Our Western diet contains much Omega-6 fatty acids and relatively small amounts of marine Omega-3 fatty acids, which increases the unbalance between Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
Such unbalance is a driving force for development of lifestyle related health problems. Both the Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are precursors for hormone-like signaling molecules (eicosanoids) in the body. Eicosanoids derived from Omega-6 are pro-inflammatory.
Signaling molecules derived from Omega-3 fatty acids have lower inflammatory potential, some are also anti-inflammatory. In many ways the eicosanoids fulfill each other, and that is why it is important to have a good balance between these.
A normal Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance is fundamental for a good eicosanoid balance, while a high Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid balance has a pro-inflammatory eicosanoid balance.
The Nordic Council of Ministers (see Nordic Nutritional Recommendations, 2012) recommends that our Omega-3 intake should be at least 1 E% per day, which means at least 2.2 g Omega-3 per day for an adult, and also an Omega-6:3 Balance of less than 5:1.
WHO recommended a balance of about 4:1. (There should also be an optimal balance between the intake of n-6 PUFAs and n-3 PUFAs, i.e. 5-8% and 1-2% of daily energy intake, respectively.) An average is used to get 4:1, 6.5/1.5 = 4.33 = 4:1, and this recommendation is to promote cardiovascular health.
