Omega-6 Fatty Acid Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Omega-6 fatty acids are a classification of essential fatty acids, meaning your body needs them but can’t manufacture them on their own. That means omega-6 fatty acids must be consumed through food. Rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids include vegetable oils like corn, safflower, and soybean oil. There are several different types of omega-6 fatty acids, but linoleic acid is the most abundant in food and in the body.^1,2,3

The body uses omega-6 fatty acids for brain function, growth and development, metabolism, reproductive health, bone health, and hair and skin growth.¹ It’s recommended that you balance your diet between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to a 1:1 ratio.⁴

Omega-6 Fatty Acids Uses and Health Benefits

If you aren’t getting enough omega-6 fatty acids in your diet, increasing your omega-6 consumption can have its benefits. Keep in mind that most people on a Western diet get more than enough omega-6 fatty acids, though they may benefit from certain types over others. Those people on a Mediterranean diet get fewer omega-6 fatty acids, but they may still be getting a healthy balance in their food.¹ Talk to your doctor about starting on an omega-6 fatty acids diet if you are concerned about your health. Omega-6 fatty acids may be able to help with the following conditions:

• Allergies - Studies have shown that women with allergies tend to have lower levels of the omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid in their blood. It’s suggested that supplements may help those with allergies.
• Breast Cancer - Gamma-linolenic acid may benefit breast cancer patients by inhibiting tumor activity.
• Eczema - Taking certain omega-6 fatty acids orally may help in treating eczema symptoms.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) - In combination with omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid may help in treating hypertension.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids Side Effects and Precautions

Like with any herb or medication, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding omega-6 fatty acids to your diet to ensure they’re a good choice for you. Omega-6 fatty acid side effects can include increased inflammation, headache, abdominal pain, loose stool, and nausea.¹ Omega-6 fatty acid side effects differ depending on the fatty acid supplement you’re taking. Do not take omega-6 fatty acid supplements if you have seizures or have risk of prostate cancer. Some of these supplements should be avoided when pregnant.¹ Supplements may interact with blood thinning medications, chemotherapy, ceftazidime, cyclosporine, and phenothiazines.⁵

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega6-fatty-acids
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/496.html
3. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-10007437
4. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/11/11/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fatty-acids.aspx
5. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement-interaction/possible-interactions-with-omega6-fatty-acids