Omega-3-6-9 Complex Vs. Omega-3 Complex

Following a balanced diet is key to maintaining health and vitality, but modern diets often lack important vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Essential omega fatty acids are noticeably missing in Western diets, and this deficiency can lead to imbalance in the body and health problems. Food is the best source for omega fatty acids, but some people may need to complement their diets with omega fats complex supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, promote health and help fight disease. Some omega-3 fats are considered essential fats because the body can't manufacture them like other needed fats; they must come instead from diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are fundamental for cell membranes and help the body with important processes such as blood clotting. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote artery health, decrease inflammation and are known to reduce the risk for stroke and heart disease, as well as other diseases and conditions, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, says the Harvard School of Public Health.

Three Key Omega-3s

The first two main omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. These are occasionally referred to as the marine omega-3s because they're primarily derived from fish. The third key omega-3 fatty acid is an essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, and it's found mostly in vegetable-based foods such as green, leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, flax seeds and nuts such as walnuts.

Omega-3 Complex

Health care professionals often recommend taking omega-3 supplements such as fish oil since it delivers important DHA and EPA benefits. Most people don't get enough DHA, which leads to a host of health problems such as depression, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Although the best way to get all three of the essential omega-3s is through diet, the American Heart Association recommends taking a supplement if you're at risk for heart attack, stroke or have high cholesterol. An omega-3 complex supplement will ensure you get all of the main omega-3s. Always check with your health care provider before taking supplements.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Linoleic acid, or LA, is another type of essential fatty acid, and it's at the core of omega-6 fatty acids. LA works with ALA to form DHA, as well as another important fatty acid needed for cells called arachidonic acid, or AA. Omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in Western diets because these are often found in diary and meat products.

Most people in Western cultures get a 20:1 ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in their diets, reports the Franklin Institute. However, people need more of a balanced ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, especially for brain health. An imbalance between the two types of fatty acids may lead to mental disorders such as depression, hyperactivity and schizophrenia.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

Omega-9 fatty acids are non-essential because the body naturally produces them. Oleic acid is the key type of omega-9 fatty acid. Getting plenty of omega-9 fatty acids from foods such as olive, sunflower and peanut oil provides extra health benefits. Omega-9 fatty acids help reduce cholesterol levels, stroke and cardiovascular disease and may help control blood sugar levels.