Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Tuesday 30 November 1999

Eclipse offers analysis of foods for omega 3 fatty acids (see item below). Omega 6 fatty acids also offer health benefits - such as reducing blood cholesterol levels when consumed instead of saturated fatty acids - but it is the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 in the diet that is of greater importance.

A ratio of less than 5:1 (ie a relatively high intake of omega 3) is associated with beneficial effects to, amongst others, circulation and joints; however in the Western diet this ratio is frequently above 5:1. Negligible intakes of fish and other omega 3 rich foods, combined with the heavy consumption of meat and cereal products has shifted the ratio to 30:1 (or even higher) for people eating particularly 'unhealthily'.

Eclipse undertakes analysis of foods for their fatty acid profile, including the estimation of the predominant forms of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids - please specify this when submitting samples.