In defense of omega-6 fatty acids: Part 2

In the first part of this article, I discussed some of the “hidden” science behind the effectiveness of omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). What many sources fail to realize is that the omega-6 EFAs are both pro- and anti-inflammatory, depending on the balance of other fatty acids. This is extremely important in the treatment of dry eye.

Omega-6 and dry eye syndrome

Oral administration of specific omega-6 essential fatty acids that contain sufficient amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are suggested to stimulate the natural production of tear-specific anti-inflammatory series one prostaglandins (PGE1). Effective products use black currant seed oil as the source of omega-6 GLA because it is more stable than either borage oil or evening primrose oil. Flax seed oil is not used because it is the most unstable of the EFA oils and it does not contain GLA. Flax stability issues keep it from easily converting to GLA, which it must do to produce tear-specific anti-inflammatory PGE1.

These particular prostaglandins are suggested in peer-reviewed published literature to reduce ocular surface inflammation, as well as reduce the inflammatory process associated with meibomianitis and reduced lacrimal gland aqueous output. While increasing the lipid layer in tears is important (which is what omega-3s do well), these other processes increase the efficacy of products to resolve the situation more quickly.

Omega-6 fatty acids convert to PGE1 via the linoleic-acid (LA) to GLA to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) to the PGE1s. To help ensure this conversion, look for products that include the nutrient co-factors vitamins A, C, B6 and magnesium. The delta-six desaturase (D6D) enzyme necessary for this conversion is too easily disrupted by alcohol, aging, smoking, elevated cholesterol levels and environmental factors without these additional nutrient co-factors, which are also suggested to modulate goblet cell production and neurotransmitter blink response.

Healthy ratio for omega-6:omega-3

Zealous fish oil sellers have been touting a ratio of 1:1, while more conservative scientists have always recommend an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of no less than 4:1.

So let's look at the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee recommendations: 15 grams per day (or even more) of omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) from polyunsaturated vegetable oils and nuts vs. 500 mg of EPA/DHA fatty acids from fish or fish oil.

You do the ratio math: it will be a good exercise.