What science says about Omega 3 (PUFAs)

Scientists and medical experts agree that some omega fatty acids like omega-3 have many health benefits. They are vital to our organs and improve heart health, bone health, mental health, cognition, liver health, and skin health. They also help prevent diseases because they fight inflammation, the source of many chronic illnesses.

However, experts have differing opinions on omega-6 and omega-9 given that people consume more omega-6 and omega-9 than omega-3 if they follow the Standard American Diet (SAD).

Thus, some experts question whether omega-6 works to prevent or increases inflammation. Some healthcare experts argue that more research is needed to confirm whether omega-6 and omega-9 are beneficial for overall health because the scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory action of omega fats is contradictory.

Furthermore, other healthcare experts are concerned that there are no standard official dosages for omega fats. They only have adequate intake values. These values vary according to country, age, weight, and gender, which makes it difficult to determine how helpful they are.

Experts also warn that if omega-fats aren’t taken in the appropriate balanced amounts, they may cause health problems.

Opinion in favor of consuming omega fatty acids:

Supporters of omega fatty consumption argue that they are beneficial for overall health. Omega fatty acids are essential because they help the body function properly and prevent disease.

However, the Western diet is very rich in omega-6 and omega-9, yet it remains deficient in omega-3.  So, scientists believe that most of the health benefits of omega fats come from adding more omega-3 fatty acids into our diet.

Omega fats are involved in various important processes in the body. For example, omega fatty acids are involved in various cell signaling pathways including ones that control inflammation and blood clotting.

They are an important component of cell membranes and help control their fluidity. Plus, they are involved in protein function and regulate gene expression. They are also the building blocks of several hormones.

Therefore, supporters of omega fats point out that omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 have many health benefits because they are involved in various functions in the body that are vital to proper organ function. They improve heart health, bone health, mental health, cognition, liver health, and skin health.

They can also help prevent diseases because they fight inflammation, which is the source of many chronic illnesses.

Opinion against consuming omega fatty acids:

Most experts agree that omega fatty acids are beneficial for overall health when people take them in small, balanced amounts. However, opponents of omega fatty acid consumption believe there is not enough evidence to support that omega fatty acids can treat or prevent chronic diseases. 

They also argue that people consume more omega-6 and omega-9 than they do omega-3 if they follow the Standard American Diet (SAD). This imbalance in omega fatty acid consumption, especially omega-6, may actually increase inflammation in the body.  

Furthermore, opponents believe that people should take an adequate amount of omega fatty acids from food sources only. Since the exact mechanism of action of the fatty acids is still unknown, they believe that other factors present in the food, apart from the omega-3 components, may also benefit medical conditions. For example, they suggest that different vitamins and minerals can also contribute to disease prevention or treatment, not only omega fats.

Therefore, many scientists call for more research on the different omega fatty acids, their dosages, and their possible role in disease prevention. 

Published: November 2020