Re: The n-3 to n-6 ratio is nonsense

Taka wrote:
This study is rather advocating linoleic acid for lowering cholesterol
and decreasing CHD:

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2007 Sep;8 Suppl 1:S42-5.

The role of dietary n-6 fatty acids in the prevention of
cardiovascular disease.

Willett WC.
Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston,
Massachusetts 02115, USA. walter.willett[at]channing.harvard.edu

n-6 Fatty acids, like n-3 fatty acids, play essential roles in many
biological functions. Because n-6 fatty acids are the precursors of
proinflammatory eicosanoids, higher intakes have been suggested to be
detrimental, and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids has been
suggested by some to be particularly important. However, this
hypothesis is based on minimal evidence, and in humans higher intakes
of n-6 fatty acids have not been associated with elevated levels of
inflammatory markers. n-6 Fatty acids have long been known to reduce
serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increases in
polyunsaturated fat intake, mostly as n-6 fatty acids, were a
cornerstone of dietary advice during the 1960s and 1970s. In the
United States, for example, intake of n-6 fatty acids doubled and
coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality fell by 50% over a period of
several decades. In a series of relatively small, older randomized
trials, in which intakes of polyunsaturated fat were increased (even
up to 20% of calories), rates of CHD were generally reduced. In a more
recent detailed examination of fatty acid intake within the Nurses'
Health Study, greater intake of linoleic acid, up to about 8% of
energy, has been strongly related to lower incidence of myocardial
infarction or CHD death. Because n-3 fatty acids were also related
inversely to risk of CHD, the ratio was unrelated to risk. n-6 Fatty
acids reduce insulin resistance, probably by acting as a ligand for
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma, and intakes have
been inversely related to risk of type 2 diabetes. Adequate intakes of
both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are essential for good health and low
rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but the ratio of
these fatty acids is not useful. Reductions of linoleic acid to
"improve" this ratio would likely increase rates of cardiovascular
disease and diabetes.
PMID: 17876199

That is a very interesting standpoint. I think that approach can work in a country where saturated fat intake is high, but in the other end there is the warning Israeli example where heart disease is high due to very high intake of omega-6 fatty acids and very low intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

--
Juhana

.

Relevant Pages

  • The n-3 to n-6 ratio is nonsense
    ... and decreasing CHD: ... n-6 Fatty acids, like n-3 fatty acids, play essential roles in many ... higher intakes have been suggested to be ...
    (sci.med.nutrition)
  • Re: Almond skins help prevent LDL oxidation
    ... >>> Vegans may have less heart disease than meat eaters, ... >First: your claim: Vegans get degenerative brain diseases. ... fatty acids, lower blood pressure, and lower plasma lipid ... Then let's find some facts about DHA. ...
    (alt.support.diabetes)
  • Omega-3 Fats Greatly Reduces Sudden Death
    ... Roman Bystrianyk, "Omega-3 Fats Greatly Reduces Sudden Death", Health ... Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. ... Major food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, ... "In this large prospective cohort study, modest dietary intake ...
    (sci.med.cardiology)
  • Omega-3 Fats Greatly Reduces Sudden Death
    ... Roman Bystrianyk, "Omega-3 Fats Greatly Reduces Sudden Death", Health ... Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. ... Major food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, ... "In this large prospective cohort study, modest dietary intake ...
    (sci.med.nutrition)
  • Re: Omega-3 Fats Greatly Reduces Sudden Death
    ... > Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. ... > fatty acids or PUFAs in influencing heart disease. ...
    (sci.med.cardiology)