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Omega 6 Fatty Acids to Avoid

Oct 17, 2010 | By Jeffrey Traister

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids derived from food that regulate metabolism, maintain the reproductive system and bone growth, and stimulate hair and skin growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A healthy, balanced diet consists of three times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, whereas the typical American diet has 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. You should avoid some omega-6 fatty acids.

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in many types of vegetable oils. It is the primary omega-6 fatty acid in most diets. Inside the body, linoleic acid produces gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid, fats that function in maintenance of cells and have anti-inflammatory properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-6 fatty acids in corn and other oils can promote the growth of tumor cells, particularly in the prostate. Research by I.M. Berquin at the Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, published in the "Journal of Clinical Investigation" in 2007, found that polyunsaturated fatty acids could increase the risk of prostate cancer.

An imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can cause weight gain. A dietary imbalance of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid, can lead to obesity, according to Science Daily. Research by F. Massiera at the University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis in Nice, France, published in the "Journal of Lipid Research" in 2010, discovered that a diet high in linoleic acid and low in alpha-linolenic acid induces a gradual fat mass enhancement and increases prevalence of obesity in humans.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-linolenic acid, also called GLA, is an omega-6 fatty acid made in the body from linoleic acid. GLA is also available in plant-based oil supplements such as evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil and borage oil. The University of Maryland Medical Center says much of GLA in supplements converts to a substance called dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid that may reduce inflammation in the body. The body needs vitamins B-3, B-6 and C and zinc and magnesium to support this chemical reaction. The University of Maryland Medical Center also says supplements of GLA can increase risk of seizures, birth defects, headache, nausea and loose stools, and cause a decrease in blood pressure. The medical center also reports GLA supplements can cause bleeding in patients taking blood-thinning medications. In addition, it advises that doses of GLA exceeding 3 g per day can cause inflammation in the body.

Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic acid is a long chain omega-6 fatty acid, made in the body from gamma-linolenic acid. High amounts of arachidonic acid in the body can cause inflammation and blood clotting. Research by H. Allayee of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2008, discovered that genetic disposition makes some people more susceptible to heart attacks after consuming a diet high in arachidonic acid, such as animal-derived food.

References

Article reviewed by John Yoset Last updated on: Oct 17, 2010

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