’s compete with o-3s in metabolic pathways. And too much o-6s can prevent o-3 metabolism and Induce inflammation.

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