Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids May 2018 PMID 29599053

The Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio: A critical appraisal and possible successor.

William S Harris

Mentions

19
Peak: 2 in Dec 2021
across 4 sources since Dec 2020

Extended reach

277,103
potential audience

Total likes

577

Video views

14,046

Mentions per month

Dec 2020 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter12 posts
  • Facebook4 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group's tone varies from analytical to assertive, with posts like '@TuckerGoodrich' debating the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 and advocating for the Omega-3 Index, showing deeper engagement. Others critique the traditional ratio with phrases like 'ratio needs to get ratio’d,' reflecting skepticism and a call for change, which points to a recognition of the article's potential for significant influence on how omega fatty acids are assessed and understood.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions recognize the limitations of the traditional omega-6:omega-3 ratio and favor newer metrics like the Omega-3 Index, showing general support for the article's critiques.

InterestHigh interest

Posts delve into nuanced debates about the measurement methods and diet impacts, indicating high engagement with the subject matter.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants discuss mechanisms, such as EPA and DHA levels, and challenge the validity of the ratio approach, demonstrating moderate to deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight a shift towards more accurate biomarkers, with some anticipating changes in dietary recommendations, suggesting moderate perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The text discusses the importance of long-chain marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) for health, especially in relation to cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases, and highlights the challenges in accurately measuring and interpreting omega-3 levels.
  • The commonly used n6:n3 ratio has limitations and can lead to misunderstandings, suggesting that it may not be the best metric for assessing omega-3 status.
  • The authors propose replacing the n6:n3 ratio with the Omega-3 Index, which measures EPA and DHA levels in red blood cells, as a more effective way to assess omega-3 deficiency in Western diets.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Pablo Zumaquero Jarana
@pzjarana · X

El omega 3 índex es el % de EPA + DHA respecto al total de AG contenidos en las membranas de los eritrocitos en una muestra de sangre. Se considera saludable si es más del 8%. Se considera insuficiente si es menos de 4%. Es mejor marcador q el ratio W3/W6 https://t.co/Y7infoz0VX

Dec 28, 2021 · 10 likes · 1 share · 21,737 followers View post →
Alan Aragon
@TheAlanAragon · X

@ollieD68 @zbitter @jeep7575 @Garybrecka1 @BioLayne The ratio stuff needs to get ratio’d. Attaching what won’t fit in my tweet (sorry, don’t have the character capacity). https://t.co/Fy8Nktsq8d https://t.co/jVP9EJ2GL3

Nov 17, 2023 · 4 likes · 42,094 followers View post →
Agingdoc
@agingdoc1 · X

Footnote: Linoleic acid from highly processed foods is overabundant in the West and problematic (understatements). The matter here is omega-6 in the context of whole foods such as nuts/seeds. More background: https://t.co/LmpplCysAM

Jun 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 42,588 followers View post →
Tom Babington
@Tom_Babington1 · X

@Josh52182894 @The_Nutrivore Even your mechanistic rationale doesn't hold up. I suggest reading this paper discussing the issues with the n-6:3 ratio https://t.co/NV6R1rDJ42 and the discussion from this paper https://t.co/Tg1TKfdeIb But anyway, who cares if it doesn't pan out in human outcome data? https://t.co/a9ZlTGJ6BU

Feb 11, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,206 followers View post →
Jacob M. Hands
@jacobmhands · X

@TuckerGoodrich @exfatloss It’s likely that lowering o6 can raise o3 but as Bill Harris argues, effect of o3 index and benefit conferred is attributable to o3 not o6… complex feelings about this but increasing o3 generally is more beneficial (@PhD_Leigh and I have a paper coming) https://t.co/Q2N9sUw4ul

Jan 30, 2024 · 3 likes · 176 followers View post →
Alan Aragon
@TheAlanAragon · X

@MJPadula @CaloriesProper @MarkBski The old push for a more balanced ratio of omega-3:6 is evidence-challenged, unlike getting sufficient omega-3. The "ratio" reasoning fails to acknowledge that several omega-6-rich foods (nuts are a good example) have well-established health benefits. https://t.co/Fy8Nktsq8d

Apr 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 42,094 followers View post →

