Omega 6 in the Diet

Omega-6 fatty acids are vital for health and prevention of disease. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid and the primary omega-6 fatty acid found in foods. Inside your body, linoleic acid converts into gamma-linolenic acid and in turn converts to arachidonic acid, a long chain fatty acid. Consult your doctor about your health and benefits of omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.

Function

Omega-6 fatty acids play a significant role in the structure of cellular membranes. Your brain tissue is composed of a high concentration of arachidonic acid. Omega-6 fatty acids also influence gene expression in fat metabolism and in response to inflammation of cells, tissues and organs. These fatty acids may also play a prominent role in the maintenance of healthy skin and a strong immune system. A deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids can show signs of a dry, scaly rash, increased risk of infections and poor wound healing.

Sources

Omega-6 fatty acids are derived from foods in your diet, primarily vegetable oils. Each type of vegetable oil has a different mixture of fats. Sunflower and cottonseed oils have the highest concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, whereas olive oil and safflower oil have the least. Other vegetable oils that contain omega-6 fatty acids include peanut oil, soybean oil, corn oil and canola oil. Gamma-linolenic acid is available as a nutritional supplement from sources such as evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil and borage oil. Consult your doctor before taking omega-6 fatty acid supplements.

Dietary Intake

Omega-6 fatty acids are one of two categories of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The other category is omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, walnuts and flax seeds. An optimal diet comprises three times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, yet the average American consumes omega-6 fatty acids 14 to 25 times more than he consumes omega-3 fatty acids.

Risks

Eating a high amount of omega-6 fats can increase your risk of high blood pressure and blood clots. Omega-6 fatty acids may also stimulate prostate cancer and tumors. Research by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and published in "Neoplasia" in 2006 discovered that a diet rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids is associated with prostate cancer. The research found that increasing the amount of omega-6 fatty acids or reducing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet increases the risk of prostate cancer and tumor growth.