Can Omega-6 Fatty Acids Cause Heart Disease?

Posted on Wed, 26 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 Answered on

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I understand that the omega 3 oils in fish oil is good for you. However I hear that the omega 6 oil is safflower oil is not so good for you. Do I have this right? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is important

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
Omega 3 has a good effect on the heart health as it decreases the triglycerides. It also has other beneficial effects if you have microalbuminuria or IgA nephropathy etc. It may have beneficial effects on arthritis, protect against certain cancers etc.
Omega 6 reduces the beneficial effect of Omega 3 on the heart and other areas, so the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is important.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar