Mixed
Maintaining an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio between 1:1 and 2:1 reduces the risk of chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by shifting eicosanoid production from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory pathways.
To support long-term health, aim to balance your intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, many Western diets have a ratio of 15:1 or higher. You can improve this by increasing sources of omega-3s (like fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds) and moderating high-omega-6 seed oils (like corn, soybean, sunflower oil). A target ratio of 1:1 to 2:1 is associated with lower risks of heart disease and inflammation.
A target of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio of 1:1 to 2:1 appears to be consistent with studies on evolutionary aspects of diet, neurodevelopment, and genetics. A balanced ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is important for health and in the prevention of CHD and possibly other chronic diseases.
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple observational, genetic, and animal studies, but lacks a single large-scale RCT establishing causality for the ratio itself in humans.
Source
The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio: health implications
Artemis P. Simopoulos · Oléagineux Corps gras Lipides · 2010
DOI 10.1051/ocl.2010.0325
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