Thursday, August, 13th at 11:03 AM

What is the difference between Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9?

There many kinds of fatty acids found in the human diet. The two essential fatty acids are the omega 3 and omega 6 groups.

The important omega 3s include α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which are polyunsaturated. Dietary sources include flax, hemp, walnuts, and fatty fish. Most research indicates that our modern diets do not contain sufficient omega 3 fatty acids for good health, and for this reason it can be health-supportive to supplement them from a source like fish oil.

Omega 6 fatty acids that are important include linoleic acid (LA) and arachadonic acid (AA). Dietary sources include almost all animal products, and common sources like palm and soybean oils. Most research indicates that the modern American diet is abundant in these fats, and that relative to our omega 3 fatty acids, we have a very high % of omega 6 in what we eat. Excess omega 6 fats interfere with the health benefits of omega 3 fats; in part because they compete for the same rate-limiting enzymes. Most people, therefore do not need to supplement these fatty acids.

Omega 9 fatty acids are non-essential fatty acids that primarily come from sources such as nuts, avocados, olive oil and animal fats. They are fairly plentiful in the American diet and as they are non-essential, they are usually not supplemented.