Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

What is it?

• Omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the omega-6 consumed is linolenic acid (LA; commonly found in vegetable oils) which is when converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the body, Common sources of GLA can be found in various oils [86].

How does it work in the body?

• After ingestion, LA is converted into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is broken down to arachidonic acid (AA). GLA has been shown to decrease inflammation [86].

What is it used for?

• Omega-6 fatty acids have a wide range of therapeutic effects. It has been found beneficial for the following: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), allergies, ADHD, breast cancer, eczema, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, breast pain, osteoporosis, and PMS [86].

Dosage:

• The average diet provides sufficient omega-6 [86].

Evidence for or against its different uses:

• RA: A review looking at the effectiveness of herbal therapies on RA found that studies involving GLA showed improvements in clinical outcomes.

• Nonetheless, more research is needed to identify the dosage and duration of treatment.

• Allergies: Contrary to prior epidemiological studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2009 did not find benefits of supplementing omega 3 and 6 oils for preventing allergic diseases.

• ADHD: Individuals with ADHD exhibit fatty acid abnormalities which could possibly be affecting their behaviors. Supplementing fatty acids is found to be safe; however, more research is needed to identify the potential benefits on presentations of ADHD.

• Breast cancer. It has been suggested that GLA can modulate steroid hormone receptors and therefore benefit individuals with breast cancer. A study from 2000, provided GLA and tamoxifen or tamoxifen to 38 women with breast cancer. The women that were treated with GLA and tamoxifen showed a quicker clinical change. This study concludes that GLA can be used adjunctively with tamoxifen for individuals with breast cancer.

• Eczema: A meta-analysis looking at unconventional therapeutic approaches for atopic eczema. This analysis did not find convincing evidence on the efficacy of GLA supplementation on atopic eczema.

• Breast pain: A meta-analysis looking at management of mastalgia, included studies assessing the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO). There was no significant advantage of EPO supplementation for management of mastalgia when compared to the placebo.

• Osteoporosis: A study looked at older women over the course of 3 years with osteoporosis. The women who used EPA and GLA supplements were found to have less bone loss than the placebo group.

• PMS: Most studies did not show significant relief of PMS when supplementing with GLA.

Safety concerns/side effects/precautions:

• Precautions: Individuals with a history of seizures should not take omega-6 as it may exacerbate symptoms. Pregnant individuals should not take certain GLAs as it can result in early labor. Ingesting GLA doses greater than 3000 mg/day can lead to inflammation.

• Side effects: One may develop headaches and Gl disturbances when taking EPO. GLA can possibly decrease blood pressure.

Interactions with medications:

• Niacin should be avoided with use of a number of medications. For example, niacin supplementation can increase bleeding in those taking blood thinners. Additionally, when linolenic acid breaks down into gamma-linolenic acid it can increase effects of ceftazidime (antibiotic) as well as increase the effect of chemotherapies.