About Omega 6 Total
Omega-6 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats that are essential for human health. They play a crucial role in brain function, normal growth and development, and are involved in immune function. They also help in maintaining bone health, regulating metabolism, and stimulating skin and hair growth.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
1.0 - 3.0 percentage
Women's Optimal Range
1.0 - 3.0 percentage
Elite Value
2.5 percentage
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an imbalance that contributes to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
Low
Low levels may be associated with deficiency in essential fatty acids, potentially compromising cell membrane function and impacting hormonal balance.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, mood swings, dry skin, and aggravated inflammation symptoms.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, impaired growth in children, skin dysfunctions, and hormonal imbalance.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Harris, W. S., Mozaffarian, D., Rimm, E., Kris-Etherton, P., Rudel, L. L., Appel, L. J., Engler, M. M., Engler, M. B., & Sacks, F. (2009). Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. *Circulation*, 119(6), 902–907.
- Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. *Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids*, 132, 41–48.
- Johnson, G. H., & Fritsche, K. (2012). Effect of dietary linoleic acid on markers of inflammation in healthy persons: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. *Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics*, 112(7), 1029–1041.
- Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. *Nutrients*, 8(3), 128.
- National Institutes of Health. (2020). Omega-6 fatty acids. *Office of Dietary Supplements*.