All mentions

Jacob M. Hands
@jacobmhands · X

@TuckerGoodrich @exfatloss It’s likely that lowering o6 can raise o3 but as Bill Harris argues, effect of o3 index and benefit conferred is attributable to o3 not o6… complex feelings about this but increasing o3 generally is more beneficial (@PhD_Leigh and I have a paper coming) https://t.co/Q2N9sUw4ul

Jan 30, 2024 · 3 likes · 176 followers View post →
Alan Aragon
@TheAlanAragon · X

@ollieD68 @zbitter @jeep7575 @Garybrecka1 @BioLayne The ratio stuff needs to get ratio’d. Attaching what won’t fit in my tweet (sorry, don’t have the character capacity). https://t.co/Fy8Nktsq8d https://t.co/jVP9EJ2GL3

Nov 17, 2023 · 4 likes · 42,094 followers View post →
Alan Aragon
@TheAlanAragon · X

@MJPadula @CaloriesProper @MarkBski The old push for a more balanced ratio of omega-3:6 is evidence-challenged, unlike getting sufficient omega-3. The "ratio" reasoning fails to acknowledge that several omega-6-rich foods (nuts are a good example) have well-established health benefits. https://t.co/Fy8Nktsq8d

Apr 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 42,094 followers View post →
Tom Babington
@Tom_Babington1 · X

@JTayScience @AndyJScott @dranthonygustin @ketocoachmary @TheNutrivore These are pretty decent explanations as to why this notion is overly simplistic. With regard to the omega 3:6 ratio and its association with health outcomes, the issue seems to be a lack of omega 3 in the diet rather than too much omega 6. https://t.co/NV6R1rDJ42 https://t.co/OhKZoWaBVV

Aug 16, 2022 · 1,206 followers View post →
Mikki Williden PhD
@MikkiWilliden · X

The Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio: A critical appraisal and possible successor https://t.co/8vbwbpQGMk

Mar 5, 2022 · 1 like · 2,240 followers View post →
Tom Babington
@Tom_Babington1 · X

@Josh52182894 @The_Nutrivore Even your mechanistic rationale doesn't hold up. I suggest reading this paper discussing the issues with the n-6:3 ratio https://t.co/NV6R1rDJ42 and the discussion from this paper https://t.co/Tg1TKfdeIb But anyway, who cares if it doesn't pan out in human outcome data? https://t.co/a9ZlTGJ6BU

Feb 11, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,206 followers View post →
Saúl Sánchez
@SaulNutri · X

@josecarlosjimtu Importante sí. Para equilibrarlo conviene limitar la ingesta de procesados y de ciertos aceites vegetales. No es tarea fácil de todos modos. https://t.co/Hi40k7QXWZ

Jan 13, 2022 · 1 like · 108,061 followers View post →
María José López
@mj_nutricion · X

RT @pzjarana: El omega 3 índex es el % de EPA + DHA respecto al total de AG contenidos en las membranas de los eritrocitos en una muestra d…

Jan 2, 2022 · 1 share · 809 followers View post →
Fitness Trainer
@FitnesTrainers · X

pzjarana: El omega 3 índex es el % de EPA + DHA respecto al total de AG contenidos en las membranas de los eritrocitos en una muestra de sangre. Se considera saludable si es más del 8%. Se considera insuficiente si es menos de 4%. Es mejor marcador q el … https://t.co/OySIJyTAVZ

Dec 28, 2021 · 518 followers View post →
Pablo Zumaquero Jarana
@pzjarana · X

El omega 3 índex es el % de EPA + DHA respecto al total de AG contenidos en las membranas de los eritrocitos en una muestra de sangre. Se considera saludable si es más del 8%. Se considera insuficiente si es menos de 4%. Es mejor marcador q el ratio W3/W6 https://t.co/Y7infoz0VX

Dec 28, 2021 · 10 likes · 1 share · 21,737 followers View post →
Agingdoc
@agingdoc1 · X

Footnote: Linoleic acid from highly processed foods is overabundant in the West and problematic (understatements). The matter here is omega-6 in the context of whole foods such as nuts/seeds. More background: https://t.co/LmpplCysAM

Jun 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 42,588 followers View post →
k
@kaspernilsen · X

@dvdmon @kevinnbass @npure3 But according to @npure3 and other experts like @OmegaQuant it is about getting in a lot of EPA/DHA (that is most important and also avoiding oxidized PUFA's/omega-6 in particular). https://t.co/vOfBNAk0LC

Dec 27, 2020 · 274 followers View post →
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