Metabolic health
Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
n-6/n-3 ratio
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This ratio divides your total omega-6 fats by your total omega-3 fats, two families of polyunsaturated fats. It's calculated from your other results and is widely discussed as a way to describe the balance between them.
Experts are cautious about reading too much into it.
Omega-6 and omega-3 fats share some of the same enzymes, which made the ratio an appealing idea. Human trial data supporting it are limited, and a ratio can't show whether a change came from more omega-3 or less omega-6.
A 2006 review concluded the ratio has little value and that omega-3 measures, especially EPA and DHA, hold more promise. A 2009 American Heart Association advisory didn't support lowering omega-6 intake for heart health.
Questions
What does a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio mean?
It means omega-6 fats make up a larger share compared with omega-3 fats. Your total omega-3 and total omega-6 results show which side is driving it, and your EPA and DHA results usually give the more useful signal.
Is there an ideal ratio?
Major guidelines haven't set one, and numbers shared online aren't based on strong trial evidence. You can ask the AI health assistant in the MyHealthspan app how this ratio fits with your other results.